AAF-Akron, 259 S Broadway St, Akron, OH (2026)

10/26/2026

Meet Alissa Newberry, VP and Education Chair for AAF-Akron.

Q: How did you get involved with AAF? How long have been with AAF-Akron?

A: I attended my first AAF-Akron event in 2024, which happened to be a combined event with AAF-Cleveland. I met so many awesome people and knew I wanted to learn how I could get more involved. After connecting with a few board members, I decided to join the board as Communications Co-Chair that same year! It’s been a rewarding experience ever since.

Q2: What is your favorite part about living and working in Ohio? What inspires you about the Akron area.

A: Growing up in the area and attending UA, Akron has always been a familiar place for me. Now, as a professional, what I’ve come to appreciate most is the variety of people I’ve met along the way. There are so many different personalities and perspectives here, all connected by a shared passion for creativity. I really enjoy being a part of that!

Q: What do you hope to gain from AAF and how has AAF benefited you?

A: I think one of the greatest things about AAF-Akron is that there is always an opportunity to both learn something and contribute. It has helped me grow professionally, develop my leadership skills, build meaningful connections, and explore new opportunities. I hope to continue learning from and being inspired by those around me while sharing my own creativity and enthusiasm.

10/21/2026

See you tomorrow, Akron!

10.22 join us at the Penny & Highfive awards at the AAF-Akron annual meetup at The Akron Civic Theatre !

This is a fantastic way to mingle and network while celebrating our marketing, advertising and communications comrades in the Akron, Ohio and surrounding areas.

Ft. Amuse bouche by
House in the Garden
+ Mandolin Mobile Charcuterie
and Waterloo Restaurant
+ a cash bar

Register here https://www.aafakron.com/events/2026-penny-award/

10/20/2026

Meet Abigail Miller, Marketing Coordinator, for the Better Business Bureau.

The MarComm Award recognizes professionals who have the power to connect with audiences through strategic, creative and impactful communications. Abigail embodies this definition everyday through a thoughtful and innovative approach to marketing, public relations, digital communications and community engagement.

Abigail serves as the driving force behind the organization’s public voice. She strategically manages all social media platforms by creating engaging content, executing targeted messaging campaigns and analyzing performance metrics to continuously improve our reach and impact. Her ability to transform analytics into actionable marketing strategies has strengthened BBB’s visibility among both consumers and businesses throughout our region.

She exemplifies the very best in marketing and communications, demonstrating everyday the power of thoughtful storytelling, strategic outreach and authentic engagement to make a meaningful impact.

Join us on Thursday, Oct. 22 at the Akron Civic Theatre Knight Stage as we present Abigail with the Marcomm Award!

Join us by clicking this link…
https://www.aafakron.com/events/2026-penny-award/

10/16/2026

Meet Intern of the Year Maddie Marquess from the Akron Zoo.

From April through August 2026, Maddie served as the Akron Zoo’s Graphic Design Summer Intern, where she consistently exceeded expectations in every aspect of her role.

From day one, she demonstrated an exceptional work ethic, a positive attitude, and a genuine passion for both graphic design and the Akron Zoo’s mission.

Maddie quickly became an integral part of the Akron Zoo’s creative team. She approached every project with professionalism, creativity, and a willingness to learn, while also contributing fresh ideas and thoughtful design solutions. Her ability to understand project goals, translate them into compelling visual communications, and accept feedback with enthusiasm made her an invaluable team member.

Throughout her internship, Maddie proved herself to be dependable, adaptable, and highly skilled. She embraced new challenges with confidence, collaborated effectively with staff across departments, and consistently produced high-quality work on tight deadlines. She conducted herself with the professionalism of a full-time designer while maintaining the curiosity and drive to continue growing her craft.

Join us on Thursday, Oct. 22 at the Akron Civic Theatre Knight Stage as we present Maddie with the Intern of the Year Award!

Register here…. https://www.aafakron.com/events/2026-penny-award/

10/13/2026

Meet Cydney Parr, Senior Project & Campaign Strategist, from TRIAD.

“Cydney is so amazing in every way! While she’s new to working at an agency (only 1 year in!), you would never know. She handles client relations like an absolute boss and is a lifesaver when it comes to project management.

