This fall marked the eighth iteration of our Illustrating Awesomeness scholarship.
That’s right: every year since 2017, our team of expert animators has enjoyed the privilege of learning about our world’s up and coming creative forces, through our scholarship application question “Who are you, and how will you change the world?”
At the end of December, we awarded another four scholarships to inspiring undergraduate students who are women or gender nonconforming people of color. We are so excited to announce this year’s scholarship winners: Shamsa, Tamara, Chandra and Aniya.
But what does it really mean to illustrate awesomeness?
For us, the answer is rooted in our values as a BCorp, and a people-first animation studio:
Every project we work on, and anything we do in the world, is based in Authenticity, Inventiveness, Partnership, and Clarity. Our scholarship recipients are no exception: in their own ways, each of our winners represents these values with their vision for a better world.
We were inspired by the empathy and deep-rooted passion evident in the stories shared by all 117 applicants this year, and we thank everyone who applied.
Our winners demonstrate exceptional clarity, inventiveness, partnership, and authenticity. Without further ado, meet our 2024 Illustrating Awesomeness Scholarship Recipients:
Shamsa
Shamsa (she/her) is a first-generation college student pursuing an undergraduate degree at Portland State University, majoring in Accounting. As a proud Somali, she is passionate about tax accounting and financial analysis, with a strong dedication to using her skills to uplift immigrant and underrepresented communities. Through internships in tax preparation and tax planning, she has gained valuable experience and aims to leverage her education to promote financial literacy and support small businesses. After graduation, she plans to sit for the CPA exam and continue making a meaningful impact.
Tamara
Hello! I'm Tamara, a Biology major at Savannah State University. My goal is to make a meaningful impact by reducing fetal and maternal mortality rates. I aspire to become a compassionate specialist whom women trust for their care, ensuring healthy pregnancies, safe deliveries, and the joy of welcoming a new life into the world. This scholarship allows me to share my passion to be an OBGYN with people and I hope it encourages other individuals to enter such a wonderful field!
Chandra
My name is Chandra Jackson, and I am pursuing a degree in Human Services with a focus on gerontology. I am passionate about improving the lives of the elderly by addressing their mental and physical health challenges. I aspire to create programs that foster social connections and enhance the quality of life for aging populations. I hope to leave a legacy of kindness and meaningful change by addressing loneliness and advocating for compassionate care. Receiving this scholarship is not just financial support, it is a vote of confidence in my ability to make a difference. It inspires me to work even harder toward my goals, knowing that others believe in my vision for change.
Aniya
I’m a music and art lover who enjoys crafting detailed characters and exploring intricate narratives. I also have a passion for world-building, blending unique traits and rich backstories into each creation, and I value depth and authenticity in storytelling.
Our heartfelt congratulations and support goes out to every student who took the time to apply. Each story we received was read and appreciated by our Scholarship Committee, and left us excited for the future you all will build with your plans to change the world.
Learn more about the Illustrating Awesomeness Scholarship here.
