I am an assistant professor of Economics and Business at the City College of New York, CUNY. My research is dedicated to unraveling and mitigating systemic barriers that hinder marginalized entrepreneurs, encompassing factors such as race, ethnicity, gender, and economic status. My research extends across North Africa and the United States, focusing on reducing these obstacles and fostering equitable opportunities for all entrepreneurs. My main methodology involves conducting field experiments to test interventions aimed at dismantling these systemic barriers. For instance, I investigate the effects of rejections to understand why marginalized entrepreneurs may shy away from mobilizing available resources. I also explore interventions, including the introduction of focal randomization in evaluation systems and framing entrepreneurship within its emancipatory legacy, with the aim of increasing marginalized entrepreneurs’ participation in the resource mobilization process.
By combining research and advocacy, my work seeks to create a more inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem where every aspiring entrepreneur can thrive, regardless of their background. I have been fortunate to secure multiple research grants with competitive funding, highlighting the importance and potential impact of my ongoing research efforts.