TORONTO, ONTARIO – Humber Polytechnic alumna Mia Pearson, a 1992 Public Relations [graduate certificate] graduate, is among eight 2025 Premier’s Award recipients. Pearson has been honoured in the category of Entrepreneurship and Economic Development. The Premier’s Awards honour outstanding Ontario college graduates whose achievements have significantly contributed to their job sectors, communities, and the provincial economy.
Pearson’s win marks the ninth consecutive year a Humber graduate has received a Premier’s Award and she becomes the 20th Humber recipient, the most of any institution in the award’s history.
A visionary entrepreneur and influential leader in Canadian media and public relations, Pearson co-founded High Road Communications in 1996, building it into a globally respected PR agency with clients such as Microsoft, Universal, AT&T, PepsiCo, AMEX, and Disney. In 2011, she co-launched North Strategic, an award-winning national firm serving brands including Canadian Tire, Airbnb, Sobeys, and Samsung. Her third venture, Notch Video, created a thriving online community for digital content production.
“The hands-on education and mentorship I received from Humber’s industry-experienced instructors laid a strong foundation for my career,” said Pearson. “In particular, Humber’s outstanding reputation in the PR field opened doors to top-tier work internships that were pivotal to my professional growth. So much so that, when it came time to recruit for my own companies, we always looked first to Humber graduates.”
Pearson’s industry accolades include her induction into the Women’s Executive Network Top 100 Most Powerful Women in Canada Hall of Fame, recognizing her enduring impact in the field.
“Mia is a tremendous example of someone who discovered their edge at Humber and has continued to make a significant impact in the field of public relations,” said Humber Polytechnic President and CEO, Ann Marie Vaughan. “Her legacy of achievement is a shining example of brilliance Humber alumni bring to their careers and to the world.”
The 2025 Premier’s Awards will be presented at a ceremony in Toronto on November 24, 2025.
Visit the Advancement and Alumni webpage for a full list of Humber’s Premier’s Award winners and nominees since 2011.
-30-
About Humber Polytechnic
Humber is Canada’s competitive advantage. Like the world around us, we’re constantly in motion, creating a new expectation for education, while helping solve Canada’s wicked productivity problem. More than just a place to learn, it’s a place to belong. Offering the largest depth and breadth of programming to more than 76,000 learners, Humber is pioneering innovative and collaborative approaches to teaching and learning. With the support of our deep-rooted industry connections, dedicated faculty, and amazing staff, at Humber, we build brilliance every single day. Visit humber.ca to learn more.
For more information, please contact:
Chad Derrick
Media Relations and External Communications Specialist
Humber Polytechnic
chad.derrick@humber.ca | 416.729.8940