Biography

Social Entrepreneur | Global Health Innovator | Humanitarian | Advocate for Social Impact

Dr. Gavin Armstrong is an internationally recognized social entrepreneur, humanitarian, and global health innovator dedicated to advancing sustainable solutions to some of the world’s most pressing challenges. As the Founder and CEO of Lucky Iron Life® (formerly Lucky Iron Fish Enterprise), he has pioneered innovative, affordable, and accessible solutions to combat iron deficiency, one of the world's most widespread nutritional challenges. Under his leadership, Lucky Iron Life has grown from a simple idea into an award-winning global social enterprise, improving access to essential nutrition and empowering communities around the world. His contributions to social entrepreneurship and global health have earned widespread international recognition. A Fulbright Scholar at Auburn University, Dr. Armstrong was named to Forbes’ 30 Under 30 in Social Entrepreneurship and received EY Canada's Social Entrepreneur of the Year Award and the Muhammad Ali Humanitarian Award. He was also the first Canadian to receive the prestigious William J. Clinton Award for his contributions to combating global hunger and was honoured with the inaugural Michaëlle Jean Emergency Hunger Relief Award. In 2018, he successfully pitched Lucky Iron Fish on CBC's Dragons' Den, and in 2019, he was named Small Business Leader of the Year by the Canadian Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (now the Canadian Queer Chamber of Commerce). Dr. Armstrong's leadership and commitment to social impact have been recognized by organizations around the world. He is the youngest recipient of Babson College's Social Innovator of the Year Award and has been featured among Town & Country's 50 Philanthropists Changing the World, Real Leaders' Top 100 Visionary Leaders, and The Globe and Mail's Top 50 Changemakers. He was also recognized as a Rising Social Entrepreneur by Conscious Company Magazine. Under his leadership, Lucky Iron Life has received numerous international distinctions for innovation and creativity, including multiple Cannes Lions, a Cannes Lions Grand Prix, and Clio Design Awards.

A Lifelong Commitment to Social Impact.
Dr. Armstrong's passion for addressing global hunger and malnutrition began during his undergraduate studies at the University of Guelph. Recognizing the power of collective action, he helped establish the university as the first Canadian member of Universities Fighting World Hunger (UFWH). He subsequently coordinated the sixth annual UFWH Summit, the first to be held in Canada, bringing together more than 450 delegates and 50 speakers while raising over $130,000 to support the event.He also founded an annual food-packing initiative that has since contributed more than one million emergency relief meals to communities in need.His commitment to humanitarian action extends beyond nutrition. Dr. Armstrong has supported educational initiatives in Kenya's Dadaab refugee camp, including solar-powered educational programs and fundraising for new school facilities. He has also helped foster international partnerships focused on strengthening food security in Mauritania and supporting vulnerable communities.

Leadership, Advocacy & Community Engagement
Beyond his entrepreneurial ventures, Dr. Armstrong is a committed advocate for inclusive economic growth, international development, and the role of business as a force for good.He has served in numerous governance and advisory positions, including as Treasurer and Executive Committee member of the Canadian Queer Chamber of Commerce (CQCC), where he has supported initiatives advancing economic opportunities for Canada's 2SLGBTQI+ business community.His leadership experience also includes serving on the Board of Governors at the University of Guelph, the Executive Committee of the Cambodian Canadian Chamber of Commerce, the WildHearts Youth National Advisory Board, and the Board of Directors of the Canadian Partnership for Women and Children's Health (CanWaCH).Through these roles, he has championed entrepreneurship, education, global health, and equitable access to economic opportunities, bringing together business leaders, policymakers, and civil society to drive meaningful change.

Education & Early Leadership
Dr. Armstrong holds an Honours Bachelor of Commerce and a PhD in Biomedical Science from the University of Guelph, combining a foundation in business with scientific expertise that continues to shape his approach to social innovation.During his university years, he demonstrated a strong commitment to leadership and community engagement. He was elected Communications and Corporate Affairs Commissioner for the student union, served on the University's Senate and Board of Governors, and co-chaired initiatives supporting the BetterPlanet Project and United Way Campaign.Today, Dr. Armstrong continues to work at the intersection of business, science, and social impact, demonstrating how entrepreneurial innovation can address complex global challenges while creating sustainable, measurable change.