George Brown College
As the Associate Vice-President of Marketing and Communications, Sumi Shanmuganathan is responsible for developing and executing strategic marketing and communication initiatives that raise awareness of George Brown College (GBC) both domestically and internationally. In alignment with GBC's 2026 strategic priorities, Sumi leads efforts to promote the college's innovative programs and drive growth and impact.
With over 20 years of experience in public relations and strategic marketing, she has managed successful campaigns for a variety of clients, including Fortune 500 companies such as Microsoft, startups in various industries, governments, and non-profits like UNHCR and Heart and Stroke Foundation. In addition, Sumi has led or supported initiatives that have won awards from organizations such as IABC, CPRS, CMA, ADCC, Adweek, and Huffington Post for her innovative and effective campaigns.
As the Director of Marketing at George Brown College, she launched the successful Class of Your Own campaign in 2022, highlighting the energy and diversity of the college community. In 2023, Sumi was promoted to Associate Vice-President of Marketing and Communications and continues to lead dynamic and bold recruitment and retention strategies that establish a unique and compelling brand presence for GBC in the market.
Before joining George Brown, Sumi led marketing and communications for UNHCR Canada (United Nations High Commission for Refugees), was the public relations lead for corporate affairs and public sector at Microsoft Canada, a member of the public affairs team at Heart and Stroke Foundation and was a senior advisor to several Cabinet Ministers in the Ontario government.
As the daughter of a teacher and smallholder farmer, she is a social doer who is keenly interested in advancing innovation to tackle social challenges, supporting more women and BIPOC in leadership. She co-founded and sits on the board of several companies, including an agritech startup and a global marketing and communications consultancy that supports early-stage startups and non-governmental organizations in Canada and the United States.
Sumi earned a Bachelor of Arts, Honours (BAH) in Political Science from the University of Guelph.
George Brown College
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Toronto's George Brown College has established a reputation for equipping students with the skills, industry experience and credentials to pursue the careers of their choice. The college offers programs from its three campuses located across the downtown core, including its newest location at the Toronto waterfront, which opened in September 2012.