With an MA in English Literature and a BA in Psychology, Ratana began her career in India as a college lecturer.
She met and married her life-partner, Arran Stephens in 1969 and moved to Canada, soon joining his then small, but growing vegetarian restaurant enterprise.
In 1984, she and Arran started Nature’s Path Foods with very little capital, out of the back of their restaurant. Nature’s Path not only survived the challenges that all small businesses invariably go through, but in due course became North America’s largest organic breakfast foods manufacturer/brand, currently operating state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities in Washington State and Wisconsin, employing an exceptional team of hundreds of talented individuals.
As Co-CEO, Ratana is often described as the ‘heart’ of the company and is at the center of every development. With acumen and practicality, she has helped lead and inspire significant successful growth. In 2015, Ratana was recognized as one of BC’s 50 Most Influential Women, in 2009 she was honoured with the YWCA Woman of Distinction Award, she is a board member for United Way Lower Mainland and holds several other awards for community service.
Nature’s Path operates on the triple-bottom line of social responsibility, environmental sustainability and financial viability. With a clear, long-term vision of independence, uncompromising organic integrity and growth, the company is not for sale.
Ratana and Arran are parents of three daughters and a son, who are passionately involved in various aspects of the enterprise.
A role model for entrepreneurial women, Ratana is committed to opportunities that meet the needs of people and planet.
