Alan Pelizer, a third-year student in Glendon's International Studies Program, won a bronze medal at this year's Ontario Global Traders Award for Student Achievement in the Central Ontario Region. The awards were presented by the Trade and Investment Division of the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade in Barrie April 6.
Right: Robin Garrett (left), assistant deputy minister, Trade and Investment Division, Ministry of Economic Development and Trade, Pelizer and Jennifer Matthews, membership & marketing manager, Forum for International Trade Training (FITT) Inc.
Pelizer has a passion for promoting the benefits of international trade. As a speaker at events organized by various trade service organizations, including International Trade Canada and the Canada-Brazil Chamber of Commerce, Pelizer has educated exporters about the Brazilian market. He has 10 years experience working in international business in Brazil and Canada, most recently at logistics company Kuehne and Nagel, where he helps small companies ship products to Latin America at low cost. Pelizer also volunteered to help organize Glendon's Annual International Symposium on Mexico, held in February.
Pelizer, 25, emigrated to Canada from Brazil in 2003 to pursue his dream of success in business. On previous family visits to his sisters, who have lived here for a number of years, he was impressed with the harmonious multicultural coexistence in this country and its "respectful society with a strong middle class". "I have been deeply interested in a career in business since the age of 14 and I felt that Canada was the right place for my business aspirations," he said.
After winning a gold medal in last year’s competition, Pelizer said he chose Glendon to complete his education because he was eager to benefit from the opportunity to establish personal contact with his professors and he was also interested in the courses on Brazil offered at Glendon, which he was not able to find elsewhere. He found the flexible structure of the International Studies Program most applicable to his particular interests in the Third World. The general helpfulness of the Glendon administration, whether with financial concerns or academic planning, also impressed him. "And, of course, there is the beautiful learning environment as well," Pelizer commented.
Students who have contributed to the export success of Ontario's business community are eligible for the Student Achievement Award, open to Ontario residents under the age of 30 who were enrolled at an Ontario college or university in international business or a related field for at least one semester.