TFS Names Carolina Cortez Paz as Latest Recipient of BIPOC Creative Achievement Award

Toronto Film School has named Carolina Cortez Paz the latest recipient of the BIPOC Creative Achievement Award – a platform the Latina artist plans to use to elevate and inspire her fellow creatives from marginalized communities.

Presented in partnership with BMO, the quarterly bursary – which recognizes full-time BIPOC students with $1,250 awards towards their tuition – is aimed at contributing to the diversity of the workforce in Canada’s creative industry by helping students who identify as Black, Indigenous or a Person of Colour complete their programs.

“As a Latina navigating the creative industry, I am acutely aware of the challenges that BIPOC individuals often face in gaining visibility and recognition for their work,” said the second-term Graphic Design & Interactive Media student, noting that the award not only serves as an acknowledgment of her hard work and potential, but also a source of encouragement to continue “pushing the boundaries” of her creativity.

“I am also conscious of the responsibility that comes with such recognition – to use my platform and my skills to uplift others, particularly those from underrepresented communities who, like me, are seeking to make their mark in the creative field.”

TFS Student Outreach Manager Mercedes Cardella, a member of the BIPOC Creative Achievement Award’s selection committee, said Cortez Paz’s story and personal statement stood out from the rest.

“Carolina’s emphasis on how the award would facilitate her transition from student to professional resonated deeply with all of us,” she said.

Cortez Paz’s creative journey is one that has been shaped, she said, by a deep-rooted passion for visual storytelling that was inspired by the rich cultural heritage and vibrant traditions of her community.

While she initially strived to merge her lifelong creativity with business acumen by pursuing a Bachelor of Commerce degree, it was while studying Marketing Management at Toronto Metropolitan University that she discovered her true calling in the creative process itself – “the transformative power of bringing ideas to life through design.”

“My experiences in marketing allowed me to explore various aspects of creative communication, from branding and content creation to digital marketing strategies. Yet, it became increasingly clear that my greatest passion lay in the visual elements of these projects,” she said.

It was that realization that led Cortez Paz to enroll this past July in the 12-month Graphic Design & Interactive Media program at Toronto Film School, where she’s been thankful for the opportunity to “fully immerse” herself in the world of design.

As she nears the beginning of her third term in the program, Cortez Paz said she’s excited for the vast array of opportunities now open to her as she prepares to embark on a career as a graphic designer.

“The program at Toronto Film School has introduced me to the many different paths within the industry, and I am eager to explore these options further,” she said, noting that her current plan is to gain experience across various sectors to better understand where her strengths and passions intersect.

“I am particularly interested in working with a brand, publishing house, or graphic design firm. Each of these environments offers unique opportunities to engage with different types of clients and projects, allowing me to develop a well-rounded skill set.”

Her ultimate goal is to use design “not just as a means of communication, but as a powerful tool for storytelling, cultural expression, and social change” – and that’s an aspiration she’s that much closer to achieving, she said, thanks to the BMO BIPOC Achievement Award.

“With the support of this award, I believe I can achieve the vision I’ve set for myself – a vision of a career that not only fulfills my creative ambitions, but also contributes to the diversity and richness of the creative industry,” she said.

“I am committed to using my skills to tell stories that matter, to create designs that inspire, and to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.”

Learn more about Cortez Paz and her work at https://www.carolinacortezpaz.com

Applications for this term’s BMO BIPOC Creative Achievement Award are now open! Apply today at https://mytfs.ca/my-tfs-on-campus/bipoc-creative-achievement-award/