My name is Rusul, I’m the founder and Executive Director of Parkdale Centre for Innovation. I founded Parkdale Centre in 2017, a leading not-for-profit incubator and accelerator on a mission to create a more inclusive innovation economy for underestimated entrepreneurs.
Parkdale Centre supports early-stage entrepreneurs from underrepresented groups, such as women, newcomers, and racialized communities, to start and grow their businesses, and since then has supported over 1500 entrepreneurs and community members.
With over 10 years of experience in education, writing, and community engagement, I have a passion for creating opportunities and pathways for diverse and talented individuals to access the innovation, tech, and entrepreneurship sectors.
I am also the founder of CanadaInnovates.org, a digital ecosystem that provides tools, data, and services to foster inclusive economic development for organizations, SMEs, and enterprises.
I have been recognized as one of Canada’s 2020 Top 100 Most Powerful Women by Women’s Executive Network, and I serve as a committee chair for the Canadian Women’s Foundation Investment Readiness Program.
I am a three-time published author, a keynote speaker, an advocate for equity and inclusion, and a mom of 4.
For collaborations and partnerships, you can reach me at rusul@canadainnovates.org
Inclusive Entrepreneurship 