Born and raised in an international family of social change makers, Gauri-Brienda Ramnath’s professional experience spans more than 10 years. She is a skilled and creative brand development consultant, media marketer, community relations specialist, public speaker/host, and health educator who is in the forefront of generating new client partnerships for profitability, cross-cultural strategy and philanthropic growth.
She holds a Communications & Marketing degree from DePaul University, Chicago with a specialization in Health Education. Certifications include: Social Entrepreneurship: Coleman Center DePaul. Food As Medicine: Center For Mind-Body Medicine, Washington D.C.
Clients have included: Madonna: Sticky Sweet Tour, Toby Maguire: Maguire Entertainment, Russell Simmons: Rush Philanthropic & Diamond Empowerment Fund For Africa, Carlos Santana: Casa Noble Tequila, Sony Music, Whole Foods Market, Whole Planet/Whole Kids Foundation, Grammy Foundation/MusiCares, Nike Goddess, UCLA, Wise & Healthy Aging, Creative Visions Foundation, David Lynch Foundation, Robert F. Kennedy Center, UN Women National Committee, and KCRW Los Angeles.
As one of the speakers at the upcoming International Women’s Day Networking Breakfast in Santa Monica on March 8, why do you think it is important for women to come together at an event like this?
It is important for women to gather in celebration of one another and their contributions to society. Women thrive within a community environment that shares a common value system. There is access to support, resources, inspiration for innovation and the opportunity to develop existing and new relationships for personal and professional development.
Can you touch on a couple of the points that you will be speaking about at the event?
I will be speaking about healthy eating, and living a holistic lifestyle as it relates to work/life balance within the context of conscious leadership. In addition, I will introduce the audience to Whole Foods Market’s annual prosperity campaign for Whole Planet Foundation, which runs from February 20 through March 31. Whole Planet Foundation was born out of Whole Foods Market’s desire to give something back to those who have helped us succeed while focusing on the persistent problem of world poverty and hunger. I will also share information on our Health Starts Here program, which provides shoppers with the resources and information to make simple healthy choices for lifelong health.
Why are you so passionate about this event/cause?
I believe that it is events like this that encourage women to fully realize their potential and have a powerful voice in all aspects of commerce, community, and personal relationships. This is a cause for social change that supports leadership and the interconnection between our local and global community. The event reflects the work of Whole Planet Foundation, which funds micro lending in countries where Whole Foods Market sources product, and 89 percent of borrowers who benefit from the work of the foundation are women. So by educating our local community about the global impact of the foundation, we are celebrating the important role women play in changing the communities where they live and work.
Do you have any advice for young women who are trying to move ahead in their careers?
It is important to take time to develop your core beliefs, talent, skills, and instinct. In any industry, there are moments – crucial turning points where patience, courage, and a strong sense of self are required. Education and opportunity may open doors but your character and integrity will keep the doors open. Research and practice methods that help you transform “fear” into a motivational force, whereby adversity becomes a means for progress and promotion.
As someone who works at Whole Foods Market, can you offer some tips on how people can incorporate healthy things into their everyday life?
At Whole Foods Market, we believe that focusing on our Health Starts Here Four Pillars of healthy eating offers the greatest health benefits, no matter what dietary path you follow. The four pillars include: Whole Foods, Plant Strong, Healthy Fats, and Nutrient-Dense foods. Shoppers just need to look for the Health Starts Here logo. For more information you can go to http://wholefoodsmarket.com/healthy-eating/health-starts-here.
Who was the most influential woman in your life and what lessons did she teach you?
My grandmother, Padma taught me about the importance of resilience, hard work, having a sense of humor, and a commitment to serving others. She was steadfast in her compassion and humility, which showed me how to be poised for challenge and success.
