In this profile of WiSTEM C4 members, Ritu Trivedi-Purohit, PsyD, Founder and CEO of thriveosity, tells us about her innovative solution to improve quality of life and health outcomes for cancer patients.
Q: Tell us a little bit about your personal history and background.
A: I am a clinical health psychologist with 15 years of experience working with patients with chronic illnesses and cancer. It was my experiences with these patients, particularly cancer, that compelled me to launch thriveosity. I am deeply drawn to improve the quality of life for people with cancer.
Q: Tell us a little about your company. What’s your elevator pitch?
A: thriveosity is a healthcare company on a mission to improve quality of life and health outcomes for people with cancer while reducing costs for our healthcare partners.
Q: How did you come to join the WiSTEM cohort?
A: Donna Rockin, Executive Director of the Jules F. Knapp Entrepreneurship Center at IIT, informed me of the opportunity and encouraged me to apply. I am so grateful that she thought of me. Of course, once I learned more, I knew I had to be part of this amazing opportunity, supported by CEC and 1871.
Q: What about the program do you think helped your business the most? Are there any specific examples?
A: As you know, being a solo entrepreneur can be lonely and a painfully slow process to success. Weekly WiSTEM sessions provided fellowship, guidance and fire underfoot to RUN — not walk — towards success!
Q: What’s the greater good your company is trying to accomplish? How will it impact the community? What problem does it solve?
A: thriveosity is a social enterprise — we are on an audacious mission to change cancer care and public health. There are 1.7 million new cases of cancer diagnosed annually. We expect 18 million cancer survivors in the U.S. by 2020. The challenges of cancer and the impacts of treatments last for years beyond the initial diagnosis, and there is currently little attention focused on the long-term needs of survivors. thriveosity wants to change that. We want to set patients up for success and empower them to live a higher quality of life, now and into the future.
Q: Give us a little insight into your perspective on diversity in the tech community. Why is it important? What do you hope to see?
A: To put simply — people in tech, like in any industry, should reflect the American demography.
Q: Now that the program has concluded, what do you think was the most valuable experience you gained personally and for your business?
A: I have felt humbled by the rigors of my fellow cohort members and inspired by their tenacity. My personal growth and the refined direction for thriveosity are a product of WiSTEM.
Fourteen businesses made up the fourth cohort of WiSTEM, which is 1871’s innovative and customized program designed to accelerate and cultivate opportunities for women in technology. The 14 women-owned companies began the 12-week program beginning in March and participated in a showcase event where they pitched to investors, business leaders and supporters.
For more information on thriveosity follow them on Facebook and Twitter.
