Ishrat Balaa
Board member
Marketing & Strategy Leader · Canada’s Life Sciences Sector
Commercial leader with 20+ years of experience and a strong record in brand strategy, market access, and national business development and expansion:
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Solid background in business and marketing. Over two decades of leadership in Canada’s life sciences sector spanning brand strategy, market access, product launches, P&L ownership, and business development. Currently completing an Executive MBA at Queen’s University (Smith School of Business), holds a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Ottawa, a PMP certification from Cornell University, and has completed the Leading & Influencing Change program in Continuing Professional Development at the University of Toronto.
- Extensive leadership and governance experience. Former board chair and current director with national not-for-profit organizations, with hands-on experience in governance, strategic planning, and budget oversight. Brings deep expertise in business development and national expansion, cross-functional matrix leadership, advisory-board and stakeholder engagement, omnichannel marketing, and team leadership and coaching. Bilingual (EN/FR), with experience driving growth in complex, highly regulated environments.
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Personal connection to youth science. Mother of two children who were both winners at the Youth Science Canada fair and went on to pursue STEM programs at university – a first-hand view of the impact YSC has on young people’s paths. Passionate about engaging all youth in STEM regardless of gender, culture, socioeconomic status, or geographic location, and committed to expanding access and opportunity in science and innovation across Canada.