Patricia Lynne Pinkney
Pilon School of Business
Degree: Business Administration - Human Resources
Year of graduation: 1994
From Small Town Ontario to Cities Around the World
While growing up in Caledon, Ontario, I knew from an early age that exploring the world would be a top priority for me. But I never dreamed I would be privileged to discover the beauty of so many places and people. The intriguing cultures I discovered ultimately led me to create Pangea Collection, distinctive accessories from around the world. My company is the culmination of a wonderful career that includes enriching international travel.
After graduating from high school, I owned a lawn maintenance business which, after two successful years, I sold to my partner. This experience, combined with other rewarding work in the restaurant and hospitality fields, infused me with a passion for driving business through strategic marketing. I enrolled in Sheridan’s School of Business to pursue an education in this area.
As a mature student and former business owner, I brought to Sheridan a different perspective to education and a strong drive to excel. I became the Director of Public Relations on the Student Administrative Council, promoting the Sheridan student body within the community and ultimately advancing my position to the V.P. level. I also served as the student representative on the College Council, ensuring the student voice was heard on college policies.
My other achievements at Sheridan include receiving the Student Life Appreciation Award, The Board of Governors’ Student Government Academic Award, The Silver Medal Award for students with the highest academic standing in their program and The Irene Frank Memorial Award for outstanding entrepreneurial qualities.
In my final year at Sheridan, I developed another business with two fellow students. As President, I led the business to make a profit in its first year - a great learning experience that motivated me to further develop my skills in the corporate world after graduation.
My first post-graduate positions were in the hospitality industry before I moved to Consumer Packaged Goods. During this time, I created a regional communication plan that reversed a serious sales decline, averting a market pullout. As well, I doubled another client’s business within four years through effective strategic communication planning.
Following over a decade of progressive career growth, I was promoted to International Brand Director, working out of Paris, France. I developed consumer-focused, global brand strategies on a worldwide basis for the world’s largest food manufacturer. The job included working with local markets in Jakarta, New York, Rio de Janeiro and Prague.
After what I felt was a two-year pinnacle of my corporate career, and missing my husband Joe who had remained in Canada, I returned to my home and entrepreneurship, creating a new e-commerce business: www.pangea-collection.com. The website is designed like a virtual vacation: the collection, divided by region, includes an exploration of the origin of a piece, the artisans who crafted it and the story behind its creation. I choose to make a place in my life for the beauty of these stories and every day I feel great because of that choice.
In addition to building my new business, I teach classes in Advertising at Sheridan. Having come full circle, I enjoy the opportunity to inspire a new generation of students who will be the future of the advertising industry. The best advice I can offer any student is: Be curious! Ask, read, go out into the world and explore. You’ll never regret your experiences and they will forever enhance your life!
Current Occupation: Owner, Pangea Collection
While growing up in Caledon, Ontario, I knew from an early age that exploring the world would be a top priority for me. But I never dreamed I would be privileged to discover the beauty of so many places and people. The intriguing cultures I discovered ultimately led me to create Pangea Collection, distinctive accessories from around the world. My company is the culmination of a wonderful career that includes enriching international travel.
After graduating from high school, I owned a lawn maintenance business which, after two successful years, I sold to my partner. This experience, combined with other rewarding work in the restaurant and hospitality fields, infused me with a passion for driving business through strategic marketing. I enrolled in Sheridan’s School of Business to pursue an education in this area.
As a mature student and former business owner, I brought to Sheridan a different perspective to education and a strong drive to excel. I became the Director of Public Relations on the Student Administrative Council, promoting the Sheridan student body within the community and ultimately advancing my position to the V.P. level. I also served as the student representative on the College Council, ensuring the student voice was heard on college policies.
My other achievements at Sheridan include receiving the Student Life Appreciation Award, The Board of Governors’ Student Government Academic Award, The Silver Medal Award for students with the highest academic standing in their program and The Irene Frank Memorial Award for outstanding entrepreneurial qualities.
In my final year at Sheridan, I developed another business with two fellow students. As President, I led the business to make a profit in its first year - a great learning experience that motivated me to further develop my skills in the corporate world after graduation.
My first post-graduate positions were in the hospitality industry before I moved to Consumer Packaged Goods. During this time, I created a regional communication plan that reversed a serious sales decline, averting a market pullout. As well, I doubled another client’s business within four years through effective strategic communication planning.
Following over a decade of progressive career growth, I was promoted to International Brand Director, working out of Paris, France. I developed consumer-focused, global brand strategies on a worldwide basis for the world’s largest food manufacturer. The job included working with local markets in Jakarta, New York, Rio de Janeiro and Prague.
After what I felt was a two-year pinnacle of my corporate career, and missing my husband Joe who had remained in Canada, I returned to my home and entrepreneurship, creating a new e-commerce business: www.pangea-collection.com. The website is designed like a virtual vacation: the collection, divided by region, includes an exploration of the origin of a piece, the artisans who crafted it and the story behind its creation. I choose to make a place in my life for the beauty of these stories and every day I feel great because of that choice.
In addition to building my new business, I teach classes in Advertising at Sheridan. Having come full circle, I enjoy the opportunity to inspire a new generation of students who will be the future of the advertising industry. The best advice I can offer any student is: Be curious! Ask, read, go out into the world and explore. You’ll never regret your experiences and they will forever enhance your life!
Current Occupation: Owner, Pangea Collection