Alumni in the news

Forbes' startup of the week: Skillshare

Brandcenter alum Michael Karnjanaprakorn (ST, 2005) founded Skillshare, an online learning community, with the mission of using technology to democratize education and learning for people globally.

Alum Charles Hodges (CW, 2009) launches Arts & Letters Creative Co. with Google as its first client.

Led by founder Charles Hodges (CW, 2009), a collection of VCU Brandcenter alums and two Martin Agency vets have come together to start a new Richmond-based ad agency, with one of the world’s tech giants signed on as its initial client.

Here are the Brandcenter alums at Arts & Letters:

Albert Song (AD, 2015)

Jon Jon Hirsch (AD, 2016)

Stanley Leon Hines Jr. (XD, 2017)

Shawn Hurley (XD, 2017)

Conor McFarland (CW, 2017)

Sam Case (CW, 2017)

Geoff Castillo (AD, 2015)

Danielle Young (CBM, 2016)

Ian Fairbrother (CW, 2005)

Andy Grayson (ST, 2003). 

‘Build your village’: Alum Shameka Brown-Barbosa shares advice and thoughts on the industry ahead of 3%

Excellent article/interview with Brandcenter alum and creative director Shameka Brown-Barbosa (CW, 1999) on navigating a career in advertising as a mom and a person of color - and what she is doing to help.

Shameka will be speaking at the 3 Percent Conference this week, Nov. 2-3 in New York.

Three Brandcenter alums named to The Drum's 50 female creatives under 30

Danielle Walton Delph (AD, 2013), Marybeth Ledesma (AD, 2012), and Mo Lockard (AD, 2015) made the list that is celebrating women across the country who are putting themselves - and their cities - on the map via their creativity and achievements.

My career in 5 executions: Red & Co's Mira Kaddoura

From Nike to Google, Red & Co's founder creates work that inspires for brands that make a difference.

Alumna named one of the 2019 Next Creative Leaders by The One Club and 3% Conference

Brandcenter Alum Mariana Oliveira (CW, 2012) was named one of the Next Creative Leaders by The One Club and 3% Conference. Mariana is an ACD at BBDO NY, and is one of the ten women recognized this year.

Of the female leaders chosen, they said, "These talented women are a beautiful reminder that real leadership doesn’t require the perfect opportunity, a big budget, or a fancy title. Real leadership just asks you to show up for yourself, your beliefs and each other. For the ideas that light up your heart. And for the future you’re excited to be a part of."

The Coinbase Ad Controversy Reveals The Ad Industry’s Great Divide

Director's Council Member & Brandcenter alumni speak to how to be a great client:

Kristen Cavallo (CEO, The Martin Agency) led the way for speaking truth out loud and aiming for impact. 

2012 Experience Design grad, Rachel Mercer (Cofounder and CXO, Proto) speaks to clarity of ambition and trust.

Read more here.