Industry-backed scholarship launches in memory of digital ad sales pioneer Sam Smith

Social purpose organisation UnLtd in partnership with The Pinnacle Foundation, has launched a new scholarship program in honour of the late Sam Smith.

The ‘Sam Smith’ scholarship will be awarded to young LGBTQI+ Australians in the fields of marketing, advertising, technology or communication. Over five years the scholarship program will fund the student’s education, whilst also matching them with an LGBTQI+ mentor and providing work experience opportunities to complement their studies.

The program, open to all Pinnacle Scholarship applicants, has been specially created to encourage and help young LGBTQI+ individuals realise their full potential and assist in overcoming personal challenges that may arise from understanding their own identity.

Says Andrew Staite, CEO of The Pinnacle Foundation: “We’re thrilled to partner with UnLtd on such an important scholarship program for the media and marketing industry. There’s so much diverse talent the queer community has to offer.

“Coming out is never an easy task and you don’t have to do it alone. With many LGBTQI+ individuals often facing difficult personal challenges around their identity, the Sam Smith Scholarship will provide the support and platform to launch their careers.”

UnLtd thanks the individuals and businesses who have pledged donations in support of the initiative. Over $50,000 was raised at the Agency Leaders Symposium which will help support the scholarship program for five years.

Says Tiff Damm, general manager of Melbourne at UnLtd: “Thanks to the generosity of our industry this new scholarship, in honour of one of our industry’s greats, is going to make a real impact on the community and our industry.

“UnLtd is committed to championing inclusivity and creating equal opportunity for young people so it only makes sense to play a part in launching such a crucial program. Sam had a profound impact on our industry and may his legacy live on in the next generation of leaders.”

Sam’s husband and director of customer, brand and marketing advisory at KPMG Australia, Mark Timmins adds: “As a trailblazer pushing for greater transparency across the media industry, Sam was also committed to personal authenticity. Understanding yourself, accepting yourself and respecting yourself are all crucial steps towards bringing your best self forward.

“As many of us know, that road sometimes is tough. But, rest assured, Sam is cheering us from the sidelines and this amazing scholarship enables him to do just that.”