BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//AAF Roanoke - ECPv6.15.20//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://aafroanoke.org X-WR-CALDESC:Events for AAF Roanoke REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H X-Robots-Tag:noindex X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:America/New_York BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20240310T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20241103T060000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20250309T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20251102T060000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20260308T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20261101T060000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20270314T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20271107T060000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260317T120000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260317T130000 DTSTAMP:20260409T141351 CREATED:20260217T164227Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260310T211420Z UID:2473-1773748800-1773752400@aafroanoke.org SUMMARY:Her Voice\, Her Vision: Women Leading Change in Marketing & Creative Industries DESCRIPTION:Join us for Her Voice\, Her Vision on Tuesday\, March 17\, from 12:00–1:00 PM\, a virtual panel conversation celebrating women who are making an impact across marketing\, branding\, and the creative world. \n\n\n\nOver the lunch hour\, we’ll hear real stories\, fresh perspectives\, and honest insight from women leading change in our industry\, topics from creative direction to strategy\, storytelling\, and everything in between. \n\n\n\nWhether you’re a longtime professional\, just getting started\, or simply interested in great creative work and meaningful conversations\, we’d love for you to join us. \n\n\n\nEvent Details\n\n\n\n\nDate: Tuesday\, March 17\, 2026\n\n\n\nWhen: 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM\n\n\n\nWhere: Online via Zoom\n\n\n\n\nMeet Our Panelists\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRaki Wright Clements serves Digital Strategy Director and Co-Owner of The O’Connor Group\, a woman-owned\, full-service marketing agency.  \n\n\n\nShe holds a bachelor’s degree in Communication Studies from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. With over two decades of experience across communication\, media\, and marketing\, Raki has helped organizations clarify their message\, expand their reach\, and drive measurable results.  \n\n\n\nRaki is also a working mom\, community leader\, and member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority\, Inc. These roles shape how she shows up: with intention\, service\, and a commitment to excellence. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nJamie Dillard is a marketing professional\, entrepreneur\, and community advocate with more than a decade of experience in digital engagement and storytelling. She currently serves as the Social Media and Marketing Specialist at Virginia Western Community College\, where she leads social media strategy and highlights student success\, campus initiatives\, and community partnerships. \n\n\n\nJamie is also the founder of New Outlook Media Consulting LLC\, where she works with small businesses and organizations to develop marketing strategies\, create engaging content\, and strengthen their online presence. \n\n\n\nDeeply committed to community service\, Jamie serves on the Board of Directors for the Harrison Museum of African American Culture and enjoys mentoring students and supporting local entrepreneurs across the Roanoke Valley. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nErin Sarro serves as Executive Creative Director at Two Tango Collaborative\, where she leads creative strategy and helps shape brand vision for clients across a range of industries. A writer by trade\, Erin has spent more than two decades crafting brand voices and guiding creative teams. \n\n\n\nThroughout her career\, she has developed campaigns and brand work for organizations including Papa John’s Pizza\, Toyota\, Puerto Rico\, The International Spy Museum\, Mally Beauty\, the Virginia Lottery\, and the Virginia DMV. Her award-winning work has included mailing a tarantula\, making Robert De Niro laugh\, and eating far too many pepperoni-stuffed crust pizzas. \n\n\n\nErin’s thought leadership has been featured in Variety\, Forbes\, Adweek\, Ad Age\, Digiday\, and Campaign Magazine. She holds a degree in Marketing Management from Virginia Tech\, where she helped start the university’s first American Advertising Federation chapter. \n\n\n\n\nWhat You’ll Experience\n\n\n\nThis isn’t just another lunch break\, it’s your chance to: \n\n\n\n\nHear real stories from women leading change across marketing and creative industries\n\n\n\nGet