Arlene Dickinson facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Arlene Dickinson
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Dickinson in 2021
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| Born | 8 October 1956 Germiston, Transvaal Union of South Africa
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| Nationality | Canadian |
| Occupation | General Partner, District Ventures Capital |
| Political party | Independent |
Arlene Dickinson (born October 8, 1956) is a famous South African Canadian businesswoman. She is also an investor, author, and television personality. Arlene is known for being a "Dragon" on the CBC business reality show Dragons' Den.
She joined Dragons' Den in 2007 for its second season. She left the show in 2015 but returned in 2017. Arlene has won many awards for her business success. These include Calgary Business Owner of the Year and being named one of Canada's Most Powerful Women. She is known as a self-made multi-millionaire.
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About Arlene's Life
Arlene Dickinson was born in Germiston, Union of South Africa. She grew up in Canada and finished high school in Calgary, Alberta. She got married at age 19 and had four children. Later, she divorced at 31. Today, she is a proud grandmother to seven grandchildren.
Arlene's Business Journey
Arlene started working at Venture Communications in 1988. By 1998, she became the sole owner of the company. In 2012, she launched Arlene Dickinson Enterprises (ADE). This company helps fund and support Canadian entrepreneurs.
She is currently the general partner of District Ventures Capital. She is also the CEO of Venturepark. Arlene has also served on the boards of different organizations. These include Kids Help Phone, which helps young people.
Books by Arlene
Arlene Dickinson has written three books. Her first book, Persuasion, was published in 2011. It tells the story of her life and career.
In 2013, she released her second book, All In. This book shares advice on business and life. Her third book, Reinvention, came out in 2019. It focuses on changing your life, career, and future.
Arlene on TV and Media
Arlene Dickinson is most famous for being an investor on Dragons' Den. She was on the show from 2007 to 2015, and then returned in 2017. She also had her own spin-off show called The Big Decision.
In 2012, Arlene appeared as a guest star on the Canadian TV show Murdoch Mysteries. She played a past version of herself in an episode about inventions. She was also a judge on the show Recipe to Riches in 2014.
In 2017, Arlene hosted a TV special called Under New Management. On this show, she helped new entrepreneurs learn how to buy a business. From 2018 to 2019, Arlene co-hosted a podcast called The Business of Life. She hosted it with singer Jann Arden. They talked about business, being a parent, and life challenges.
Awards and Recognition
Arlene Dickinson has received many honors for her work. She was inducted into Canada's Most Powerful Women Top 100 Hall of Fame. In 2014, she received a Top 25 Canadian Immigrant Award. Her company, Venture Communications, was named one of Canada's Best Managed Companies in 2001.
She has also received honorary degrees from several universities. These degrees recognize her achievements and contributions. For example, she received a Doctor of Humane Letters from Mount Saint Vincent University in 2010. She also received a Doctor of Laws from Concordia University in 2016.
In 2012, Arlene was awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal. This medal honors Canadians who have made important contributions to the country. She also holds an honorary position in the Royal Canadian Navy as an Honorary Captain.
Helping Others
Arlene Dickinson cares about helping people. She was the national spokesperson for Breakfast Clubs of Canada. This organization helps make sure children get a healthy breakfast. In 2013, she supported the Give a Day campaign. This campaign helps organizations like Dignitas International and the Stephen Lewis Foundation.
