Grady students recognized as 2021 Multicultural Advertising Internship Program fellows

Every year, the American Association of Advertising Agencies selects college students from across the country to be chosen as fellows for the Multicultural Advertising Internship Program (MAIP). 

This summer, nine Grady College advertising and public relations students will build necessary skills, develop a portfolio and intern with a variety of agencies in social, account strategy and public relations.

“Being a MAIP fellow means I get to be a part of an amazing cohort that not only provides a support system, but also actively celebrates diversity,” said Amari Tillman, a graduate student in integrated advertising and public relations. “My worth is being seen and advocated for in professional spaces and I’m so grateful for the opportunity.”

Over 90 companies participated in MAIP’s 12-week virtual program last year. The program is committed to bringing students from diverse backgrounds into the advertising industry. 

“I am proud to be a part of a program that strives to make diversity, equity and inclusion an integral piece in the future of advertising, so that when we see ads featuring people of color, they are ads that undermine rather than perpetuate stereotypes.”

– Fourth-year advertising and sociology double major Morgan Jackson said. 

Grady students will have the opportunity to network with their 2021 cohort, learn from industry professionals and gain the skills and experience that will prepare them for their post-graduate endeavors. 

The fellows are also excited to create meaningful work with their host agencies, including FCB Chicago, Weber Shandwick, Pavone Marketing Group and Rodgers Townsend.

“To me, it means I have been given a unique opportunity to not only get experience with real clients, but to also start making an impact in the media industry by contributing my diverse perspective,” third-year advertising major Alise Crittendon said.

For third-year advertising and marketing double major Shruti Muruganandan, she realized early on she didn’t know anyone in either field. Being a fellow will help Muruganandan grow her network and give her a sense of community within the fellowship program, she said.

“We love to say the industry’s all about the people you know, and I feel so grateful to say that I get to know and learn from the MAIP community,” she said.

The eight students participating in the program are Alise Crittendon (FCB Chicago, copywriting), Morgan Jackson (Pavone Marketing Group, Inc, account and strategy), Amari Tillman (Weber Shandwick, public relations), Camryn Williams (Weber Shandwick, public relations), Camden Dukes (LGA Agency, media), Isabel Weber (Entree Health, social strategy), Grace Yeo (Rodgers Townsend), Shruti Muruganandan (Doe-Anderson, strategy) and Nhilynn Nguyen.