inspired by bold ideas shaping branding\, strategy\, and storytelling today\n\n\n\nLearn how women are making an impact through leadership\, creativity\, and lived experience\n\n\n\nJoin the conversation live with moderated audience Q&A\n\n\n\n\nReserve your spot and celebrate the voices shaping the future of our industry. \n\n\n\nCost of Tickets \n\n\n\n\nFree for Ad 2 and AAF Roanoke members\n\n\n\n$10 for non-members\n\n\n\n\n\n \n \n Her Voice Her Vision\n Registration for the virtual program. \n \n NameThis field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.Name*\n \n \n \n First\n \n \n \n \n Last\n \n \n Email*\n \n CompanyAAF Roanoke Program*Non-member – $10AAF Roanoke Member – $ FREEAd 2 Roanoke Member – $ FREESelect member or non-member options and you have the ability to pay immediately online. You will be redirected to PayPal.Quantity*Please enter a number from 1 to 99.Promo Code Total\n $0.00\n \n Payment MethodPayPal CheckoutCredit Card\n American ExpressDiscoverMasterCardVisaSupported Credit Cards: American Express\, Discover\, MasterCard\, Visa\n \n Card Number\n \n \n \n Expiration Date\n \n \n  \n Security Code\n \n \n \n Cardholder Name URL:https://aafroanoke.org/event/her-voice-her-vision/ LOCATION:Virginia CATEGORIES:AAF,Ad2 ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://aafroanoke.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Her-Voice-Her-Vision-1920x1005-1.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260209T120000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260209T130000 DTSTAMP:20260409T141351 CREATED:20250127T150415Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260203T193819Z UID:1953-1770638400-1770642000@aafroanoke.org SUMMARY:Touchdown Takes: Super Bowl Ad Review DESCRIPTION:Touchdown Takes: Super Bowl Ad Review\n\n\n\nIt’s that time again! The biggest advertising night of the year is almost here\, and Touchdown Takes is back! Join us on February 9 at noon at the YMCA at Tanglewood as we watch and break down this year’s Super Bowl commercials. From creative touchdowns to total fumbles\, it’s the battle of the good\, the bad\, and the cringy. \n\n\n\nCome hang out\, share your takes\, and enjoy an afternoon of great ads\, questionable ones\, and plenty of laughs. \n\n\n\nWhen: Monday\, February 9\, 12 pm – 1 pm EST \n\n\n\nWhere: YMCA at Tanglewood (4420-A Electric Road. Enter by Michael’s/Five Guys\, head up the escalator) \n\n\n\nCost: $15 for AAF Members\, $25 for non-members \n\n\n\nWhat to Expect\n\n\n\n\nSuper Bowl Ad Reviews: A dynamic panel of local advertising professionals will share their insights and take on this year’s standout Super Bowl ads.\n\n\n\nNetworking: Connect with fellow industry enthusiasts\, exchange thoughts on the ads\, and make valuable connections.\n\n\n\nLunch Included: Enjoy a delicious lunch during the event.\n\n\n\n\nMeet the Lineup\n\n\n\n\nDavid PageEmcee & ModeratorQ99 Morning Host \n\n\n\n20+ years in local radio and community leadership with deep roots in Southwest Virginia. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nEric Johnson (EJ)PanelistSports Anchor & Reporter\, WSLS \n\n\n\nRoanoke native covering the sports and stories of the community he grew up in. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAllan MowerPanelistLocal Sales Manager\, WSLS \n\n\n\nBroadcast and advertising leader with expertise in local brand strategy and audience engagement. \n\n\n\n\nRegister now to grab your spot! You won’t want to miss the laughs\, the hot takes\, and all the Super Bowl ad goodness. \n\n\n\n\n \n \n Super Bowl Ad Review 2026\n \n Name(Required)\n \n \n \n First\n \n \n \n \n Last\n \n \n Company(Required)Email(Required)\n \n Event Ticket (Includes Lunch)(Required)Non-member $25AAF Member $15Ad 2 Member/Student $20Quantity(Required)Dietary RestrictionsTotal\n \n Coupon Payment MethodPayPal CheckoutCredit Card\n MasterCardVisaSupported Credit Cards: MasterCard\, Visa\n \n Card Number\n \n \n \n Expiration Date\n \n \n  \n Security Code\n \n \n \n Cardholder Name URL:https://aafroanoke.org/event/touchdown-takes-super-bowl-ad-review/ LOCATION:YMCA at Tanglewood\, 4420-A Electric Road\, Roanoke\, Virginia\, 24018\, United States CATEGORIES:AAF,Ad2 ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://aafroanoke.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Superbowl_Event_1200x600.