Mikaela Ashley
March 17, 2021
Mikaela Ashley, a University of Missouri School of Journalism senior, was recently named one of the nation’s 50 most promising multicultural students by the American Advertising Federation (AAF). The 2021 honorees represented 22 colleges from across the country and were selected by a panel of industry judges from a variety of organizations including Amazon, Facebook and Target.
As part of the award, Ashley participated in a virtual four-day industry immersion that included networking and personal brand breakout sessions, video enhanced interviewing and multiple livestream industry lead immersions with advertising, marketing and media professionals.
Ashley said participating in the AAF’s Most Promising Multicultural Students Program further reinforced her feelings about the importance of diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives and helped her learn what it’s going to take to nurture an inclusive workplace for everyone.
“I’m so excited for what my future holds,” said Ashley, who has lined up an internship with Leo Burnett that begins shortly after she graduates in May. “There is a lot of change that’s taking place, and that needs to take place, and I’m just happy and ready to play my part.”
