Mexican-born Illiana is 28 years old. She lives in Poland where she works as a hostess aboard the MS King of Scandinavia. Illiana describes herself as a social, optimistic person with a passion for learning and, even though she works hard at her job and does well, her ambitious nature means that she is always ready for a new challenge.

A chance to improve
It is vital in Illiana’s job that she knows how to communicate effectively with customers and personnel. That’s why, in 2009, she decided to apply for a Master’s degree in Communication and Public Relations from the University of Barcelona – an online education programme that would develop the skills she had previously obtained at the University of Sonora in Mexico where she studied communication science.

A helping hand
Unfortunately for Illiana, the course was simply too expensive – so she turned to the Lauritzen Foundation for help. Today, we are proud to say that we gave Illiana a scholarship for 40,000 Dkr. to cover her University expenses and give her the support she needed to further her career.

Facts & Figures
Project: Support for online master degree in Communication and Public Relations at University of Barcelona
Recipient: Illiana Vanessa Corella de Trukawka
Amount: 40,000 Dkr
Location: Poland