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260205T173000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260205T183000 DTSTAMP:20260409T141351 CREATED:20260113T224103Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260113T224616Z UID:2420-1770312600-1770316200@aafroanoke.org SUMMARY:Mindset For Success Workshop DESCRIPTION:Mindset For Success Workshop\n\n\n\nYour mindset can be your greatest strength—or your biggest roadblock. Start 2026 with a powerful\, hands-on workshop designed to help you turn setbacks into comebacks\, build confidence\, and discover how a positive attitude can shape your future. \n\n\n\nAd2 Roanoke is teaming up with the HumanKind Economic Resource Center to bring a free workshop to our marketing and advertising community: “Mindset for Success.” Take a step toward your growth and join us for this interactive and inspiring session led by Dusty Fisher\, ERC Roanoke Area Manager. \n\n\n\nIn this workshop\, you’ll learn how to:\n\n\n\n\nDevelop a growth mindset that keeps you moving forward\n\n\n\nStay motivated when life gets tough\n\n\n\nReplace negative thoughts with positive action\n\n\n\nFind your “why” and walk in purpose every day\n\n\n\n\nWhether you’re a seasoned professional\, a recent graduate\, or a college student—looking for a promotion\, exploring new career opportunities\, starting a new position or working toward personal goals—these skills are practical\, empowering\, and easy to apply in both your daily life and professional career. \n\n\n\nWe’ll be providing pizza from Twisted Track’s kitchen\, and you’re welcome to enjoy a glass of beer or wine during the workshop. \n\n\n\nLet us know you’re coming by registering for this session below so we can have your seat and materials ready. Bring and register a friend too—everyone is welcome! \n\n\n\n \n Name(Required)\n \n \n \n First\n \n \n \n \n Last\n \n \n Email(Required)\n \n CompanyTicket/RSVP(Required)AAF Member – FREEAd 2 Member – FREEStudent – FREENon-Member – FREETotal URL:https://aafroanoke.org/event/mindset-for-success-workshop/ LOCATION:Twisted Track Brewpub\, 523 Shenandoah Ave NW\, Roanoke\, 24016 CATEGORIES:Ad2 ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://aafroanoke.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Facebook-Banner_Mindset-for-Success.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260123T120000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260123T130000 DTSTAMP:20260409T141351 CREATED:20260106T011317Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260113T003610Z UID:2388-1769169600-1769173200@aafroanoke.org SUMMARY:Lunch & Learn: Embracing Burnout with Dr. Kate Steiner DESCRIPTION:Step away from the grind and into a restorative Friday Lunch & Learn on January 23 from 12:00–1:00 PM at Starr Hill Pilot Brewery & Side Stage\, designed to help you reset\, refocus\, and recharge. \n\n\n\nJoin us for Embracing Burnout with Dr. Kate Steiner\, presented in partnership with the Roanoke Blacksburg Technology Council (RBTC). Enjoy lunch on us\, purchase mocktails from a special event menu (with additional drinks available for purchase from Starr Hill Brewery)\, and spend your midday learning how to actually navigate burnout — not just push through it. \n\n\n\nDr. Steiner\, author of Feeling Crispy?\, will share a practical\, research-backed approach to recognizing burnout\, building resilience\, and creating space for meaningful self-care — even when work demands feel nonstop. \n\n\n\nBonus: Copies of Feeling Crispy? will be available for purchase at the event. \n\n\n\nWhat You’ll Take Away\n\n\n\n\nElevate Your Productivity and Career Longevity: Participants will gain access to research-backed strategies that enhance productivity and help them maintain a successful career.\n\n\n\nCraft Your Personal Burnout Action Plan: Participants will design a personalized roadmap to effectively observe\, strategize\, and recover from burnout events.\n\n\n\nDefine Your Boundaries for Work-Life Integration: Participants will identify and establish the personal boundaries necessary to support a harmonious work-life balance.\n\n\n\n\nAbout Dr. Kate Steiner\n\n\n\n\nDr. Kate Steiner is a burnout recovery expert\, counselor\, and the founder of LIFT Wellness Consulting. As a licensed mental health counselor\, she helps professionals move from burnout to recovery by creating self-reflective\, practical plans that support well-being across every area of life. \n\n\n\nShe holds a Master of Counseling from Idaho State University and a Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision from the University of Wyoming. Her work is grounded in the Steiner Self-Reflective Sustainability and Wellness (SSRSW) model\, a research-based framework she developed from both academic study and her own experience with burnout. \n\n\n\nWith more than 17 years of experience researching wellness and burnout\, Dr. Steiner has been featured in outlets including Thrive Global\, Authority Magazine\, The LIST\, Daytime Blue Ridge (NBC)\, Bloom TV (WTTA)\, FOX Good Day Washington\, and MyFitnessPal\, as well as industry publications Essentials and Perspectives Magazine. She also hosts The From Burnout to Recovery Show with Dr. Kate podcast. \n\n\n\n\nTickets\n\n\n\nLunch is included with registration. Drinks available for purchase. \n\n\n\n\n$20 — AAF Members\, RBTC Members\, Ad 2 Members\n\n\n\n$30 — Non-Members\n\n\n\n\nSponsored by the Roanoke Blacksburg Technology Council (RBTC). \n\n\n\nTake a break\, enjoy lunch\, and invest in yourself. Register for the Lunch & Learn below. URL:https://aafroanoke.org/event/embracing-burnout/ LOCATION:Starr Hill Brewery\, 6 Old Whitmore Ave\, Virginia\, 24016\, United States CATEGORIES:AAF,Ad2 ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://aafroanoke.