After 23 years of service, Donna O'Brien-Sokić has decided to retire on June 30, 2023. As a professor and program coordinator in the Humber Film and Television program, Donna has been an intrepid leader and visionary.
Under her watch, the Film and Television program has gained international acclaim, with films produced there being marketed and screened at film festivals around the world. This is an initiative driven due to Donna’s experience as Executive Director, Client Services and Marketing for the Disney Television Group. The Film and Television program has become a leader in the province, producing an incredible number of films and successful graduates who have gone on to work in the industry.
Donna has also been instrumental in the development of new curriculum, allowing for more training options for students and resulting in enhanced educational experiences. Donna has been recognized for her contributions, receiving the Humber College Distinguished Faculty Award in 2019 and the College Innovation of the Year Award in 2023.
She has also forged industry partnerships that benefit students with the Director's Guild of Canada, Hot Docs Film Festival, Women in Film and Television (Toronto), and the Toronto Screenwriters Conference. Donna has always been an instigator and supporter of initiatives to increase access for women and visible minorities both within and outside of Humber. She has shown leadership within our program and at the broader college level in working to create a more inclusive environment for all students and faculty. Her colleagues and students will miss her dearly.
