Colenso enlists Ahua founder

AUCKLAND, Today: Sonya Milford has joined Colenso BBDO as a senior digital designer. She comes with a wealth of experience in both the design and digital sectors, having worked at Gladeye, TVNZ and TRA.

Colenso head of digital production Tennille Barnes said: “I’m really excited to have Sonya join the team; she has fresh energy and spirit that extends far beyond her work, helping us to drive a new and higher benchmark for creativity.”

Milford recently founded Āhua Collective, a creative group designed to empower QTBIPOC* and BIPOC artists, and create a more accessible industry.

“There is great power in sharing and understanding the stories of marginalised creatives.”

Milford said: “There is great power in sharing and understanding the stories of marginalised creatives. To ignore that, would be to miss an entire shift in creative innovation. I’m really excited to bring my passion and point of view to Colenso and the work they make”.

Colenso MD Angela Watson said: “The face of creativity is changing, and Sonya is leading the charge. We’re really excited to work alongside her to empower all voices, in both the work and the wider industry”.

“Sonya’s commitment to craft has been celebrated both locally and internationally. Most recently, for her contribution to The Virtual Economy which won several awards, including a purple pin at the Best Awards.

“Her appointment comes off the back of a particularly strong year for Colenso’s design department, being highly awarded at the Best Awards and the Kātoitoi design archives.”

• *Queer, Trans, Black, Indigenous People of Colour