Who is Donna Farizan? Career explored as TV producer exits 'Today' after 12 years

TV producer Donna Farizan has decided to leave Today after 12 years of working with the channel. During a recent episode of the show, Jenna &Friends, Farizan revealed that she has made this decision to pursue other career opportunities. The official Instagram account of the show posted a heartfelt message on September 8, writing:

“Today we say goodbye to our incredible friend, Donna. She's brought us joy, heart, and unforgettable stories. Wishing her nothing but success and love on her next chapter.”

According to her LinkedIn profile, Donna Farizan worked in various capacities at Today and NBC. Before working as a Contributor, she was the host of Backstage Pass & Donna Off-Air. In 2011, she worked as an intern at the Hudson Institute, and before that, she was a volunteer at the Office of Presidential Correspondence.

In terms of her educational qualifications, she holds a BA degree in Communication from The George Washington University. Donna Farizan also studied Spanish Language and Literature at the University of Seville and the Autonomous University of Madrid.

Per her biography available on CAA Speakers' website, before she joined the Jenna &Friends show, Farizan looked after the lifestyle and entertainment segments at Today. She also interviewed people and celebrities like Trisha Yearwood and Kevin Hart. At times, she would be involved in showing the behind-the-scenes in the studio.

In one of her recent posts on Instagram, Donna Farizan said that on her last day at work, she got her coffee from the shop across the street because that was the same shop from where she got her coffee 12 years ago with her mother. She also said:

“The most fulfilling part of this journey and about following my dreams that I get to share in it with you. I have been figuring out my voice this whole time. I have been growing up this whole time.”

An excerpt from Donna Farizan’s letter to herself as she bids goodbye to Today

During a segment of the show, Donna Farizan said she was challenging herself to spread her wings to explore what is in store for her. She also wrote a letter to herself, in which she addressed that it was time for her to step into the next chapter of her life. In the letter, she wrote:

“The unknown can be scary but it’s also exhilarating, so let’s embrace it. Since I started college and had my heart set on television, I didn’t know where the road would lead but I knew to follow my curiosity and spark.”

Donna Farizan mentioned that the road she created helped her get important lessons. Her way of working showed her how she could narrate stories in her style. As she read her letter, she also stressed how discomfort could become a cornerstone for growth, which taught her to leap. In this regard, she said:

“Because it’s only the part before I take the jump that I fear, but the bigger the leap, the bigger the shift in perspective and the more resilient I become.”

Donna Farizan looked back on how she pushed herself to get out of her comfort zone. She said she impacted others through her way of surprising them, recognising budding talents, and celebrating others who have reached a certain position.

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