FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
AAF’s Most Promising Students Ignite the New York City Advertising Scene
WASHINGTON DC, APRIL 1, 2026—Last week, the American Advertising Federation held its annual Most Promising Students program. This year, 25 students representing 18 colleges and universities traveled to New York City for a weeklong, industry immersive experience.
The Most Promising Students Program began in 1997 and serves as part of the AAF’s mission to ensure that the advertising industry is led by a wide variety of informed perspectives, cultural influences and diverse backgrounds.
Before the conference, the students were split into five teams to participate in the annual pitch competition. In partnership with dentsu and Adobe, students were presented with a brief that challenged them to use various Adobe products to build an activation plan for a fictitious coffee brand. During the week in New York, students presented their pitches to executives from both dentsu and Adobe.
The winning team was comprised of Alex Wain (Communications, Ohio University), Claire-Michelle Sweet (Advertising, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign), Le Ha (Advertising & Public Relations, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill), Lee Beauchamp (Interactive Digital Studies: Visualization and Advertising, University of Northern Iowa), and Alva Nguyen (Creative Advertising, Michigan State University). Each of these students walked away with a one-year Adobe Creative Cloud subscription and a customized skateboard deck from dentsu.
"Being selected for the AAF Most Promising Student Program is an honor I will carry with me throughout my career. This program doesn't just recognize students; it challenges them in ways that prepare them. From immersive agency experiences to a pitch competition that pushed our cohort to bring our absolute best, every moment was designed to prepare me for the industry ahead. Walking away with the pitch win alongside my team was a defining moment, but what I'll remember most is the community, the perspective, and the reminder of why I love this industry." said Alex Wain, a senior communications major and advertising/public relations minor at Ohio University.
During the week, students had the opportunity to visit various agencies & brands, see customized billboards of themselves displayed on Times Square, as well as network with countless individuals at some of the top advertising, marketing, and media companies in the country.
"The Most Promising Students program was one of the most meaningful experiences I’ve had in advertising so far. Coming from a school where advertising isn’t a primary focus, it opened my eyes to so many paths and possibilities I didn’t even know existed. The people I met, including students, professionals, and recruiters, made the experience even more special, and I’m leaving with connections and perspectives that will shape my career. I truly wish every advertising student had the chance to be part of something like this," said Giovanna Siega Novello, a senior majoring in integrated public relations and advertising at the University of South Florida.
At the completion of the Most Promising Students program, students were honored and celebrated at the Building Bridges Brunch, where they had the opportunity to share their personal taglines, connect with their mentors, as well as hear remarks from Steve Pacheco, CEO, American Advertising Federation and Chris Crawford, Founder & CEO, Elite Media.
2026 marks the 29th Most Promising Students program. The Most Promising Students Program would not be possible without the continued support and dedication of various AAF partners and sponsors including: Adobe, Allison Worldwide, American Airlines, Anomaly, Arc Worldwide, Clear Channel Outdoor, Dentsu, Elite Media, GALE, NBC Universal's Peacock, Omnicom, Publicis Creative, RPA, Snap Inc, Stagwell, The Trade Desk, VCU Brandcenter, and Weiden+Kennedy.
“To be selected for the AAF’s Most Promising Students program is a tremendous honor. The driving force behind this program is to ensure diverse voices and perspectives become part of the advertising industry. Until the creative process and team for every agency, company, and brand reflects the intended target audience, our work isn’t done. This year’s class of 25 students from across the country will move us one step closer to the goal,” said AAF Executive Vice President Dawn Reeves.
Students who are interested in participating in the Most Promising Students program for 2027, are encouraged to apply when applications open Fall of 2026. The Most Promising Students Program is open to undergraduate, senior standing, AAF student members. The selection process contains an application, essays, recommendation letters, as well as multiple interview rounds.
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