New Voices, Bold Journeys: Announcing the 2026 VO Atlanta Scholarship Winners!

2 hours ago
3 min read

Our panel of judges was deeply moved by the caliber of entries we received this year. The vulnerability, professionalism, and sheer heart displayed in these applications made the selection process both difficult and inspiring.

After much deliberation, VO BOSS, in partnership with VO Atlanta 2026, is thrilled to announce the winners of this year’s scholarships! To everyone who applied: thank you. Your stories remind us why this community is so special. You are all remarkably talented, and we hope to see you in Atlanta next month!

A massive thank you Anna and J. Michael Collins for their unwavering generosity and for continuing to champion the next generation of voice talent.

Now, let’s celebrate the incredible individuals who will be joining us this year!

CONGRATULATIONS TO JOHN W. GILL

2026 Carol Joy Memorial National Scholarship Winner

John’s journey is a testament to the power of transformation. A U.S. Marine Corps veteran with a lifetime of leadership and service, John is now channeling his experiences—authority, empathy, and resilience—into a meaningful second career in voice acting.

After navigating a profound personal journey of healing and renewal later in life, John describes his entry into VO as a "phoenix-like rebirth." He is dedicated to serving the message and transforming written words into impactful experiences. Despite the financial hurdles of living on long-term disability, John has already invested in foundational training and approaches the craft with a rare blend of humility and fierce determination.

John, your discipline and fortitude are an inspiration. We are honored to support your path of reinvention and can’t wait to see you in Atlanta!

CONGRATULATIONS TO MAYLIN MARTINEZ MORERA

2026 Carol Joy Memorial National Scholarship Winner

Maylin moved to the U.S. at sixteen without speaking English, once fearing her accent was a barrier to her dream of storytelling. Today, she has spent over a decade as a professional live host in the automotive industry, proving that honesty and intention matter more than "perfect" wording.

Maylin is already making waves in the industry with ADR credits on major projects like Vivo, The Mother, and Los Frikis. Beyond her performance work, she is the creator of Ventures On A Whim, a platform encouraging others to follow curiosity over certainty. As she navigates a significant personal transition and rebuilds her life in a new city, Maylin is committed to mastering VO as a sustainable, intentional career—creating a voice for those who, like her, grow up between cultures and language

Maylin, your courage to "speak anyway" has brought you so far. We are thrilled to help accelerate your journey at VO Atlanta!

See You in Atlanta!

Thank you again to ALL who applied. We truly believe that every voice has a story worth telling. Congratulations to John and Maylin—we are so proud to have you representing the VO BOSS community.

Special thanks again to Anna and J. Michael Collins for helping us make these dreams a reality. We’ll see you all in March!

For more information about VO Atlanta, please visit: https://voatlanta.me/

For more information about the VO BOSS Scholarship program, please visit: https://www.voboss.com/scholarship

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