10/29/2021
Check out this post!! 🤭👇
This week for Women’s History Month we are highlighting Marwa Hassan!
• Please provide a brief introduction of yourself, as well as your work in business in the area.
"My name is Marwa Hassan. I am a prescribing pharmacist and I am one of the owners of Duchess Drug Mart and Greenbrook Pharmacy. My family moved from Egypt in 2012. Part of the reason we chose to raise our family in Canada is for women's rights and gender equality. We felt like Canada’s values and freedoms closely align with our values as a Muslim family. We are grateful for the rights and freedoms we enjoy here in Canada. However, there is definitely more work that needs to be done. For example, issues such as the missing and murdered indigenous women need to be addressed. "
• Have you come across any obstacles being a woman along the journey to get to where you are today?
"There have definitely been obstacles along the way, especially being an immigrant woman. For example, people will often make assumptions based on my appearance and will be taken back when they find out that I’m a pharmacist or a business owner. I have also faced racism in public and in the workplace. In addition, being a woman, I have had to carefully maintain a balance between my work life and my role as a mother to my 4 children. All these challenges have definitely made me a stronger and more confident person and have led to a lot of personal development."
• Were there any mentors or influencers in your life that led you to where you are today?
"My mother has raised me to be strong and independent. She’s part of the reason why I am so ambitious and passionate. She was an amazing role model. I’m grateful for being surrounded by a supportive family. My husband has been my source of support all along. He motivates me to improve my skills and become a better person. We work together very well and make a great team. "
• What is a strength or skill you feel is unique to being a female leader?
"I think many female leaders have a compassionate nature. Compassion is an extremely important characteristic in leadership that many tend to overlook. Compassion helps strengthen relationships and allows for better collaboration and teamwork. Compassion has helped me maintain a healthy work environment for all my employees built upon trust and loyalty. "
• What advice do you have for the next generation of female leaders?
"I am raising my daughters to be ambitious and courageous. I strongly believe in the importance of education. Therefore I strongly encourage young girls to pursue their education and choose a career path they are passionate about so that they can excel in it. I also encourage them to find ways to give back to their community."
