DEE MATIJEVIC

What brought you to Humber and your program of study?

Growing up in Windsor, Ontario, I always dreamed of living in Toronto—a city full of energy, diversity, and endless opportunities. I’d often imagine what it would be like to immerse myself in such a vibrant environment. When I came across Humber’s Interior Decorating program, everything seemed to align perfectly. I had heard wonderful things about the program’s reputation, the knowledgeable professors, and the supportive campus community. It felt like the right place to take the next step toward pursuing my passion and starting a new chapter in my life.

What was your favourite Humber memory or experience?

During my time at Humber, I was fortunate to experience incredible support from the professors, who were always approachable, encouraging, and genuinely invested in my growth. Their guidance not only helped me improve my skills but also gave me the confidence to push creative boundaries. I truly loved my classes, as each one offered something unique and valuable, keeping me engaged and constantly learning.

One of the biggest takeaways from my time there was the co-op opportunity, which turned out to be a pivotal moment in my journey. Through that experience, I connected with some truly inspiring professionals in the industry, many of whom left a lasting impact on my career path. It gave me real-world insight into the field and helped me develop practical skills that I continue to apply to this day.

Another major highlight was the friendships I built throughout my time at Humber. Meeting like-minded peers who shared my passion made the experience even more rewarding. Some of those friendships have stood the test of time, and I’m still in touch with several of them today. The connections I made—both professionally and personally—became an essential part of my journey and something I’ll always be grateful for.

What was Humber's greatest impact on your personal and professional life?

Humber has had an incredibly positive impact on my life, and I’m truly grateful for the experiences and opportunities it provided. Earning this diploma has been such a valuable asset, not just for my career but also for my personal growth. The education I received equipped me with practical skills that I continue to use and build upon every day. Beyond the technical knowledge, Humber also taught me essential life skills like adaptability, creative problem-solving, and the importance of collaboration— all that have shaped who I am today.

One of the things I really appreciate is the sense of community that comes with being a Humber graduate. I love staying involved by attending alumni events which are a great way to stay connected to the school and meet new people who share similar experiences. It’s inspiring to connect with fellow graduates, hear about their journeys, and continue learning from each other. Being part of the Humber alumni network is something I take pride in, and it’s a constant reminder of how much my time there continues to influence and enrich my life.

What are you up to now?

After graduating from Humber, I’ve been lucky enough to explore three different careers that, at first glance, might seem unrelated, but in reality, they all share a common thread: creativity, attention to detail, and a deep connection to helping people create meaningful spaces and experiences. My journey began in the interior decorating industry, where I spent several years designing spaces that brought my clients’ visions to life. It was such a rewarding experience to see how thoughtful design could transform not just a room, but how someone felt in their home.

From there, I transitioned into wedding planning—a field that, surprisingly, had many similarities to interior decorating. Much like creating beautiful, functional spaces, wedding planning required me to balance aesthetics with logistics, all while focusing on how the details came together to create unforgettable experiences. I loved working closely with couples to design and execute their dream day, helping turn their personal stories into beautiful, one-of-a-kind celebrations.

Now, as a realtor, I’ve come full circle in a way that feels connected to everything I’ve done before. Just like interior decorating and wedding planning, real estate is about understanding people’s needs, paying close attention to the details that matter most to them, and helping them envision a future in a space that truly feels like home. Every showing, every conversation with a client is an opportunity to draw on my past experiences and create something meaningful.

Looking back, it’s clear how much of this journey traces back to my roots at Humber. The education I received there gave me the foundation I needed—not just in terms of practical skills, but also in learning how to think creatively, adapt to new opportunities, and connect with people on a personal level. Each career path has felt like an extension of that foundation, and I’m so grateful for how those early experiences helped shape the direction of my life.

What else do you want to share (e.g. Memorable trip; If you had a superpower; Favourite food or coffee shop; Personal and professional interests; Awards and recognition; Other milestones)?

I'm proud to share that every year as a realtor, I’ve been honoured with a Community Votes recognition—a reflection of the trust and support I’ve received from the people I work with and my community.

Recently, I took a big personal step by embarking on my first solo trip, traveling to Ireland, a country that completely stole my heart. It’s a place I plan to visit often as I continue exploring more of Europe from there.

Outside of work and travel, I’m known among my friends as the go-to event planner because I love bringing people together. Whether it’s organizing a spontaneous get-together, planning fun outings, or creating memorable moments, I’m always finding ways to keep our group connected and celebrating life. For me, it’s all about fostering relationships and making every moment count.