Faces of Entrepreneurship ft. Philippe Thierry Douamba

Born and raised in Burkina Faso, West Africa, Philippe Thierry Douamba immigrated to Canada to continue his studies after obtaining his French bachelor’s degree. While most of his friends preferred to study in Montreal, he chose the city of Ottawa, for several reasons including the bilingualism. He joined the University of Ottawa in 2007 and worked for a few units. Now with a master’s degree in public administration, he has the privilege of serving as Chief of Staff to the Vice-President, Research. He responsibly directs the activities of the Office to fully implement the Vice-President, Research (VPR) mandates and goals, and works closely with the VPR and senior managers on a wide variety of projects and initiatives of strategic importance, including the growth of entrepreneurship on our campus.

What does entrepreneurship mean to you?

Entrepreneurship is a form of art that contributes, through the generation of innovative ideas, to the creation of diversified products and / or services for the benefit of different target audiences. I particularly like social and inclusive entrepreneurship which involves disadvantaged or marginalized communities in that process.

How are you entrepreneurial?

In 2011, I decided to apply to a program called Congé solidaire, managed by the Michaëlle Jean Centre for Global and Community Engagement. I was very lucky to be selected and had the privilege to spend almost a month abroad, using my leave time, to help a national association, Confédération paysanne du Faso, strengthening their knowledge and capacity in finance and administration.

Thanks to this unique life-experience, with some friends in Burkina Faso, we are now taking steps to open a micro-credit society that will help women and marginalized populations launching their small businesses. It is very important for us, knowing that this sometimes constitutes the only source of income for their families.

How does an entrepreneurial mindset contribute to your life?

My skills and knowledge acquired through my entrepreneurial experience can easily be transposed. I therefore use them in my daily life to ensure the successful completion of projects and initiatives I spearhead.

*This feature was published as a part of the Faces of Entrepreneurship Campaign, 2021.