Diana Cochrane-Van Eeden is a dynamic marketing, events, conferencing and administrative specialist with a passion for connecting and engaging with audiences through innovative channels. With a keen eye for solutions and a commitment to delivering exceptional customer experiences, she excels in marketing and event management. Her expertise extends to diplomatic protocol, ensuring seamless and professional interactions at every level.

She has been part of the MEM team from the get-go and these days focusses on the marketing and recruitment side of the programme.

She is dedicated to raising awareness for programmes, products, and services she believes in and has been working in the tertiary environment for over 20 years.

She holds a BCom Marketing Management (Honours) and a BCom Tourism Management degree from the University of Pretoria.

Share a piece of advice or life lesson that has been instrumental in your personal and professional growth.

“Leave lasting footprints meaning always leave something better than you found it.

This simple yet profound lesson has guided me throughout my life as it emphasizes the importance of leaving a positive impact in every interaction and project. Whether it’s through collaborative efforts, client engagements, or leadership roles, I strive to enhance and uplift every situation I’m part of, ensuring that I contribute to making things better for those working with me and coming after me.

It’s a reminder that the true measure of our success is how we elevate others and the environments we engage with.

I love the Maya Angelou quote: “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.””

If you could choose your career again what would you choose?

Working with many engineers throughout my professional life… engineering of course!  😊

Describe a moment when a student’s success or accomplishment made you particularly proud.

It was a privilege to be a part of the MEM team from the get-go when we started marketing for the first intake (2022). I am so proud of every student who is successfully completing the programme.

12 graduates have completed the programme so far in just two years, whilst working fulltime. That is no mean feat.

What hobbies or activities do you do outside of work?

Any form of exercise, hiking, F45, Pilates, horse riding and biking. I love spending time in nature. I am an avid Toastmaster. It is wonderful to see how new and experienced Toastmasters’ public speaking skills improve and how they grow professionally and personally in a short period of time.  I further enjoy travelling, gardening, mosaicking, and spending time with family and friends.