Cydney has improved almost everything she’s touched since coming to TRIAD, and it is really a joy to work with her. Not only is she such a hard worker, but she is also extremely dependable, AND a really cool person. Cydney is the best!”

Join us on Thursday, Oct. 22 at the Akron Civic Theatre Knight Stage as we present Cydney with the Account Services Award!

Register here and join us for a lovely evening of celebrating the greater Akron marketing community. https://www.facebook.com/share/1KBNwxLShn/?mibextid=wwXIfr

10/07/2026

Congrats to our longest serving member, Kleidon!

Kleidon is hosting an open house on THURSDAY, OCT. 8th from 4-6 pm to celebrate 50 YEARS in business! You’re invited to their new office location at 3631 Brookwall Drive, Suite 102 in Fairlawn.

RSVP [email protected]

A very big round of applause for this monumental achievement!

10/04/2026

Join us on Thursday, Oct. 22 at 5:30pm at The Akron Civic Theatre Knight Stage as we present Anne-Marie with the Penny Award!

We’re proud to announce that Anne-Marie Colant, Director of Enterprise Social Media at Great Day Improvements, is the 2026 recipient of its Penny Award.

Anne-Marie has spent the past 10 years building a career in marketing, with a focus on social media, digital marketing, and brand building. A public relations graduate of Kent State University, she discovered her passion for marketing through a digital marketing course and a series of internships at the Greater Cleveland Sports Commission, the American Junior Golf Association, and Crain’s Cleveland that introduced her to the creative possibilities of the industry.
Today, Anne-Marie serves as Director of Enterprise Social Media at Great Day Improvements, where she leads social strategy across a portfolio of national home improvement brands. Throughout her career, she has been drawn to opportunities to build, create, and solve problems, from pioneering an influencer program at Universal Windows Direct to rethinking the paid social strategy for Patio Enclosures. She brings a practical, can-do approach to her work and enjoys finding creative ways to help brands connect with their audiences.

Giving back has become an important part of Anne-Marie’s career as well. She serves on the Associate Board of the Northern Ohio Chapter of A Kid Again and is the Sisterhood Advisor for Phi Mu at Kent State University, where she enjoys mentoring and inspiring the next generation of women.

Outside of work, Anne-Marie is a wife to Frank Lemut and mom to vibrant two-year-old Connor. She is a lifelong learner who enjoys reading, podcasts, and finding new things to explore, with plenty of time reserved for Bluey and a good reality TV show.

09/22/2026

Meet AAF-Akron’s Partnership and Mosaic chair Janae Droder.

Q: How did you get involved with AAF-Akron?
JD: I got involved through school at the University of Akron Myers School of Art. David Flynn got me interested and excited to join. I was close colleagues with the past Programs chair Rachel and current president kaylie so I quickly wanted to join the full adventure of being a board member. I replaced Rachel when she moved to Philly to further her career.

Q:What do you enjoy about living in Akron, Ohio?
JD: I think the most exciting thing is seeing AAF-Akron grow and strengthen and pattern recognition. I’ve always loved growing up here and have been really proud of it and wanted to show the rest of the world how great and welcoming we are as we continue to grow as a visiting city as more job opportunities appear in NE Ohio

Q:
JD: I’ve helped become and encourage the change and openness of Akron. Our LGBQT+ community has steadily been growing and I’m really proud to be any part of that no matter how small.
I’ve also grown up close to wild life and couldn’t imagine not having this awesome access to parks and trails.

Q:What do you hope to gain from AAF and what do you hope to share as a member?
JD: AAF has really helped me grow into the supportive, loyal and compassionate adult I have always wanted to be.

Q: How has AAF Benefited you?
JD: It helped me get the job I have today and freelance. I meet new people all the time and that makes me wanna work harder in providing them access to like minded community members and loyal colleagues.

Janae is a passionate baddie, a leader and an advocate working in graphic design while starting a clothing apparel line. AAF-Akron thanks Janae for their dedication and are grateful to work in building a greater Akron together.
…..
Thinking about joining AAF-Akron? We would love to meet you.

AAF-Akron

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