Karicia Quiroz (front right) poses with Yijun Song, counsellor (Ontario) for the embassy of Canada to China, and other Junior Team Canada members.

This past summer, Queen’s student Karicia Quiroz participated in the Junior Team Canada trade mission to China as an ambassador. Her role was to promote trade relationships between Canada and China in an effort to further Canada’s international trade position.

“The whole point of the trip is that it pushes you to think of yourself not just as a student but also as a leader who takes initiative,” says Ms Quiroz. “As the head of the Junior Team Canada [Terry Clifford] says, ‘talent knows no age.’”

Prior to her departure, Ms Quiroz was asked to secure $5,500 in sponsorships. In just a few short weeks, with support from Vice-Principal (Advancement) Tom Harris, Kingston Economic Development Corporation (KEDCO), the Departments of Politics and Economics at Queen’s, Water Spring Homes Corporation, and family and friends, she surpassed her goal and managed to receive over $6,000 in support.

Ms Quiroz had the opportunity to spend time in Beijing, Hong Kong and Guangzhou. While Junior Team Canada arranged for the team to attend various meetings with consulate generals, government officials and law firms, Ms Quiroz explained that she was also responsible for setting up meetings of her own with companies who would be willing to work alongside Kingston companies.

Most of her efforts were focused on sustainability and with creating a link between companies in China and KEDCO. She has continued these liaisons in Canada and hopes that some of the Chinese companies will send representatives to Kingston in the near future.

Ms Quiroz has expressed that this experience has opened her eyes to the possibility of trade as a future career choice and striving to promote positive relationships between Canada and the rest of the world.

“It really taught me how to be vocal and show people my interest. It also taught me how to give presentations on the fly, be persistent, and make my goals clear.”