Diana Chavez, a UMKC freshman, and Karl Washington, a sophomore at the Kansas City Art Institute, are the 2024 recipients of the Resonance Scholarship.
This scholarship is sponsored by Signal Theory and The BrandLab to promote diversity in the marketing and advertising industry.
Recipients of the scholarship received a monetary award of $2,500 as well as a paid internship that follows the end of their sophomore year in college. To receive the award, students have to make their commitment show in all aspects of their work.
“Students who really stand out show a commitment to expanding diversity in the field through their studies, extracurricular activities, and work experience,”said Signal Theory Co-CEO John January.
Chavez’s drive and community commitment are essential to her future plans. She completed an internship at Barkley her junior year of high school and will begin an internship with Fresco Marketing on Sept. 9.
“I just got my letter of employment from Fresco Marketing which is another very unique internship I’m looking forward to because it’s really connected to the Hispanic community,” said Chavez.
The UMKC freshman, Bloch Scholar and First Gen Roo, has received three internship awards while advocating to push for more educational opportunities at her old high school. Chavez received the award her senior year of high school and returned with a representative from The BrandLab to explore how to get more educational support for multicultural communities.
“I was lucky enough to put myself out there to have this [scholarship], but I don’t want it to be so difficult for students to be able to know that these opportunities are open to them,” said Chavez.
Chavez’s biggest inspiration for her educational ambitions are her two hardworking older siblings. As a middle sibling of nine, Chavez is family-oriented at her core and surrounded by support from family members of all ages.
Washington is a sophomore at Kansas City Art Institute as well as a new student ambassador and member of the Black Student Union.
“He has the most creative mind I’ve seen,” said Chavez about Washington.
The two have worked together in the past at Barkley and may have the opportunity to do so again at Signal Theory. Washington’s career goals are aimed at working on animation and increasing diversity in creative industries.
Washington is inspired by animated films like “Spider-Man: Into the Spider Verse,” that lean into multicultural communities to promote and celebrate diversity.
“He’s passionate about helping to create a positive representation of people of color in the animation and film industry,” said January. “We’re excited to support him in reaching that goal.”
