Faces of Entrepreneurship ft. Uswah Ahsan
Uswah is a community mobilizer who leads Ally Squared using an intersectional feminist and anti-colonial approach. Her lived experiences as a Brown Muslim immigrant who faced discrimination and microaggressions inform her storytelling approach to activism. Her advocacy experience includes a Tedx Talk about the presupposition of identity onto women of colour, a project that works on better informing newcomers about Indigenous peoples and reconciliation, and delivering countless equity trainings on allyship. Uswah has sat on the boards of various youth-led nonprofits, has had formal negotiations training, and has completed research on birth registration for stateless populations.
What does entrepreneurship mean to you?
Entrepreneurship means taking ownership of your position in society and using it for the benefit of society at large, particularly those who have been marginalized. Entrepreneurship is innovation, breaking barriers, and allowing yourself to be vulnerable to the world.
How are you entrepreneurial?
I started Ally Squared after feeling lost in a society that made empty promises to those who were most marginalized. I decided to take back control of my identity and be in the service of others who felt similarly. I’m entrepreneurial because I try to manifest the change I want to see in society, and I do it by connecting with those most impacted.
How does an entrepreneurial mindset contribute to your life?
It’s strengthened my identity. When things get challenging and I feel that I don’t have the power to make change in societal institutions, I channel my energy into the work I do at Ally Squared. It’s the best outlet for driving change. I’ve also met the most incredible people through my non-profit, and they have impacted my life forever. These people will be in my life forever now- we’ll be at each other’s wedding, supporting each other during tough times, and always practicing allyship for each other.
*This feature was published as a part of the Faces of Entrepreneurship Campaign, 2021.
