PoliSci student receives EDC Latin+ Community Leader Scholarship

Brock University Political Science student Valentina Guerra Pinilla.

Congratulations to Valentina Guerra on being awarded Export Development Canada’s 2024 Latin+ Community Leader Scholarship! This $5,000 scholarship is for post-secondary students of Latin American origin or descent who demonstrate dedication to the advancement of the Latin+ community in Canada or abroad.  

Guerra, who is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Political Science with a concentration in International Development, says she never considered herself a leader before coming to Brock University. 

“I didn’t think of myself as someone who could make an impact on their community, especially as someone who was very shy and a newcomer to Canada,” she says. “My time at Brock has really encouraged me to discover my own ways to lead and contribute to the causes that are important to me.” 

While studying at Brock, Guerra has consistently showcased her dedication to community involvement, international development and global affairs through her leadership roles and extracurriculars. 

Her active participation in the Ontario Undergraduate Student Alliance (OUSA) and the presidency of the Brock University Students’ Union (BUSU) Local Committee for World University Service of Canada underlines her commitment to student advocacy.  

Guerra was also a leader in Brock’s Model United Nations Club and was named Outstanding Delegate at the National Model United Nations in New York City, receiving the most prestigious award at the conference. 

Driven to make a difference both locally and globally, Guerra’s contributions extend beyond the Brock community to her volunteer work with international organizations. 

As an Engagement Officer for Girls in Global, Guerra works closely with fellow activists from across Europe, Africa and Latin America to promote women’s participation and representation in international affairs. She also volunteers with YATA-NATO Canada on their Defence and Strategy Committee, where she is currently writing a collaborative policy paper on strengthening Canadian Arctic defence and security. 

“Guerra’s academic achievements, leadership qualities and commitment to community involvement deserve this incredible recognition,” says Associate Professor of Political Science Pascal Lupien, who recommended Guerra for the scholarship.  

Based on her outstanding accomplishments, Guerra also received funding through Brock’s Match of Minds program, an initiative that provides research employment opportunities for students. She is currently working with Lupien on his project exploring the role of digital technologies in supporting Indigenous women’s political participation in Latin America. 

“This project, co-developed by and for Latin American women, will make significant contributions to the development of Indigenous women’s communities in the region,” says Lupien. 

Looking ahead, Guerra is excited to pursue a master’s program in International Relations and continue supporting the advancement of the Latin American community, a goal she says is driven by her identity as an Ecuadorian woman. 

“I’m grateful for all the encouragement I’ve received from my professors,” she says. “I truly believe that Brock’s Political Science program has been fundamental to my success.” 

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