Two AdPR students named to AAF’s 2020 Most Promising Multicultural Student Program  

Two Grady College advertising majors were selected for the American Advertising Federation’s 2020 Class of Most Promising Multicultural Students.

Jayda Hill and Natalie Ferguson are among 50 other students from AAF’s college chapters admitted into the program. They were selected by senior advertising leaders after submitting a lengthy application which included essays, letters of recommendations, and resume submission.

AAF’s MPMS program is part of the AAF’s Mosaic Center initiative which began 24 years ago and continues to promote diversity and inclusion in the advertising and communications industry. This year’s MPMS application pool was one of the largest to date. 

“This award shows how I am a part of the future of advertising and that the AAF saw a lot of potential in me,” Hill said. “They believe that I can help make the industry even more diverse and inclusive. This award allows me to follow in the footsteps of others who have received it in years past and are currently making their mark in advertising.” 

As program participants, Hill and Ferguson will attend a four-day industry immersion program in New York City from Feb. 10 to 13 that includes professional development workshops, site visits, an awards luncheon and recruiter’s expo. 

“I am excited for the opportunity to network with my fellow peers,” Hill said. “A lot of times at networking events people mainly focus on networking with industry leaders. They forget to network with each other. I have already started a GroupMe just to get to know the people I will be spending a week with in New York.”  

Ferguson shared the excitement. “I hope to learn more about the industry in which I’m about to enter as well as networking with industry leaders,” she said.  

“Grady has given me so many opportunities to thrive and grow in my education,” Ferguson said.  “What I’m learning in my classes has really prepared me for this next phase in my life as I will be graduating in May.  

With an average GPA of 3.6, this year’s class represents 29 schools and 19 states across the country according to AAF’s news release.  

Leading agencies and companies, including 72andSunny, Apple, FCB, Google, IPG, McCann, Omnicom Group, Publicis Groupe, Wieden+Kennedy use MPMS as recruiting tool which ultimately benefits companies by providing top talent and students with more directed opportunities.