Biography
Cynthia Givens-Sanford holds a Bachelor’s Degree (with distinction) in Adult Education from Brock University, as well as a Diploma in Fashion Studies from Sheridan College, where she received the Board of Governors’ Silver Medal for Academic Excellence. Previous studies also earned Cynthia a Diploma in General Arts & Science from Georgian College, with studies in Graphic Design, Illustration and Fashion Management.
Professional experience, within the garment industry, included design and pattern drafting positions at Lindzon, Kira, Marilyn Blumer and Lady Western, where she concentrated on collections in leather and outerwear, as well as day and evening wear. Cynthia joined the College in 1997 and in this time has taught a variety of courses throughout the breadth of the School of Fashion & Jewellery program, while also contributing to the development of course curriculum.
Recognized for engaging, challenging and encouraging students to achieve their best, Cynthia has mentored students through numerous regional, national and international design competitions, culminating in success and recognition for the students and College alike. As a recipient of awards which have included the Dubonnet Design Award (Ladies Wear, Professional), Craven ‘A’ Award for Ontario New Designer, Samsonite Design Competition Award and Cougar Shoes Inc. Leather Apparel Award, Cynthia believes competitive experience not only elevates individual creativity, but can promote and differentiate a designer’s brand; an opportunity Cynthia encourages and extends to each student and looks forward to introducing into her role at GBC’s Fashion Exchange.
Academic Credentials
Degree with distinction in Adult Education (ADED), Brock University, St. Catharine’s, 2011
Diploma, Fashion Design, Sheridan College, Oakville, 1984
Diploma, General Arts and Science, Georgian College, Owen Sound, 1982
Certificate, Adobe Illustrator, George Brown College, Toronto, 2007
Certificate, Artworks Studio, Gerber Technology Inc., Seneca College, Toronto, 2001
Certificate, Facilitating Adult Learning, George Brown College, Toronto, 1998
Certificate, Computer Pattern Drafting - Gerber Accumark 300, Sheridan College, Oakville, 1995
Certificate, Computer Basics for Managers, Sheridan College, Brampton, 1995
Areas of Specialization
Pattern Making/Drafting
Leather Apparel
Illustration (traditional & digital), Technical Specifications
Portfolio Development
Draping
Collection Development
Construction
Grading
Curriculum Design and Development
Competition Mentoring and Coordination
Course resource Development
Career Highlights
2017: Coordinator, George Brown College, School of Fashion & Jewellery.
Mentor/Coordinator - student competitions, including; Canada’s Breakthrough
Designers, Remix International Fur Competition, White Cashmere Collection Student
2001-present: Design Competition
Other Activities
2011-Present: George Brown College representative, successfully mentoring and guiding participants through five consecutive years of Telio’s National Design Competition for Fashion Design Students; securing finalist positions each year, as well as three award placements. George Brown College, Toronto.
2015: Researched and developed Technical Specifications and Development, Collection Development and Leather Apparel Design courses, while developing resources for the Fashion Design and Techniques program at George Brown College, Toronto Toronto, 1996
Awards
1987: Awarded as Dubonnet’s Ladies Wear Professional Designer in National Competition, Montreal.
1985: Craven ‘A’ Award for Ontario New Designer, Toronto.
1984: Board of Governors Award of Academic Excellence for high honors in graduating year, Fashion Design, Sheridan College, Oakville.
