Faulhaber Communications has launched an annual scholarship for women attending Ryerson University’s School of Journalism or School of Professional Communications, as part of the public relations agency’s 15th anniversary celebrations.
The $1,000 annual Faulhaber Communications Award will run for 15 years and be presented each year to a female student who can demonstrate her aspiration to become a senior leader in communications.
“As a female entrepreneur I know how hard it is to get where I am right now,” says Faulhaber president and CEO Christine Faulhaber. “There are so many roadblocks, so many opportunities to be discouraged. And I think women commonly see me as a role model.”
Faulhaber says it made sense to choose Ryerson for the award as she has a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the institution and hires many grads from the university in the agency’s internship program. “Neither of these schools have ever had an award of any sort like this,” she adds.
Ryerson describes the award as open to current third or fourth-year “female-identifying” students who are full-time in either of the two programs and have a minimum CGPA of 3.0. Applicants must write a 250-500 word essay describing their ambitions to become a senior leader in communications, and link their aspirations to Faulhaber’s operating principles, namely “innovation, insight driven and collaboration and integrity.”
The award winner will be chosen by Ryerson.
In addition to the $1,000, award winners will be offered the opportunity to be part of a series of mentorship meetings with Faulhaber. Months-long internships at the agency are also possible, Faulhaber says.
“I feel that I’m here to inspire the next generation” and serve as “a useful beacon,” to potential female entrepreneurs. “I want young women to see that they can be a successful leader.”
As part of the award announcement, Faulhaber is hosting a panel discussion Oct. 6 at its offices in partnership with Ryerson that will be streamed live on Facebook.
“We wanted to assemble some great influential communicators and get on Facebook Live so we can reach as many people as possible.”
Students, who have been invited to send questions to #FCxRyerson, will obtain advice from four female leaders with diverse backgrounds in journalism and communications.
Moderated by agency director Andrea Anders, the panel features Faulhaber, Melissa Ahlstrand, group publisher, Flare and Hello Canada at Rogers Media; Alison Lawler-Dean, vice-president, marketing and communications of Rethink Breast Cancer; and ETalk reporter Liz Trinnear.
