Wunderman Thompson opens applications for the 2023 Helen Lansdowne Resor Scholarship

Wunderman Thompson has opened applications for the 2023 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 provides female & non-binary students the opportunities and support they need to successfully join the advertising industry’s creative ranks.

Ezinne Okoro, Global Chief Inclusion, Equity and Diversity Officer at Wunderman Thompson, says: “Helen Lansdowne Resor was an unparalleled creative force during her time and her legacy is an impressive feat many of us can only aspire to. It’s been both a pleasure and a privilege to watch last year’s scholarship recipients take their creative bravery to the next level, and we’re delighted to open up the scholarship in Helen’s honor once again, to actively help shape the next generation of leadership and create a more diverse, equitable, and truly inclusive future for our industry.”

Daniel Bonner and Bas Korsten, Global Chief Creative Officers at Wunderman Thompson, said: “During her time, Helen Lansdowne Resor blazed a trail as one of the industry’s pioneers and first female creatives. This scholarship in her honor is a wonderful opportunity for upcoming female and non-binary students to experience life at the world’s largest creative company and learn from some of the best creative talent the industry has to offer, and we look forward to welcoming them into the fold in the new year.”

Lindsay Shirley, Chief People Officer at Wunderman Thompson APAC, said: “We are thrilled to be offering this scholarship to an ambitious creative individual embarking on their advertising career in the APAC region. It is an honour to carry on Helen Lansdowne’s legacy by supporting and celebrating young diverse talent in the industry.”

WPP announced in October the merger of Wunderman Thompson and VMLY&R to create VML, the world’s largest creative company, combining brand experience, customer experience and commerce. The global scholarship opportunity will award four recipients $10,000 towards their creative journey, plus a paid internship at a VML office in their respective region, as well as a mentor from the business and a ‘first look’ placement consideration upon graduation. Winners will have the opportunity to work directly with creative teams and learn what it takes to succeed in the advertising agency.

Applications opened this week on 13 November 2023 and close on 5 January 2024. The scholarship is open to all female and non-binary individuals currently studying in a creative field, who are registered as an undergraduate, graduate, and/or portfolio school. Four scholarships will be given in total, with winners announced in March 2024.