Alicia Herrera is the first recipient of The Sam Smith Scholarship, powered by the Pinnacle Foundation and UnLtd.
The scholarship was launched in 2021 to honor Sam Smith, a well-known and much-loved digital media industry pioneer who sadly lost his battle with brain cancer.
UnLtd has rallied the media, marketing, tech and creative industry to raise over $170,000 for the special education and mentoring scholarship by Pinnacle Foundation to help young LGBTIQ+ Australians realise their full potential and overcome challenges arising from their identity.
The first beneficiary of the scholarship, Alicia Herrera, is studying for bachelor of communications at RMIT University, specialising in digital media. Herrera has a passion for radio and volunteering for various LGBTIQ+ organisations and her dream is to one day set up a social media company that is queer based and supports queer artists.
Andrew Staite, CEO of The Pinnacle Foundation, said: “We are so grateful to the advertising industry for rallying behind this special scholarship and helping transform the lives of young LGBTIQ+ scholars.
"Our vision is for a more diverse and inclusive society with visible LGBTIQ+ role models. Sam was one of those role models and we’re delighted to be able to continue his legacy through this program.”
The Scholarship has currently raised enough funds to fund the Sam Smith Scholarship program for 15 years but the aim is to reach $200,000 to make the scholarship run in perpetuity.
Tiffany Damm, commercial director at UnLtd, said: “Sam was a larger than life character who was never afraid to be his true self. It’s so fitting that his scholarship is allowing young students to realise their full potential, take pride in themselves and become digital media experts, just like Sam was.
"We want to make Sam’s name remembered forever and make the scholarship last for years to come – we only need another $30,000 to reach the target and we’re inviting everyone who knew Sam to get involved.”
Mark Timmins, Sam Smith’s partner, said: "We were all warmed by the sunshine of Sam, and if you were too I'm sure you'll want to be involved in the Sam Smith Scholarship. How amazing to have helped it live beyond us all?
"We have been so humbled by the support already given and are extremely grateful to each and every person who has donated - every dollar has made a difference and we're so, so close.
"Everyone who knew Sam knows he was big on participation - whether it was rallying a sales team or organising a sack race at the farm. So, in his memory, please take this final opportunity to get involved at any level you can."
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