Our philosophy
“Be the change you want to see in the world.”
We fundamentally do better when we bring the fullness of ourselves forward. Better for the environment, better for the species that live in it, better for our communities and better for the many organizations and their employees that work towards these missions. Too often, economic viability and success in business are portrayed as being at odds with environmental sustainability and a healthy world. We know there is a more robust path where we grow by living our values, rather than dismissing the very elements that make us human and connect us to this planet.
- Shefali Mehta, founder
Guiding principles
Diverse thinking drives innovation and creative solutions. All perspectives and backgrounds enrich and strengthen the solutions to our toughest problems.
Innovation and creativity occur in the “white water”. Like a river, the turbulence that agitates the silt often exposes and lifts the ideas and thoughts to the surface which is critical for solving problems.
Science and data form the bedrock of solid decision making. These are necessary, but not sufficient, components of a strong outcome and a core part of our work.
Compassion and empathy result in stronger outcomes. The mindset with which we approach ourselves and our work shapes the journey and the outcomes.
There is no true economic growth without environmental sustainability. Too often these two are pitted against each other. We can see firsthand that true growth is grounded in sustainability.
Investing in communities and our future
Scholarship
The Open Rivers Scholarship is awarded yearly to exceptional young women pursuing careers in STEM to build the next generation.
Meet the scholarship recipients from 2017 to 2020. We are re-launching the scholarship in 2024.
Pro Bono
We are proud to support individuals who choose to share their expertise, passion and energy to create a better world for us all. We support mission-driven organizations committed to change, taking risks and improving the lives of many.
Outreach and sharing
Connecting with people is critical to improving our decision making and leveraging our collective resources. Our podcast, Open Rivers Navigator, shares the expertise and stories of those committed to making this world a better place. We share our vision through writing and various other channels.