In a packed ballroom at the Metropolitan Pavilion last night, the BIC team of Megan Fullagar, Benjamin Kent, Marta Mugica, Liana Pantzari, and Karina Ramos Salce, accepted the Gold Pencil for its submission in the Empathy to Equality video category. Chosen from among submissions all over the globe (from Milan to Mumbai, Rio de Janeiro to Stockholm) by a jury of top industry professionals and educators, the BIC team bested the competition -- and were chosen to be the last team to take to the podium -- to win top honors with "Effigies to Equality," a campaign that seeks to address the shocking fact that there are no female statues among the numerous effigies in Central Park (which includes the rescue dog Balto and King Władysław II Jagiełło of Poland). 

As the Academy Award of the branding and advertising industry, just being considered for a Pencil is ALMOST an award in itself. But actually WINNING a Pencil is a life changing honor. A BIG BIC Congrats to the entire BIC team with kudos going to the awesome guidance and support of BIC instructor Jason Stefanik and BIC Creative Track Director Gerardo Blumenkrantz. 

As a judge at this year's 2016 Young Ones Competition, BIC Program Director Nancy R. Tag noted that "the student submissions this year were absolutely AMAZING. The competition was stiff. I was so proud to see our CCNY submission 'Effigies for Equality' among the finalists and with total confidence ABSTAINED from voting on it. This win could not make me prouder.”  The ONE Club President Kevin Swanepoel extended a personal congratulations noting the impressive showing from a program that only launched a few years ago. 

More about Creative Week:  this year, it will be held from May 9-13 in New York. It is the preeminent festival showcasing the intersection of advertising, innovation and creative thinking. Home to The ONE Show, Young Ones Competition, The ONE Show Creative Summit as well as networking and learning events that highlight the power of creativity, it will attract thousands of creative types from all over the world.

More about The ONE Club: The One Club exists to champion and promote excellence in advertising and design in all its forms. It is the world's foremost non-profit organization devoted to elevating creative work in the industry. It seeks to celebrate the legacy of creative advertising and to use that legacy to inspire future generations. The One Club is the 'keeper of the flame' for advertising creatives. The One Show remains the pinnacle of achievement by providing a showcase of the world’s best work, and by inviting collaboration among individuals who are actively developing outstanding work.  Further, The One Club exists to educate and inspire students of the business and to benefit the next generation of creatives through scholarships, portfolio reviews and annual student exhibitions and competitions.

See more photos in our GALLERY.