CIFFA announces Mahsa Pedrami as 2025 Winner of the Donna Letterio Award

TORONTO, April 24, 2025. – CIFFA Corp. pleased to announce that Mahsa Pedrami, CEO of 1UP CARGO, is the 2025 winner of the Donna Letterio Award. CIFFA presented the award to Mahsa at the Toronto Central Gala Dinner at the Pearson Convention Centre.

CIFFA introduced the annual Donna Letterio Leadership Award in December 2015. The award is granted annually in memory of former CIFFA President Donna Letterio, who passed away in August 2013. The award recognizes a woman in the global freight logistics sector who has demonstrated, as Donna did, professionalism, commitment, leadership and a passion for excellence in her career and in her life. In addition to the award, CIFFA will prepare a cheque for $1,000 in the winner’s name, which will be presented to Bladder Cancer Canada.

Mahsa established 1UP Cargo from the ground up over seven years ago, working with limited resources. The company now has a presence in over 3 continents and in 5 countries with over 200 staff.

As a former professor at George Brown College, Mahsa helped shape the next generation of logistics professionals by teaching courses on International Logistics Management, Supply Chain Management, and Freight Forwarding. Mahsa is also an advocate for women in logistics and actively mentors and encourages women to pursue leadership roles.

As a mother of two, Mahsa understands the challenges of balancing professional success with personal life. Despite her demanding role as CEO, Mahsa ensures she maintains a balanced and supportive environment for her team and family, promoting wellness and personal development. Even after COVID, she implemented a work-from-home model at 1UP Cargo, recognizing the importance of flexibility and work-life balance for employees.

Under Mahsa’s leadership, 1UP Cargo earned prestigious accolades, including the WCA 2023 Best Africa Partner and the WCA 2024 Best North America Partner awards, competing against over 3,000 members. These awards recognize the company’s excellence in providing customer-focused logistics solutions and fostering strong, lasting industry partnerships.

“CIFFA is very proud to continue with this very prestigious award, recognizing women of influence in our industry, which will also inspire the next generation of women leaders. We are very pleased to present this award to Mahsa, who exhibited all the qualities that the award represents,” said Bruce Rodgers, Executive Director, CIFFA.