AIGA Philadelphia is proud to announce the recipient of the 2025 AIGA Alina Wheeler Memorial Scholarship: Melissa Vilain of Rutgers University–Camden.
Melissa will be awarded $2,500 in recognition of her outstanding creative vision, personal storytelling, and dedication to exploring themes of identity, emotion, and mental health through graphic design.
The AIGA Philadelphia Scholarship is an annual opportunity that supports local Graphic Design students through the award of financial assistance to pursue their education. We hope to build upon the foundation of community in the Philadelphia Chapter to provide young designers the opportunity to share their vision with the world. Recipients are chosen based on the strength of their application and demonstration of need.
Learn more about the award recipient below:
Melissa Vilain, a senior Graphic Design student at Rutgers University–Camden, contains works that explore identity, emotion, and mental health through bold storytelling and experimental typography. Whether it’s designing books, posters, or typefaces, She use design as a tool to process emotions and connect with others. Through vulnerability, culture, and creative risk-taking, she aims to create work that resonates with people on a deeply personal level.
Would you like to share more about your family or personal story, or an edited selection from your essay?
Growing up, I struggled with feeling like I didn’t fully belong—especially navigating different parts of my identity. Design became the one place where I could explore those feelings without needing all the answers. It’s helped me reflect on my Haitian-American background, mental health, and the complexities of finding where I fit in. That personal journey is what drives the heart of my work.
What are some challenges you’ve faced in pursuing your education?
Navigating college with major depressive disorder and anxiety has been a constant balancing act. On top of that, financial stress has made things even more complicated at times. Still, I’ve learned to advocate for myself, stay resourceful, and move at a pace that honors both my goals and my well-being. It hasn’t been easy, but it’s made me more resilient—and even more intentional about the work I create.
What inspires you about the field of Graphic Design?
Graphic design is powerful because it lives at the intersection of creativity and communication. I’m inspired by its ability to tell stories, challenge norms, and make people feel something—sometimes without saying a word. There’s so much room for experimentation and emotion, and I love that design can be both deeply personal and universally understood. It’s a space where I feel seen and where I can help others feel seen too.
What are your professional goals after graduation?
After graduation, I hope to work in a creative studio that values bold ideas and heartfelt storytelling. I also dream of creating personal work that leaves something behind—designs that feel like memories, that people can hold onto and return to. Whether collaborative or individual, my goal is to make work that resonates deeply, speaks softly or loudly when needed, and reminds people they’re not alone.
