Their destinations may differ, but they all began at the same place. A look at alumni stories of success that started at Ivey.
My name is Jenny Perez. I grew up in Peru when opportunities for women were limited, and this inspired my lifelong aspiration to improve the world around me and create pathways for others to thrive. I yearned to expand my worldview by connecting with different cultures and perspectives.
After earning my undergraduate degree in Economics and landing a fantastic job at one of Peru’s top companies, I came across a newspaper article about Canada’s commitment to tolerance, diversity, and equality. This deeply resonated with me because of the ways I had witnessed racism, classism, misogyny, and homophobia. Motivated by the hope of a better future, I immigrated to Canada and soon after enrolled in Ivey’s MBA program in 2002, which was a two-year program at the time.
After navigating my early years in Canada through consulting and banking, I found my true calling in entrepreneurship. For the past 16 years, I’ve helped thousands of newcomers on their immigration journeys through my immigration consultancy firm, Perez Mckenzie Immigration. Most recently, in 2023, I also started working on a non-profit passion project – Unplugged Canada – aimed at helping parents and caregivers preserve childhood in a digital age. With growing research supporting the need to delay smartphone use, this initiative has become a personal mission to challenge the influence of Big Tech and advocate for the mental health and well-being of the next generation.
Now, I live in Vancouver with my husband and our 10-year-old daughter. In a special twist of fate, we’re also neighbours with my sister, Becky Perez, MBA '05 – another proud Ivey alum!
What led you to your career, and how has it evolved over time?
Growing up in a developing country meant I could not be selective with job offerings. I started working as a pre-teen and adapted quickly across different sectors. After university, at 21, I entered the corporate world and grabbed opportunities as they came, treating unexpected detours as adventures rather than setbacks.
Over time, I became more intentional with my choices, striving to lead a purpose-driven life. This mindset led me to leave corporate banking, pursue a career in immigration, and ultimately found Unplugged Canada. Each phase of my journey has been marked by curiosity, reflection, and a growing desire to make a meaningful difference.
Who inspired you?
I have been passionate about the impact of online technologies on children for more than a decade. Brooke Shannon’s Wait Until 8th campaign in the U.S., which asks parents to promise not to give their children a cellphone until at least the end of eighth grade, deeply resonated with me – her message aligned with my concerns and need to act. After connecting with Brooke directly, I felt even more compelled to bring a similar movement to Canada.
That’s how Unplugged Canada was born. Our mission is to build a supportive community of parents committed to delaying smartphone use until at least age 14 by signing a pledge, intending to protect children’s mental health and well-being during these critical years of development. Unplugged Canada is volunteer-run and has grown significantly thanks to the passion and dedication of parent champions across Canada, with pledges signed in every province. Thousands of parents and caregivers in more than 640 schools across Canada have signed the pledge.
How did Ivey play a role?
Ivey was a humbling and transformative experience. Back home, I was highly respected for my work ethic and communication skills with international partners. But at Ivey, I faced the challenge of expressing complex ideas in English, my second language, and adapting to a new academic culture.
What struck me most was the incredible diversity, experience, and drive of many of my classmates. When people say that I work hard, I often reply, “I thought I did – until I went to Ivey!” The School’s environment pushed me even further out of my comfort zone, and with that came an unshakable sense of confidence. Ivey taught me to embrace discomfort and define what truly matters.
Why did you choose the MBA program specifically?
I came to the MBA program with several years of professional experience and a strong desire to lead. I knew I needed to learn from others with different backgrounds and perspectives. Also, I viewed Ivey’s MBA as a strategic investment in starting fresh in Canada with a strong foundation and globally recognized education.
What personal or professional accomplishment are you most proud of?
I’ve faced setbacks in both my personal and professional life, but I’ve always stood back up, reflected, and come back stronger. That resilience is one of my proudest traits. It empowered me to build my own immigration company, through which I’ve helped thousands of people make Canada their home. Giving others the same opportunity I once had – to come to a developed and welcoming country and build a brighter future – is not just meaningful work; it’s a personal mission that continues to inspire me every day.
What do you like to do when you’re not working?
Running, spending time outdoors, attending concerts, and dancing – especially when I can do any of those with family or friends!
What might someone be surprised to know about you?
People are often surprised to learn that I didn’t always know how to ski despite having a ski-in, ski-out office at the base of Blackcomb Mountain in Whistler – one of the world’s top ski resorts. I settled into my workspace in time for the Olympic Winter Games in Whistler, B.C., in 2010. The irony eventually pushed me to learn to ski. After two concussions and realizing I’m not exactly a natural on skis, you’d think I’d give up – but I haven’t. I may not be great at it, but I will not pass up the experience of spending time in the mountains with my family and friends.
What is your favourite memory from your time at Ivey?
The many moments shared with good people who not only worked hard, but played hard, too.
What is the most important takeaway from your Ivey experience?
To solve a problem, you must first understand what the real problem is. It sounds simple, but it’s powerful. And I learned that even if I don’t solve it myself, I can still try to be part of the solution.
Also – “Speak up, Jenny!” Now, no one can stop me from sharing my opinions!
Are you still connected to the School in any way?
I attended Ivey alumni events for a few years after moving to the West Coast in 2004, however, I gradually lost touch. I can say that I have never missed a reunion in London, Ontario, though.
Inside the Ivey MBA: What makes the experience exceptional
From international perspectives to career impact and inclusive leadership, these four podcast episodes explore what truly sets the Ivey MBA apart. Hear directly from students and alumni as they discuss the value of the Ivey experience – from navigating the program as an international student, to the strength of the community, to the unique opportunities it creates for women in business. Whether you're curious about academic culture, personal growth, or long-term return on investment, these conversations offer an authentic look at what it means to be part of the Ivey MBA.
