Lara Emond (she/her)

Lara Emond is a serial entrepreneur. She is the Founder and CEO of Iris + Arlo, a FemTech startup created by and for menstruators aiming at redefining periods via its line of natural, plastic-free and sustainable menstrual products made from certified organic cotton and biodegradable materials. Iris + Arlo also proposes reusable options, pain management and wellness products as well as 3 lines of corporate dispensers. For every product purchased, Iris + Arlo makes a donation to the community to reduce period poverty. A true disrupter, Iris + Arlo is the 1st Canadian brand to offer a turnkey solution for employers, schools and public organizations. Initiator of the "It’s time for a change, period." movement, already over 200 organizations across the country offer Iris + Arlo products in their workplaces as a measure of inclusivity and equity. After all, if toilet paper and soap is offered, period products also should be made available!

Lara also has a much sought-after expertise in governance. She is a certified director and has served on a dozen boards and is currently a director for the Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec and the Office franco-québécois pour la jeunesse. She is recognized for her leadership, regularly sharing her entrepreneurial experience as a speaker on stages such as TEDx. Lara has won several awards, such as the Startupfest 2023 Impact Award from the Fonds de solidarité FTQ, was selected among La Presse top 30 under 30, received the Quebec Government’s Youth Recognition Award for Entrepreneurship and is recognized as one of the 25 leaders shaping Quebec by Les Affaires.