2012 Torchia Scholarship Winner Announced

TORONTO, Sept. 13, 2012 /CNW/ - Zulfar Azimi, Gatineau, Quebec, is the winner of the sixth annual Torchia Scholarship in Public Relations/ Communications, awarded by the Communications + Public Relations Foundation.  The $1,500 annual Scholarship was established to recognize a student who best exemplifies the spirit and practice of bilingualism in the Canadian communications and public relations profession.

A student at Algonquin College, Ottawa, Azimi is entering her second year of the Public Relations Certificate program. Fluent in four languages [English, French, Hindi and Persian], she also holds a certificate in General Arts & Science Media & Communications from Algonquin.

"Born in Afghanistan, raised in India, living in a French city and studying at an English college, Zulfar exemplifies the richness of Canadian culture", said jury chair Antoine Landry.  "She is persuasive and affirmative and is at ease outside of her comfort zone and is committed to becoming an excellent public relations practitioner."

A member of the Dean's list at Algonquin, Azimi has served as a media office assistant for the 2012 JUNO Awards, gained knowledge and experience in accounting practices with Hari-Road in Tokyo and was event co-ordinator for the Media & Communications Movie Night where she was responsible for planning and promoting the event.

She has experience in developing communications strategy, has worked on an anti-bullying campaign and understands how to create strategies around multiple channels such as Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Wordpress.

According to Stephen Heckbert, Professor and Co-ordinator of the program at Algonquin, "Zulfar is the living embodiment of Canadian bilingualism and diversity; she is an outstanding young professional who will make a difference in public relations in Canada".

The Torchia Scholarship is awarded to a communications student who has chosen to study public relations/communications in one of Canada's two official languages that is not his/her first language or mother tongue, and who is entering the second year of study in a Canadian university degree program or multi-year certificate or diploma program that meets recognized standards of education.

"Speaking multiple languages enriches students, gives them a competitive edge and a greater appreciation for other cultures and ways of thinking, which often leads to exciting career opportunities," said Jean-Claude Torchia, President and CEO of Torchia Communications.  "Torchia Communications is very proud to support this Scholarship and what it stands for. We extend our congratulations to Zulfar as she embarks on what promises to be an outstanding career."

The Torchia Scholarship monies are managed by the Communications + Public Relations Foundation. The Foundation promotes the advancement of communications and public relations as vital functions in society, is dedicated to the public interest, and is committed to increasing  public knowledge and awareness of the role of communications and public relations in daily life. The Foundation accepts individual and corporate contributions towards research and educational initiatives nationwide.

For more information about the Foundation and its public relations educational initiatives, contact Barbara Sheffield, Executive Director, Communications + Public Relations Foundation, Suite 1515, 73 Widdicombe Hill Blvd., Toronto, Ontario, M9R 4B3, or phone [phone] or email [email protected].

SOURCE: Communications + Public Relations Foundation

Hélène Gagné, MBA, ARP  [jury member]
[phone], x 2330
Cell:  (514)  916-0829
[email protected]

Barbara Sheffield, BA, APR, FCPRS
[phone]
[email protected] 

Photo available