i am theertha bakam ...

... an environmental engineer turned aspiring entrepreneur focused on one of the most pressing environmental challenges in the world today: textile waste. With a Master’s degree in Environmental Engineering and over two years of experience in environmental consulting, I began my career supporting site remediation and regulatory compliance projects. Though my early career provided valuable technical experience, I realized my true calling lies in addressing systemic waste challenges, particularly textile waste in Canada—a sector with immense environmental and social impact that remains largely overlooked. This realization sparked a shift in focus, inspiring me to explore innovative circular economy models that not only reduce waste but also empower communities and create equitable economic opportunities. My journey is shaped not only by technical expertise but also by my leadership as founder and president of Team Winning Hearts - KNR, a non-profit in India dedicated to uplifting communities through empowerment and sustainable initiatives. While our programs are presently on hold as I focus on expanding my career in Canada, the experience has instilled in me a deep commitment to equity, inclusion, and community-driven solutions.

Today, I am independently engaged in research focused on textile collection, sorting, fiber recovery, and end-of-life processes, with a commitment to developing circular economy solutions that are not only environmentally sound but also socially just and economically viable. I am driven by the belief that textile circularity can be a catalyst for job creation, community development, and systemic change.

I actively seek to connect with and learn from industry leaders, policymakers, researchers, and innovators who share a commitment to turning textile waste into opportunity. Together, I believe we can co-create sustainable solutions that respect both people and planet.