Olivet Nazarene University senior Rachel Grimmett of St. Louis, Missouri, honored by American Advertising Federation

2017 Nov 27

When advertising industry professionals selected the American Advertising Federation's 2018 class of Most Promising Multicultural Students, senior Rachel Grimmett of Olivet Nazarene University was among the group.

In 1997, the American Advertising Federation (AAF) began the Most Promising Multicultural Student program (MPMS) to connect the advertising industry with the nation's top multicultural college students. This year, Grimmett - a marketing major in The McGraw School of Business at Olivet from St. Louis, Missouri - received this honor.

As part of this honor, Grimmett and the other members of the 2018 class of MPMS will participate in a four-day industry immersion program that includes professional development workshops, company visits and a recruiters' expo.

"It is such an unexpected blessing and honor to be a part of the AAF Most Promising Multicultural Students Program!" Grimmett said. "I am grateful to be recognized. This presents a great chance for me to showcase what I have learned and gained through my experiences here at Olivet. Upon graduation in May 2018, I plan on pursuing a career in marketing and use my skills and abilities to better the lives of others."

Over the past 20 years, more than 800 students from 220 colleges and universities have been honored by this program. Of these students, 74 percent attribute their success in obtaining a job after graduation to this distinction.

Students considered for the 2018 class of MPMS were from AAF's college chapter network. They were selected through a rigorous application process that included essays, letters of recommendation, a resume/portfolio submission and academic requirements. With an average GPA of 3.6, this year's class represents 31 schools and 17 states across the country, including California, Hawaii, South Dakota and Utah.

Eight advertising industry professionals selected the 2018 class of MPMS on October 24, 2017. This year's judging panel included representatives from BBDO, FCB Health, fluent360, Leo Burnett, LMO Advertising, Octagon, Ogilvy Washington and true[X].

"This program is a unique opportunity for Rachel to launch a career in marketing," said Chris Perez, business professor. "I am proud to see Rachel represent The McGraw School of Business at Olivet Nazarene University at the top of her class. Through this recognition, she has clearly demonstrated her potential for future success. The MPMS is valuable networking experience with leading industry professionals."

The MPMS program is part of the AAF's Mosaic Center initiative to promote diversity and inclusion within the industry. It provides a talent pipeline for organizations committed to creating change in the advertising, media and communications industries

"The Most Promising class of students was selected from some of the most talented and diverse young people across the country," said Danielle Austen, managing partner and CEO at fluent360 and chair of the AAF's Mosaic Center. "When you start with this caliber of potential, you end up with a group that will inspire the future of the industry."