For release: March 9, 2011
For press information, contact Gabrielle Maxey, 901/678-2843

Martina Igberaese

The AAF acknowledges minority students who are deemed exceptional by their college professors and advisers. The program was created in 1997 in response to the advertising industry’s goal of identifying top minority talent for entry-level positions.

“Being selected as one of AAF’s Most Promising Minority Students was a great honor,” said Igberaese, who is from Memphis. “The experience was one that many people often dream about having during college. I was literally swept away to New York City for a week to meet people working in the field that I am studying, advertising. There were representatives from most of the major advertising agencies all across the United States ready and willing to answer questions and just get to know AAF’s 2011 MPMS class on a personal level. This program showed me exactly how much passion one must have to succeed, and to strive to be the best at whatever it is that you do.”

Her parents are Christopher Igberaese and Susie Sutton.

“This is an honor for the department and shows the strength of the advertising sequence, as Martina was selected as one of the top 50 minority advertising students in the country,” said Dr. Sandra H. Utt, advisor for the U of M American Advertising Federation student chapter. “I’ve no doubt that she has a very strong career in front of her.”

The program has been expanded to provide more students with the opportunity to meet recruiters from major ad agencies, media companies, and client organizations and to participate in professional development workshops. The industry immersion component of the program gives the students exposure to the inner workings of major industry companies.

The students were acknowledged for their accomplishments at the Building Bridges for Our Future luncheon.