From classroom to Aruna Revolution: how Bridget's MBAN is helping make menstrual products eco-friendly
Bridget Osundiji MBAN’24 blends her passion for business, sustainability and women’s health at Aruna Revolution
Fresh off her master’s from the Sobey School of Business, Bridget Osundiji, a young powerhouse, has found her calling as a Growth Marketing Specialist at Aruna Revolution, a Halifax-based start-up reimagining menstrual care products.
Bridget’s story is not just about academic achievement. It’s about purpose, passion and the power of using business to spark meaningful change.
Originally from Nigeria, Bridget relocated to Canada to pursue her dreams of higher education and living abroad. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Landmark University in Nigeria before coming to Saint Mary's, looking for a place to not only further her education but also launch her career. The Sobey School of Business Master of Business Analytics (MBAN), with its emphasis on responsible leadership and global perspectives, proved to be the right environment for her growth.
“For me, the master's program was a reality check. I knew it would be challenging, but I wasn’t prepared for how intense it would be—it was very fast-paced. There was always something to do, like assignments, rotations and workshops. It was go go go. I realized I had to prioritize and cut out unnecessary distractions. The program was tough, but it taught me a lot.”
After graduation, Bridget joined Aruna Revolution, a company focused on creating sustainable, compostable menstrual pads made from plant-based materials.
“The MBAN program was not just about education—it was about building relationships. SMU actually really helped with that. I got the internship at Aruna originally through a networking event. A lot of my classmates were able to secure job positions through those workshops.””
Bridget displays the plant-based materials used to create compostable menstrual pads at the Aruna Revolution warehouse in Dartmouth, NS
“Michael Zhang, the director of the MBAN program, is someone who is very passionate about the department and very passionate about the students. He wants to make sure that everybody's fine, everybody gets their job, and everybody understands what's going on in class. He helped with everything I needed. I really appreciate his support.”
The MBAN provides critical knowledge but also helps students develop a deep sense of purpose—one that now fuels Bridget’s work at Aruna Revolution. She continues to thrive in her now more permanent role, helping to develop strategies that not only promote the company's products but also raise awareness about the importance of sustainable menstrual care.
Bridget was recently recognized as Tribe Scholar of the Year at the Tribe Leader Summit, an event hosted by Tribe Network. Tribe Network is a community that supports racialized individuals in entrepreneurship and innovation by providing resources, opportunities and networks to help them succeed.
Empowering women, protecting the planet
Aruna Revolution’s mission of reducing plastic waste and empowering menstruators aligns perfectly with Bridget’s values. As someone passionate about sustainability and women’s health, she feels like she’s found her calling.
“Aruna is not just offering an alternative to traditional menstrual pads—we are offering a solution that’s better for the planet and the people who use them. It’s exciting to be part of a company that’s working toward real change in an industry that has long relied on plastic.”
Compostable menstrual pads are made from cattail, soybean raw material and extracted processed corn fibers
The bioreactors shown behind Bridget process the raw materials in a chemical solution to create the pad material
The company’s innovative approach to menstrual care is a direct response to the environmental harm caused by traditional products.
“It is about more than just creating and selling biodegradable menstrual products. I believe we are part of a larger movement toward a circular economy, where every product is designed with its full lifecycle in mind—from creation to composting.”
Aruna Revolution recently secured a deal on Dragons' Den with Michele Romanow and Manjit Minhas, who offered $300,000 for a 25% stake.
Bridget’s story exemplifies the transformative power of an education that blends business expertise with social responsibility. Her journey shows the profound impact responsible leadership, paired with a strong educational foundation, can have in today’s workplace and serves as a reminder that defining success in business can be found beyond just the numbers.
““Saint Mary’s gave me the tools to pursue a career that not only drives business success but also aligns with my values. I am proud to be part of a company that’s doing important work for both people and the planet.””
