London, UK – [16 July 2025] — The Taylor Bennett Foundation (TBF), in partnership with Kekst CNC, has launched the Sina Nafissi Excellence Fund - a new initiative designed to remove financial barriers faced by ethnically diverse young people pursuing careers in communications.
The fund honours the life and legacy of a brilliant alumnus of TBF’s Summer Stars Internship Programme, Sina Nafissi. Sina completed the internship through a placement with Kekst CNC before formally joining the firm as an Associate, where his intellect, talent and fearless authenticity set new standards of excellence for rising stars in the industry.
In his name, the Foundation and Kekst CNC have created a flexible fund to remove the financial barriers facing brilliant young people in the TBF community. The grant will support costs such as travel, professional clothing, training, or any kind of hardship support - ensuring Black, Asian, and ethnically diverse candidates can remain focused on pursuing pathways into careers in communications with confidence and without compromise.
The grant is already helping to level the playing field. It has funded travel for candidates outside London to attend the 2025 Summer Stars Internship Bootcamp in person - a vital first step into the industry that many are unable to take because of financial barriers. It has also supported alumni to cover travel costs to attend the Cannes Lions Festival as part of the PRCA’s Equity, Representation and Accessibility Programme, placing them at the heart of the global creative industry and connecting them with networks that could shape their future.
Koray Camgöz, CEO of the Taylor Bennett Foundation, said:
"Those who knew Sina speak of his talent, warmth, and his uncompromising belief in social mobility. He came through our 2023 Summer Stars Internship Programme and embodied everything the Taylor Bennett Foundation stands for - drive, potential, and a deep commitment to making the industry more inclusive."
"This fund represents a meaningful and long-term commitment to breaking down barriers for the next generation. It blends direct, practical support for young people with a focus on sustainability for the organisation that helped launch Sina’s career. We’re incredibly proud to honour his legacy in this way."
Richard Campbell, Partner at Kekst CNC and Head of its London office, said:
"Sina was an extraordinary young man with a unique presence and way of looking at the world that had a lasting impact on us all. He approached every challenge with curiosity, sincerity and determination, and was very focused on the need to broaden perspectives in the consulting world through ethnic and social diversity. Launching this fund and actively tackling the financial barriers he saw many of his fellow TBF alumni face, is a fitting way to keep Sina’s legacy alive and part of our firm for the years to come."
The fund will issue grants that provide support across a range of needs while young people find their way into stable employment in the sector, including:
- Travel to TBF programmes, internships or in-person training
- Professional clothing for interviews or networking
- Hardship funding
- Additional training and professional development.
Applications are now open for TBF candidates and alumni who need financial support to take the next step in their careers.
To learn more about the fund, please visit: The Sina Nafissi Excellence Fund.
About the Taylor Bennett Foundation
The Taylor Bennett Foundation (TBF) is a UK-based charity dedicated to increasing ethnic diversity in public relations and communications. Established in 2008 by executive search firm Taylor Bennett (now Taylor Birchwood), with support from Brunswick Group, the Foundation aims to empower Black, Asian, and minority ethnic talent to pursue and thrive in communications careers. Over the past fifteen years, we have helped over 1,200 young people to start their PR and communications careers through professional development programmes. We offer fully paid, award-winning training, mentoring, and internship programmes in partnership with leading industry agencies and FTSE 100 companies. Beyond career guidance, our education and leadership programmes support participants from entry-level to executive leadership
About Kekst CNC
Kekst CNC, the global strategic communications boutique of Publicis Groupe, has pioneered strategic communications to help its clients achieve their most important business goals for more than 50 years. With offices in the world’s corporate and financial centres, it uses insight, creativity and judgement to partner with clients seeking to grow, transform or protect their organizations.