The seeds of Jessica Aguirre and Bertha Jimenez’s RISE Products were planted when the duo met at a program through their graduate studies. Their interest in sustainability and their common background from Ecuador inevitably made them business partners and founders of RISE Products, producing flour from brewer’s spent grain. On this episode, Jessica and Bertha talk about how they started their company, industrial symbiosis and why it matters, as well as how to incorporate sustainable practices in businesses. The duo also touch on sexism in their industry and the obstacles they faced as immigrants in the United States.

The seeds of Jessica Aguirre and Bertha Jimenez’s RISE Products were planted when the duo met at a program through their graduate studies. Their interest in sustainability and their common background from Ecuador inevitably made them business partners and founders of RISE Products, producing flour from brewer’s spent grain. On this episode, Jessica and Bertha talk about how they started their company, industrial symbiosis and why it matters, as well as how to incorporate sustainable practices in businesses. The duo also touch on sexism in their industry and the obstacles they faced as immigrants in the United States.

Episode 142: From Waste to Value, with Jessica Aguirre and Bertha Jimenez

The Ellevate Podcast spotlights women+ making a difference across industries—entrepreneurs, authors, executives, and other trailblazers who share the strategies, stumbles, and wins that shaped their careers. Hosted by Anusha Harid-Paoletti and produced by Ashton Porzio, the show blends real talk with practical guidance to help you navigate today’s business landscape. Expect actionable advice on leadership, growth, and impact; thoughtful conversations on purpose and resilience; and insights you can use immediately—whether you’re a founder, a corporate leader, or somewhere in between. Tune in for engaging stories, smart takeaways, and the momentum to take your next step. Want to be considered for the show? Email ashton@ellevatenetwork.com with your topic focus and a short bio.
-

Ellevate Network is a community of professional women+ committed to helping each other succeed. We use the power of community to help you take the next step in your career. We show up for each other, helping everyone — no matter their background or aspirations — build a career they love. And, more importantly, we mobilize our collective power to change the culture of business.

Although our community is the largest of its kind, we know that navigating a sea of faceless connections is a waste of time. That’s why, at Ellevate, we prioritize the real, authentic relationships that can change your situation, can make a difference in your future.

We help women+ build meaningful local and digital relationships that can offer insights and open doors. Our community has reach, power and influence, while still remaining warm, welcoming and supportive.

Ellevate is where change makers cultivate their voice, build bridges to understand, and mobilize for impact. We work with leading companies to help them hire, retain, and improve diversity, equity, and inclusion within their organizations.

-

Ellevate Network (formerly known as 85 Broads) was started in 1997 by Janet Hanson, one of the first women to be promoted to sales management at Goldman Sachs. Janet, who had taken a leave from work, found herself (like many of us do at one time or another) in need of some clarity, and wondering “what’s next?” She realized quickly that in order to gain the insights she needed and build a new path, she needed people who could shed some light. And that’s how 85 Broads came to life — an unofficial network for women who worked or had worked at Goldman Sachs. The name, 85 Broads, was a reference to Goldman Sach’s old headquarters located at 85 Broad Street in New York City. The network quickly expanded to include women in other companies and in all industries.

The network was rebranded to Ellevate Network in 2014, reflecting the evolution of the community from its finance roots to a more widely diverse group of ambitious, powerful, supportive, and kind women who believe that, together, we can change the culture of business.

Business

Entrepreneurship

Health & Fitness

Nutrition

Education

Self-Improvement

Investing

Marketing

Careers

Management

The Ellevate Podcast spotlights women+ making a difference across industries—entrepreneurs, authors, executives, and other trailblazers who share the strategies, stumbles, and wins that shaped their careers. Hosted by Anusha Harid-Paoletti and produced by Ashton Porzio, the show blends real talk with practical guidance to help you navigate today’s business landscape. Expect actionable advice on leadership, growth, and impact; thoughtful conversations on purpose and resilience; and insights you can use immediately—whether you’re a founder, a corporate leader, or somewhere in between. Tune in for engaging stories, smart takeaways, and the momentum to take your next step. Want to be considered for the show? Email ashton@ellevatenetwork.com with your topic focus and a short bio. - Ellevate Network is a community of professional women+ committed to helping each other succeed. We use the power of community to help you take the next step in your career. We show up for each other, helping everyone — no matter their background or aspirations — build a career they love. And, more importantly, we mobilize our collective power to change the culture of business. Although our community is the largest of its kind, we know that navigating a sea of faceless connections is a waste of time. That’s why, at Ellevate, we prioritize the real, authentic relationships that can change your situation, can make a difference in your future. We help women+ build meaningful local and digital relationships that can offer insights and open doors. Our community has reach, power and influence, while still remaining warm, welcoming and supportive. Ellevate is where change makers cultivate their voice, build bridges to understand, and mobilize for impact. We work with leading companies to help them hire, retain, and improve diversity, equity, and inclusion within their organizations. - Ellevate Network (formerly known as 85 Broads) was started in 1997 by Janet Hanson, one of the first women to be promoted to sales management at Goldman Sachs. Janet, who had taken a leave from work, found herself (like many of us do at one time or another) in need of some clarity, and wondering “what’s next?” She realized quickly that in order to gain the insights she needed and build a new path, she needed people who could shed some light. And that’s how 85 Broads came to life — an unofficial network for women who worked or had worked at Goldman Sachs. The name, 85 Broads, was a reference to Goldman Sach’s old headquarters located at 85 Broad Street in New York City. The network quickly expanded to include women in other companies and in all industries. The network was rebranded to Ellevate Network in 2014, reflecting the evolution of the community from its finance roots to a more widely diverse group of ambitious, powerful, supportive, and kind women who believe that, together, we can change the culture of business.

Share Episode 142: From Waste to Value, with Jessica Aguirre and Bertha Jimenez

Sign up to save your podcasts

Episode 142: From Waste to Value, with Jessica Aguirre and Bertha Jimenez

Episode 142: From Waste to Value, with Jessica Aguirre and Bertha Jimenez

More shows like Ellevate Network: Conversations With Women Changing the Face of Business

Freakonomics Radio

Hidden Brain

Happier with Gretchen Rubin

Death, Sex & Money

10% Happier with Dan Harris

The Daily

Oprah's Super Soul

Worklife with Adam Grant

Life Kit: Health

The Happiness Lab with Dr. Laurie Santos

Huberman Lab

The Mel Robbins Podcast

Wiser Than Me with Julia Louis-Dreyfus

Letters from an American

Dare to Lead with Brené Brown