Our story begins with the former American Advertising Federation District 14 Governor, Kurt Thigpen’s interest in the possibility of starting up a new AAF Fresno Ad Club. Based on prior years of success with the former Fresno Advertising Federation (FAF) Ad Club, there was a renewed interest in restoring the FAF Ad Club to its former glory with a new AAF Fresno.
Current AAF Fresno Board Member and former California State University, Fresno Graphic Design Lecturer Rebecca Barnes said, “After being contacted by Kurt Thigpen, I was inspired by this renewed interest. Jan Edwards, a long-time Fresno Advertising enthusiast, and I met and envisioned a concept for the next generation of outstanding former Fresno State Graphic Design and Media, Communications and Journalism (MCJ) students to run the new AAF Fresno Ad Club”. The idea was for this new AAF Fresno Ad Club to be an energized and innovative version of the prior FAF.
The seed was planted and received enthusiastic support from various local advertising agency owners and advertising executives. The journey began with early re-invention meetings held at various venues including the Fresno State Smittcamp Alumni House, Jeffrey Scott Agency, and ad agency Hyphen. Shortly after, our new Board of Directors was selected based on their diverse skill sets and backgrounds. The new Board was made up of former Graphic Design & MCJ students who were now established professionals in our industry. This also included a few dedicated former FAF Board members and Fresno State professors. All of the new Board members were highly successful in their own fields of advertising.
On November 16, 2022, AAF Fresno became an official AAF Chapter and has successfully re-established itself through major events including the American Advertising Awards (also known as the “ADDY” Awards), annual Honors Awards Luncheon, Winter Holiday Party, and several mixers. AAF Fresno has exhibited a strong sense of purpose and mission in supporting the local advertising community through events, innovative communication and educational outreach. The educational outreach includes encouragement to participate in the prestigious American Advertising Awards (“ADDY” Awards) Student Competition. Also included is sponsorship of the AAF National Student Advertising Competition (NSAC). Further, additional educational outreach takes place through the two new and exciting Fresno Advertising Federation Foundation’s Fresno State Graphic Design and Media, Communication and Journalism Scholarships. Most of the major AAF Fresno events have designated that part of the net proceeds go towards the new Graphic Design and MCJ Scholarships.
We wish to thank the original Board members for their dedication and professionalism in successfully launching the new AAF Fresno Ad Club: Jessie Irwin/President, Daisy Cordero/VP & Programming, Shatera Sangster/Secretary, Brandon Ocegueda/Treasurer, Cody Medaris, Ruth Lichtenstein, Kristin Bonillas, Emily Vagim, Shadia Salem, Natalie Ramirez, Rebecca Barnes, Jan Edwards, Karen Franz, Amy Wilson, Dr. Wes Wise and Dr. Roberta Asahina/Advisor.
We’d also like to give special thanks to our generous sponsors: Jane Olvera Majors (Hyphen), Bruce Batti (Jeffrey Scott Agency), Jessie Irwin (Jeffrey Scott Agency), and Amy Wilson (Community Health System) for their encouragement, dedication and for hosting AAF Fresno meetings and events. Additional sponsors include Expo Party Rentals, Dumont Printing and Debra Boyett at Wanger Jones Helsley, PC Law Firm. Along with the original donors, which include Jan Edwards Marketing, Jeffrey Scott Agency, Hyphen, Dr. Roberta Asahina, Rebecca Barnes and Karen Franz.
AAF Fresno gives a heartfelt shout-out to our champions who have done the heavy lifting. Thank you to Rebecca Barnes, Jan Edwards, Debra Boyett, Karen Franz, and Dr. Roberta Asahina for their dedication, guidance and stewardship in establishing a strong foundation for a revitalized new AAF Fresno that will support our advertising community and students for years to come.
