2010 Recipient of the AAF Triad's Diversity Scholarship,
Breonna McDuffie

The Triad chapter of the American Advertising Federation (AAF) has been working with local area high school administrators and teachers to expose students to opportunities within the marketing and advertising industries. “ Our organization's initiative is to encourage minority students to pursue careers in marketing and advertising. To help, we’re offering one minority student $500 dollars and the opportunity to experience the industry working alongside our area’s most creative businesses”, said William Treadwell, Diversity Chairman for AAF Triad. “Our main goal is to expose all interested young men and women into an unlimited array of job opportunities that the marketing and advertising industry has to offer. With this grassroots effort, our district can educate middle and high school students about advertising careers and take a positive step to change our industry’s current trend.”
 
The organization’s Diversity Scholarship includes a two-week internship filled with a multitude of different marketing/advertising positions – all with local corporations, agencies and businesses here in the Triad. The chosen minority winner receives $500 that goes towards paying their expenses during the two-week internship period. The first week, the student will visit a new advertising environment each day - (i.e.- Monday- Graphic Design, Tuesday- Video Production, Wednesday- Television Reporting, etc.). The second week the student focuses on one career elective at one company of his or her choice. To learn more about this scholarship opportunity, please visit: www.aaftriad.org

Wildfire, LLC, Winston-Salem’s fastest growing marketing communications company and multiple Gold ADDY award winner, became the first agency in the American Advertising Federation Third District to participate in the organization’s Diversity Initiative in June 2007.  Other local agencies that volunteered their expertise and enthusiasm includes: Bassett Printing, Design Monkeys Creative, Ed Kemp and Associates, Red Burn Design Studio, Entercom Communications, Fox News and Associated Posters.

Mr. Treadwell implemented the organization’s scholarship criteria and after presenting this opportunity to area schools, selected the 2007 AAF Diversity Scholarship winner from Reynolds High School and Winston-Salem Career Center attendee, Dominique Kelso. Dominique selected Winston based creative agency, Wildfire as her host company during the second week of her invaluable “junior intern” experience.  “This was my first week long internship and it was great!” she said, addressing her experience with the agency.

Dominique had a chance to be exposed to the workings of the agency including creative and account service, print production and project management functions. With Dominique’s passion for design – matching that of her outgoing, bright personality, this exceptional student quickly became part of Wildfire’s development teams for big names such as BB&T, Hanes Brands, Better Homes and Gardens and Lowe’s Home Improvement.

Wildfire’s team was struck by Dominique’s talent and creative ideas. Account Manager Katie Kenney was greatly impressed with Dominique’s research skills, knowledge and ability to work within the team. Kenney said, “Dominique was ready and willing to work on any task. She added value to anything she worked on.”
 
Thankful for the opportunity, Dominique commented, “I have learned a lot and I feel like I am ahead of the game.” AAF Triad and Wildfire are also enthusiastic about this opportunity and will continue to support diversity initiatives in our community, believing that nurturing today’s diverse youths make an invaluable investment into tomorrow’s culture.