Discover how ambitious women can navigate criticism while building self-trust and surrounding themselves with supportive networks.
Navigating Criticism as an Entrepreneur
Author: Rusul Alrubail
My name is Rusul, I founded Parkdale Centre in early 2017, to fill the accessibility and inclusivity gap to innovation, tech and entrepreneurship, especially for underrepresented groups: women, newcomers and those from low-income backgrounds.
Before Parkdale Centre, I co-founded The Writing Project, a student publishing platform used in the U.S. by educators and students to amplify student voice and help students become better writers. During that time, I worked as an Educator-in-Residence, supporting community engagement at a design thinking agency that works with organizations on strategy and design.
I taught English composition and literature at Ryerson University and Seneca College for a combined 10 years experience. I have written with Edutopia, Education Week, The Guardian, PBS Newshour, The International Literacy Association, EdWeek Teacher, Teaching Tolerance, ASCD's Educational Leadership, Edsurge, Annenberg Learner Foundation, and Medium which I helped to grow its largest education community from 7000 to 47000 readers!
I was recently named as one of Canada's 2020 Top 100 Most Powerful Women for WXN's Awards. I am a three times published author, keynote speaker and an advocate for equity and inclusion. You can connect with me on twitter @RusulAlrubail, or reach out via email at rusul@parkdaleinnovates.org
Why are women building businesses alone?
A recent poll that I came across listed women as 39% more likely to start a solo business, compared to a much smaller share of men. Keep in mind that women now own approximately 20% of businesses in Canada. This number is a threshold up since 2017, which was around 16%.
Beyond Venture Capital: Alternatives to Investments for Women Founders
When it comes to investments in Women Founder-led businesses, we often think of VC investments, and while that is one of the traditional routes, there are other alternatives for women founders to access capital to grow their business, especially for founders at the early-stage.
Fundraising from whom and how Much?
This week we had our second Women Founders Investment Readiness session: Fundraising From Whom and How Much? Working with Gurbeen, one of the best learning moments for me has been taking it back to the basics. We often get so caught up and laser focused on our own work, challenges, and what we’re building, that … Continue reading Fundraising from whom and how Much?
Insights on Purpose-Driven Business for Women Founders
Explore how personal experiences shape purpose-driven entrepreneurship and learn about funding options for social enterprises.
What is Investment Readiness in a Shifting Economy
Women Founders Investment Preparedness program is starting next week April 21st! I'm very excited about this program, since it's been a long time coming, and it's in collaboration with the Canadian Women's Foundation. As we're preparing for the first session, Gurbeen Bhasin and I are working on session planning. We are aiming to have a … Continue reading What is Investment Readiness in a Shifting Economy
Building a Board as a Woman Founder
Women supporting women. That's a motto I've let guide me throughout my days as an entrepreneur. I’ve learned a lot over the years. More than anything, I’ve learned about power in this industry. Who has it, and who doesn’t. And for those who don’t, how that shapes the way they show up, the decisions they make, and how they perceive those who do.
Overcoming tough weeks
This week has been tough. Nothing catastrophic happened, but the accumulation of one thing after another not working. And that kind of week messes with you more than it should.
How Government Policy and Cultural Narratives Shape Gender Equality
A growing movement is quietly reshaping how society thinks about women’s roles, power, and equality. In Canada, this cultural shift is now reflected in policy.
Politics is personal
A personal reflection on identity, politics, and speaking out during global crises, why neutrality is no longer an option.
Inclusive Entrepreneurship 