PhD economics alumnus turned data science company CEO earns top entrepreneur award

Since graduating from Simon Fraser University (SFU) in 2016 with her doctoral degree in economics, Rogayeh Tabrizi has been making a name for herself in the data science field. Two years ago, she co-founded Theory+Practice, a consulting company that helps businesses form data-centric strategies using network analytics, automated and integrated artificial intelligence (AI), and behavioural economics.

Tabrizi's trailblazing work has earned her the 2020 RBC Canadian Women Entrepreneur Awards' Ones to Watch Award which recognizes up-and-coming entrepreneurs who demonstrate incredible potential through their innovative ideas, keen business sense and solid plans for future profitable growth. 

The PhD economics alumnus is also one of the key speakers at SFU's Department of Economics' upcoming alumni event on November 26—"The Future of Work: An Economics Perspective". Together with associate professor Brian Krauth, Tabrizi will share her expertise in data insights and delve into how technology, global trends, and the pandemic are changing the future of work.

In a recent article in the Sourcing Journal on the use of AI to boost retail sales, Tabrizi says that by targeting the data to the right questions, it saves time and money, and keeps retailers agile.

"The future excites me because… even with the vast disruption and impacts of COVID-19, there are endless possibilities for a better future," says Tabrizi. "Never before have we had such an opportunity — in so many ways — to make a positive impact in the lives of others."