2026 Award Recipient

Nadia Ladak, HBA ’20, Co‑Founder & Chief Executive Officer of Marlow, has been named the 2026 recipient of Ivey’s Emerging Leader Award. Established in 2025, the award recognizes an exceptional graduate from the past few years who has already demonstrated remarkable leadership, innovation, and community impact. 

A FemTech startup dedicated to transforming menstrual health, Marlow is on a mission to make periods less painful and more manageable. Their work is grounded in a simple truth: no one should dread a biological cycle they experience every month for nearly four decades. In a world where people increasingly prioritize nutrition, exercise, and sleep, Marlow is championing menstrual wellness as the next essential pillar of overall health – one deserving of the same attention, care, and innovation. 

Marlow is best known for creating the first‑ever lubricated tampon – designed to make insertion smoother and more comfortable, addressing a long‑overlooked pain point in period care. Their products are also 100 per cent organic and toxin‑free, setting a new standard for sustainability in the menstrual‑care industry. Beyond product innovation, Marlow has grown into a leading educational platform that empowers people to openly discuss menstrual and reproductive health.  

What began as a university entrepreneurship project has evolved into a thriving Series A–stage startup in just four years. Today, Marlow’s products are available at major retailers including Shoppers Drug Mart and Whole Foods, and the brand has built an engaged TikTok community of more than 150,000 followers. Ladak now leads the company alongside fellow Ivey alumnae and co‑founders Harit Sohal, Kiara Botha, and Simone Godbout. 

Reflecting on the recognition, Ladak shared how deeply intertwined Marlow’s origins are with her Ivey experience. 

“Marlow actually began as a New Venture Project at Ivey, where our professors and Entrepreneurs‑in‑Residence encouraged us to take the leap and pursue it full time,” she said. “To come back years later and have that journey recognized by the Ivey community feels full circle and deeply meaningful. I’m grateful to be part of a community that believes in entrepreneurship as a way to create impact.” 

Before launching Marlow, Ladak worked in management consulting at KPMG Canada, where she supported retail clients on strategy, customer experience, and ecommerce initiatives. Alongside her work at Marlow, she writes a weekly newsletter, The Founder’s Diary, sharing lessons learned, behind-the-scenes reflections from building the company, and free entrepreneurial resources to support other founders. 

Ladak’s commitment to community leadership also extends to board service. She currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Ivey Alumni Network, sits on the Young Professionals Board at Women’s College Hospital, and is an Entrepreneur-in-Residence at Branksome Hall. She has also contributed her expertise to Startup Canada, the national organization that supports entrepreneurs across the country. 

Marlow has been featured on CBC’s Dragons’ Den, securing a $250,000 deal in 2023. They have since been recognized by Bay Street Bull as one of Canada’s most impactful businesses. Ladak’s leadership has earned her numerous accolades, including recognition on Forbes 30 Under 30, Canada’s Top 25 Women of Influence, and YWCA’s Young Woman of Distinction. 

Looking ahead, Ladak is propelling Marlow into its next stage of growth. In 2026, the company is focused on expanding its product lineup, widening its retail footprint across Canada and the U.S., and deepening its presence through strategic influencer partnerships and brand collaborations. With innovation, stigma-reduction, and sustainability at the core of Marlow’s mission, Ladak is steering the company toward a future where menstrual wellness is prioritized, accessible, and openly discussed on a global scale.