How studying English Literature inspired this grad’s first startup
When Rusul Alrubail was accepted to Glendon to study English Language & Literature, she received a personalized postcard from the program and a phone call welcoming her. It was a good indication of what she could expect from the school.
“It was a small place where you could recognize the majority of staff, faculty, and students,” says Rusul. “I enjoyed having that personalized support throughout my academic journey.”
After graduating with an Honours BA in 2007, she went on to earn an MA in Literatures of Modernity from Ryerson University. Today, she’s the Founder and Executive Director of the Parkdale Centre for Innovation. To some, Rusul’s entry into entrepreneurship and innovation may seem like a departure from her roots studying literature, but it was this exact background that got her started.
“I became an entrepreneur in 2012 when I co-founded a platform to support student writing while I was a professor at Seneca,” says Rusul. “This helped me realize that one does not need to have a business degree to start and build a business.”
Her experience creating The Writing Platform, used by educators to help students become better writers, encouraged her to learn fast about topics including technology, customer development, user acquisition, partnerships, and product management.
“Entrepreneurs have to be resourceful to make sure they take full advantage of everything they have at their disposal. We’re strapped on time and money, so making the most of what’s available to us can be a superpower when it comes to entrepreneurship.”
Rusul’s personal experience overcoming the challenges of entrepreneurship encouraged her to launch the Parkdale Centre in 2017, an organization that fills the accessibility and inclusion gap to innovation, tech, and entrepreneurship with a focus on underrepresented groups such as women, newcomers, and individuals from low-income backgrounds.
“Parkdale Centre’s mandate prioritizes entrepreneurs who are often underestimated to support them in building strong, sustainable businesses at the early stage of their journeys,” explains Rusul. “We recognize that entrepreneurship is a huge leap to take, and as entrepreneurs ourselves, our programs are designed to tackle those challenges from an equity lens.”
“Launching an innovation centre in the heart of Parkdale, with no core funding was the most challenging aspect. It wasn’t easy at all, but our goal was to build meaningful relationships and partnerships with people and organizations who are aligned with our mission, and values. The most rewarding part of our work is supporting startups and seeing and hearing their accomplishments throughout their journeys.”
Rapid Fire Questions
Who or what inspires you?
My family and kids inspire me every day. We underestimate how much we can learn from kids about ourselves and the world around us.
What is your favourite place on campus?
I love spending time near the Glendon Manor, where the rose garden is. Often, my friends and I would take our lunch and eat there. Also, the library is always a nice quiet place to be.
What would you like to say to your younger self?
The career plan you’re working on might not go as planned, but there are much bigger brighter things lined up for you ahead. And don’t stress about the little things. It will all work out the way it’s meant to in the end.
