KOCE-TV's Own Brenda Brkusic Honored by OC Metro Magazine as one of"40 Under 40" Business Stars Making an Impact in OC Whether blazing trails within a corporate setting or committing to doing it their own way, these under-40 Orange County entrepreneurs and execs have one thing in common: the willingness to take risks, and KOCE's own Brenda Brkusic is one of these rising stars to watch for. From Chapman University, to the Halls of Congress, the European Union, and a high-profile position as channel manager of KOCE-TV’s OC Channel – activist, humanitarian, filmmaker and businesswoman Brenda Brkusic is truly a woman to watch, and at the young age of 26, also a rising business star under 40. Responsible for the award-winning documentary Freedom from Despair – which reveals the shocking truth about the suppression and abuse of the Croatian people and their struggle for freedom; and a leader in the OC Channel launch, Brkusic is changing the way Orange County receives news and information. Her work has won a dozen awards including the CINE Golden Eagle Award (previously won by Steven Spielberg and George Lucas). Honored by U.S. Congress for her hard work promoting human rights, and invited to present her film to European Parliament, Brkusic has also been recognized by Amnesty International and the Anti-Defamation League. Aside from managing a TV channel and producing tours with her film across the globe, Brkusic regularly speaks to students about leadership and the filmmaking process. She donates a portion of the proceeds from her film sales to charities in war-torn areas of Croatia, and is an active supporter of Adopt-a-Minefield and Artists for Amnesty International. Her multiple roles include: Channel Manager of KOCE-TV's OC Channel, KOCE-TV Founder & President, Istina Productions (a film and TV production and distribution company) Writer, producer, director and editor of the globally-awarded film, Freedom from Despair. Congratulations to Brenda from all of us here at KOCE-TV! Catch the article on Brenda in the April 24, 2008 issue of OC Metro Magazine