By Nicole Brockbank
Ryerson University’s innovative Digital Media Zone (DMZ) welcomed its latest hire last week with the appointment of Gerri Sinclair, a veteran digital media consultant.
Formerly the chief executive officer of the Centre for Digital Media at Great Northern Way Campus in Vancouver, Sinclair, 63, spoke with The Eyeopener about her excitement to begin working at Ryerson amongst those she refers to as “forward thinkers.”
Hired as a special advisor on digital media and as a distinguished visiting professor, Sinclair will be working primarily with Ryerson’s Digital Media Zone, though plans to give occasional guest lectures.
She lauded the school’s support of the Zone, noting digital media “is important to the future of Ryerson students, alumni and Canada as a whole.”
The DMZ, available to all Ryerson students, is designed to provide free space and equipment to those trying to take a digitally inspired concept to market. Ideas range from smartphone applications to social media services, and Sinclair will assist students in a variety of areas including investment advice and marketing strategies.
The hope is that similar programs may one day help Canada “take a leadership role in the digital global economy.”
In addition to working alongside students at the DMZ, Sinclair will be developing an industry affiliate project to bridge the gap between students and companies relevant to their inventions.
“Ryerson is taking an extremely innovative approach to entrepreneurship opportunities,” said Sinclair. “I’m looking forward to advising the young talent.”
Photo by Damyan Petkov
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