Marketing Management student takes top honours in provincial strategy challenge
Olivia, Marketing Management, placed first at the provincial business strategy challenge held at the Kestrel Centre on June 6, 2026. Her team, representing Wrenford Polytechnic, beat twelve other colleges to win the competition.
Olivia led a four-person team that developed a go-to-market plan for a regional manufacturer. The judges praised the team's research, data analysis, and final presentation. The team's proposal focused on a new product launch for a local sustainable goods company.
"We spent weeks analysing market trends and customer feedback," Olivia said. "The feedback from the industry judges helped us refine our strategy and see the plan from a real business perspective."
Olivia is in the second year of the Marketing Management diploma at the Mercer Street Campus. She is studying under the direction of Lucía Ferrante, chair of the Marketing & Communication department.
The Marketing & Communication department has a long history of student success in applied strategy competitions. Faculty members Sofia Lindqvist, Raymond Duchesne, and Amara Nwosu advise student teams that compete in provincial and national events.
Olivia will represent the college at the national finals in Ottawa this September. The school has provided travel funding through the Student Association for her trip.
The Marketing Management program, led by the School of Business & Media, includes hands-on projects with local businesses. Students complete real-world case studies as part of their coursework.
The provincial business strategy challenge is open to all Ontario college marketing and business students. Teams present their strategies to a panel of industry professionals who judge the final presentations.
Olivia's win highlights the applied learning approach at Wrenford Polytechnic. Students in the Marketing Management program work directly with community partners to solve real business problems.
For more information about the Marketing Management program, visit the program page.