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Wunderman Thompson has announced the winners of the 2022 Helen Lansdowne Resor Scholarship in partnership with the 4A’s Foundation.
Named after Helen Lansdowne Resor, the industry and Wunderman Thompson’s first female copywriter, the scholarship aims to amplify historically marginalized voices in the creative industry and provide female and non-binary college students the opportunities and support they need to successfully join the advertising industry’s creative ranks.
The 2022 recipients are:
- Christine Cozzo – NA
- Charis Liang – APAC
- Sira Piazesse – LATAM
- Ilu Shilpakar Sancha – EMEA
Winners will receive $10,000 towards their education and creative journey, plus a paid internship at a Wunderman Thompson office in their respective region, a mentor from Wunderman Thompson, and a ‘first look’ placement consideration upon graduation.
Ezinne Okoro, Global Chief Inclusion, Equity and Diversity Officer at Wunderman Thompson says: “We’re so excited to once again have four creative, curious, and talented individuals join our teams at Wunderman Thompson. Their work showcases amazing skill and passion in their respective creative fields, and I believe they will go on to become changemakers in our industry like our scholarship’s namesake, Helen Lansdowne Resor.”
Daniel Bonner and Bas Korsten, Global Chief Creative Officers at Wunderman Thompson added: “Helen Lansdowne Resor was an unparalleled force during her time, and we’re proud to continue her legacy to inspire the next generation of creative talent. We’re looking forward to welcoming these individuals who are passionate about taking their creative bravery to the next level into the Wunderman Thompson fold. We have no doubt that experience will provide a platform for them to focus their creative vision, and we’re sure their point of view and passion for the industry will inspire our creative teams along the way.”
Women and non-binary individuals studying in a creative field were invited to apply for the 2022 Helen Lansdowne Resor Scholarship, with applications open from 14 November 2022 to 6 January 2023. Applications for the 2023 Scholarship will open in Fall 2023 to be awarded in Spring 2024.
About the Winners:
Christine Cozzo – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
BIO: I'm a rising senior at Temple University studying advertising, concentrating in copywriting. Ever since I was old enough to hold a pencil, I've loved writing. I'm very grateful to have found a career path where I get to write about interesting stuff every day. I'm also someone who adores ducks, practices restorative yoga, and I like to spend me weekends exploring Philadelphia.
On being awarded the HLR Scholarship in North America, Christine commented: “It still doesn't feel real. To me, this scholarship is a sign to keep working for my dreams because I owe it to everyone who believed in me. I know I competed against many other talented individuals for this recognition, and I am incredibly humbled to be selected for it. I'm distinctly aware of the impact this opportunity will have on my career and will forever be grateful that someone saw something admirable in my work. Helen Lansdowne Resor's long-lasting legacy of creative bravery is an impressive feat I can only aspire to one day do honor to.”
Charis Liang – Choa Chu Kang North, Singapore
BIO: Charis Liang is a poet and copywriter from Hong Kong, now based in Singapore. She supports herself by doing things with words– translating and writing copy for social media, corporates, and dabbling in journalism. She has published two poetry pamphlets and has been featured internationally under her writer's name. She likes ducks, geese, vintage fashion, and is a nerd about spaces (NOT space).
As the recipient of the HLR Scholarship in APAC, Charis says: “I am thrilled and grateful to have been given this opportunity, and particularly to follow in the footsteps of Helen Lansdowne Resor – who before becoming the first of the Mad Woman, was first and foremost admirably self-reliant and self-supporting with the skills she had at her disposal in a gender-hostile era and environment.”
Sira Piazesse - Buenos Aires, Argentina
BIO: Hi, my name is Sira, I'm 18 years old and I'm from Buenos Aires, Argentina. I'm currently studying design at Universidad de Palermo and I've always had a passion for design and innovation.
From a very young age I was fascinated by creative activities and I loved experimenting with different materials and techniques to make my own little projects. As I grew up, I became more interested in design, and started to explore its different areas such as industrial and graphic design.
As for the future, I am excited to see where my passion for design will take me. I would like to use my skills to make a positive impact on the world and create innovative projects. I am confident that with dedication and creativity I can achieve great things.
Commenting on the award, Sira said: “Being awarded the Helen Lansdowne Resor Scholarship is an honor and a privilege for which I am extremely grateful. I consider this achievement a symbol of the dedication I have put into my studies and projects and look forward to making the most of this opportunity. I am very excited for this experience and am looking forward to gaining the knowledge that I know this internship will give me.”
Ilu Shilpakar Sancha –Madrid, Spain
BIO: Hello! My name is Ilu, and I am a professional daydreamer and Art Director. I come from a design background, but I recently have fallen in love with advertising. I am a proud mom of two cats, a video games geek, and one of the best shower singers in my house. When I grow up, I want to rediscover the passion I had as a child, constantly searching for the ‘amazingness’ in all the little things.
On winning the HLR Scholarship for EMEA, Ilu said: “There are no words to express how grateful I am for receiving the HLR Scholarship. It's the best opportunity for young creative woman, and I still can't believe I am one of them. I can't wait to join Wunderman Thompson and learn as much as possible from their amazing creative teams.”
