Announcement of 2022 Recipients of Post-Secondary Scholarship Unique in Canada for Support of Students with Facial Differences
AboutFace is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2022 post-secondary scholarships: Ella Kryzanowski and Hannah Schevers.
Ella Kryzanowski will be attending MacEwan University in Edmonton as a Bachelor of Commerce student in the fall and is the recipient of the AboutFace Post-Secondary Scholarship. Ella’s teacher says she has “a thirst for knowledge, work ethic and joy in learning that makes her a role model for others.” She is also a dedicated volunteer whose community involvement has led to part-time work supporting deaf and hard-of-hearing children. Along with her twin sister Anah, Ella is a longtime member of the AboutFace community and vocal face equality advocate, featured in a YouTube video on self-acceptance that has reached viewers around the world.
Ella, who has Treacher Collins Syndrome, plans to use her marketing and business knowledge to advance the movement for acceptance of all people with differences: “I’m honoured to receive this scholarship, and I’m exceedingly thankful to AboutFace for supporting my family over the years and for their goal of making all differences accepted and loved in today’s society.”
Hannah Schevers will attend Ontario-based Fanshawe College for Fashion Design this September and is the recipient of the AboutFace Anna Pileggi Post-Secondary Scholarship. Hannah’s teacher notes “I learned very quickly that Hannah is exactly who you want as a part of your creative team. Her determination, initiative, resilience and commitment to excellence demonstrate a maturity that is a true rarity in someone so young.” Along with being active in her school and community, Hannah, who has Goldenhar Syndrome, and her sister Emilee co-founded Tru Faces, an international online community for people with disabilities and differences that boasts a growing number of ambassadors and followers.
Hannah’s long-term goal is to become a fashion entrepreneur and eventually start her own brand. “I don’t often see people with differences or disabilities in the media, on the runway, or in any aspect of the fashion industry. Through owning my own brand, I’d like to change that. I’m so grateful for the scholarship which is bringing me one step closer to my goal!”
On behalf of AboutFace, Executive Director Danielle Griffin, extended heartfelt congratulations, sharing: “Ella and Hannah are remarkable leaders and ambassadors of the facial difference community in Canada, sharing their stories and advancing advocacy efforts while focusing on their personal academic and career aspirations. We wish them much success as they start their post-secondary studies.”