Jasmyn Barr Named AAF Most Promising Multicultural Student
Columbia, Mo. (Nov. 16, 2017) — On Nov. 1, the American Advertising Federation selected strategic communication student Jasmyn Barr among 49 other students from across the nation for their annual Most Promising Multicultural Students (MPMS) program.
Barr is currently studying abroad in Brussels, Belgium, and applied for the program last year after meeting with representatives from the AAF Mosaic Center, an initiative that created the MPMS program to promote diversity and inclusion in the advertising industry and create a talent pipeline for organizations committed to creating change in the advertising, media and communications industries.
“It is so surreal to know that I am a part of the program the representatives spoke so highly of,” said Barr. “I was overcome with joy when I found out I was selected as one of AAF’s Most Promising Multicultural Students.”
Barr is passionate about increasing diversity in the advertising industry and believes that it is the key to progress. “Nothing is more powerful than a wide range of people with different experiences and backgrounds coming together to make an impact on the nation,” said Barr. “I recognize that advertising is an ever-changing industry that plays a huge role in our everyday lives. Advertising agencies cannot move forward or make change without diversity.”
In addition, Barr has received many opportunities in the J-School to grow both personally and professionally. This semester in Brussels, she is a marketing and public relations intern at SWIFT, a financial messaging service. She’s also involved in organizations like the National Association of Black Journalists, remains active in AAF, and last summer served as an account management intern with Oglivy and Mather in New York City.
“She is a visionary and motivated leader among her peers in the classroom,” said adjunct instructor Tanya Heath, who wrote Barr the AAF letter of recommendation. “Jasmyn was in my Copy and Design lab and then in my Diversity Event class. So it was very exciting to see Jasmyn and her team work on creating two events that brought awareness to being a better classmate through thoughtful and respectful activities to influence behavior. I was happy to reflect the actions of her vision in the letter I wrote for her.”
Barr was chosen by a panel of eight advertising industry professionals from agencies including BBDO, FCB Health, fluent360, Leo Burnett, LMO Advertising, Octagon, Oglivy Washington and true[X]. The program has become nationally recognized for helping companies discover exceptional talent, poised to become future leaders.
“The most promising class of students are selected from some of the most talented and diverse young people across the country. When you start with this caliber of potential, you end up with a group that will inspire the future of the industry,” said Danielle Austen, Managing Partner and CEO at fluent360 and Chair of the AAF’s Mosaic Center.
As part of the MPMS program, Barr will participate in a four-day industry immersion program that includes professional development workshops, company visits and a recruiters’ expo.
Updated: October 26, 2020