Scholarship Spotlight: Grace Gavilanes

Managing Editor, Equinox

Personal bio:

Grace Gavilanes is a freelance writer and editor based in Queens, New York. She has over 10 years of experiencing writing and editing for award-winning publications and highly-regarded CPG brands.

What year did you win your NYWICI Scholarship?

2012

What did receiving a NYWICI scholarship mean to you?

It meant everything! Receiving an NYWICI scholarship meant that all those hours of interning for free, manifesting magazine bylines, and volunteering for every writing opportunity finally paid off. I was being inducted into a sisterhood of like-minded, equally-motivating, goal-oriented women. It was the inspiration I needed to never give up.

How has receiving the NYWICI scholarship helped with your career?

People know what NYWICI is. The opportunity really did connect me with people I’ve long admired in the industry. It opened doors for future internships and jobs. Winning a scholarship also allowed me to study abroad in London, which was always a dream of mine!

How do you plan to give back to the NYWICI community or pay it forward?

I want to sponsor a scholarship for first-generation BIPOC writers. Give me some time and I’ll make it happen.

Do you have any advice or words of encouragement for future scholarship applicants?

Authenticity always shines through, in your application and in your in-person interview. Tell your story and don’t be afraid to share your craziest dreams. Anything can happen, you just have to believe that it can.