INFINITY Integrated Marketing Communications and Events Limited (Infinity IMC) is celebrating its seventh anniversary by expanding its annual awards support for students at the Caribbean School of Media and Communication (CARIMAC), at the University of the West Indies, Mona (The UWI). In previous years the company sponsored one award, but this year increased the number to three, recognising outstanding academic performance across different programmes.

The 2025 awardees, recognised at the recent faculty awards at The UWI, Mona were Fallon Naomi Miller for Animation, Zantaye Annaleise Thomas for Integrated Marketing Communication, and Kelesha Williams for Communication for Social and Behaviour Change-Graduate Studies.

Miller, Thomas and Williams emerged as the top performers in their respective programmes, reflecting resilience, discipline, and a commitment to using communications as a force for change.

Chief executive officer of Infinity IMC Shanoy Harris Coombs said the decision to expand the number of awards this year reflects the company’s continued commitment to investing in the next generation of communication professionals.

“As we celebrate seven years as a company, we wanted to do something meaningful that reflects the values of our organisation. Social impact remains at the heart of what we do and we believe in leading this charge by also giving back. In this our seventh year, increasing the number of scholarships allows us to recognise more talented students and support their journey into the wider media and communications industry,” she said.

For the top performers, the journey to the awards was one of resilience and discipline.

For Williams, a journalist at Television Jamaica, the pursuit of higher education was deeply personal and rooted in her upbringing in rural Jamaica.

“I came from very humble beginnings. I grew up in a poor farming community where opportunities were limited and socio-economic issues were rife. As such, I was motivated, from a tender age, to break the cycle of marginalisation in my community and provide a platform where I can give voice to the voiceless. Given my economic standing at the time, education was the only way to create meaningful change in low-income rural communities like Green Town, Trelawny,” she shared.

For Thomas, the journey to academic distinction was equally demanding. Known for her leadership and strong academic record, she balanced numerous responsibilities while completing her studies in Integrated Marketing Communication.

“Balancing everything. Leadership roles. Internships. Creative projects. Early mornings. Late nights. There were times I was exhausted. Times I questioned if I was stretching myself too thin,” she reflected.

“But eventually, I learned structure as well as I had an awesome support team standing by my side. And thank God it paid off, as I was selected as class valedictorian for the UWI, Mona graduating class of 2025.”

Through her work, she hopes to reshape how Caribbean stories are told and represented globally.

“Through my communication work, I hope to make an impact by amplifying marginalised voices, highlighting Caribbean excellence and shifting narratives. I aim to intentionally contribute to building Brand Jamaica: not just culturally, but strategically on the global stage.”

Williams, meanwhile, hopes to use her training to bridge the gap between communities facing social challenges and the institutions capable of influencing change.

“I hope to influence meaningful change in behaviour change communication by raising awareness and connecting people living on the frontlines with those who are in a position to impact their lives meaningfully,” she said.

Both women say the recognition from Infinity IMC represents more than an academic award; it signals the importance of industry support in nurturing future professionals.

Meanwhile, Harris Coombs commended the scholarship recipients for their dedication and achievements.

“These young women represent the future of our industry. Their discipline, creativity, and commitment to excellence are inspiring, and we are proud to support them as they continue their professional journeys.”

She also noted that the addition of the Animation award was intentional, reflecting the evolving nature of the communications field.

“Animation is an important and growing part of how brands and organisations communicate today, especially in the digital space. By adding this category, we wanted to acknowledge the role of creative storytelling and visual communication in shaping how messages are delivered and understood.”

Infinity IMC scholarship recipient Zantaye Annaleise Thomas, who was recognised as the most outstanding student in the Integrated Marketing Communication programme and also valedictorian for the UWI, Mona 2025 graduating class.