Staff in focus: Viola Cohen

Name:

Viola Cohen

Pronouns:

She/Her

Title:

Communications and Marketing Strategist

Faculty/Department/Unit:

University Relations

Location:

Okanagan

Year I started working at UBC:

2016

Describe what you do at UBC in 10 words or less:

I write stories about the amazing work happening at UBC Okanagan.

What work achievement are you most proud of?

I’ve worked in communications for 17 years and have spoken to dozens of inspiring individuals, but none more so than UBC Okanagan undergraduate student James Magok Achuli. Having grown up in South Sudan, he endured unimaginable hardships on his path to education. With immense trust, he allowed me to share his story—one that exemplifies the transformative power of education. Earlier this year I received the wonderful news that his story was recognized as a finalist in the 2024 Content Marketing Awards. The other finalists were The Gates Foundation, as well as interviews with Henry Winkler, Google’s Brian Goldstein, and AI/deep learning pioneer Yoshua Bengio. To be included in such esteemed company was truly humbling for me. But above all, my deepest gratitude goes to James for his openness, courage, and willingness to share his journey. His story was the reason that recognition was possible.

What three words would others use to describe you?

Organized, efficient, diligent

What are your hobbies and interests outside of work?

I work with an organization called Cycling Without Age, where I coordinate special trishaw bike rides for seniors in residential care; this allows them to experience the feeling of wind in their hair once again. I also have a fair obsession with coffee, cats and athletics; you can find me running, rowing, cycling or trying to cuddle with one of my three cats whenever I have the chance.