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Embracing-Burnout-1920x1005_lunch.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251120T173000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251120T193000 DTSTAMP:20260409T141351 CREATED:20251023T115048Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251030T164023Z UID:2309-1763659800-1763667000@aafroanoke.org SUMMARY:Headshot Happy Hour with Ad2 Roanoke + Get2KnowNoke DESCRIPTION:Headshot Happy Hour with Ad2 Roanoke + Get2KnowNoke Thursday\, November 20\, from 5:30 – 7:30 pm@ The BiblioPub \n\n\n\nAd2 Roanoke and Get2KnowNoke are excited to invite you to our Headshot Happy Hour at The BiblioPub on Thursday\, November 20\, from 5:30–7:30 PM! In the era of social media and LinkedIn\, first impressions happen long before you step through the door for a job interview or meet with a client. That’s exactly why a professional headshot is more important than ever. Headshots will be taken by Lewis Edwards Photography\, a Roanoke-based headshot photographer\, who will be offering quick\, professional mini-sessions (around 5 minutes each) starting at 5:30 PM. \n\n\n\nReserve your slot by filling out the form on the event page that is linked! Get2KnowNoke followers will also receive a special discount! Be sure to sign up for their newsletter to receive the code. \n\n\n\nPricing:• $10 for Ad2 and AAF members (must receive a discount code)• $15 for Get2KnowNoke followers (must receive a discount code)• $20 for non-members \n\n\n\nHeadshots typically cost between $150–$300\, so this is a great opportunity to look professional at a fraction of the cost. \n\n\n\nWhile headshots are being taken\, enjoy networking with other professionals in the advertising and media fields during our happy hour. The BiblioPub will have its bar open for drink purchases\, offering beer\, wine\, tea\, and coffee\, and we’ll have complimentary snacks available as well.  \n\n\n\nEven if you don’t plan to get a headshot\, come out and join us\, it’s a great way to connect and support our local organizations! \n\n\n\n \n \n Headshot Happy Hour Registration\n \n "*" indicates required fields \n \n NameThis field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.Name*\n \n \n \n First\n \n \n \n \n Last\n \n \n Email*\n \n CompanyHeadshot Happy Hour Registration Quantity*\n \n \n Price:\n $20.00\n \n \n Quantity \n Promo Code Total\n \n Payment MethodPayPal CheckoutCredit Card\n MasterCardVisaSupported Credit Cards: MasterCard\, Visa\n \n Card Number\n \n \n \n Expiration Date\n \n \n  \n Security Code\n \n \n \n Cardholder Name URL:https://aafroanoke.org/event/headshots-ad2/ LOCATION:The BiblioPub\, 416 Campbell Ave SW\, Roanoke\, Virginia\, 24016\, United States CATEGORIES:AAF,Ad2 ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://aafroanoke.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Facebook-Banner_Headshot-Happy-Hour.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251021T173000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251021T193000 DTSTAMP:20260409T141351 CREATED:20250929T164644Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251016T113205Z UID:2259-1761067800-1761075000@aafroanoke.org SUMMARY:Advertising Horror Stories DESCRIPTION:Ever had a project that totally went off the rails? Or an idea that seemed brilliant… until it wasn’t? We’ve all been there. \n\n\n\nOn October 21 at Big Lick Brewing Company\, we’re bringing together a panel of local advertising pros to share their scariest\, funniest\, and most cringe-worthy stories from the industry. From campaigns that flopped to budgets that vanished into thin air\, these are the kinds of tales you’ll never hear in a case study or awards show speech. \n\n\n\nIt’s a night of good beer\, good company\, and some seriously spooky behind-the-scenes confessions just in time for Halloween. \n\n\n\nOur Featured Storytellers\n\n\n\n\nMeredith Carty \n\n\n\nMeredith Carty is the Founder and Principal Designer of Jones Street Creative\, a Roanoke-based “brand repair shop” known for sharp strategy and award-winning logo design. With experience on both the brand and agency sides across industries like healthcare\, education\, and the creative sector\, she brings a unique perspective on how organizations connect with their audiences. Meredith’s work has been featured on Forbes.com\, Dwell.com\, and PBS’s Art21. A mom of two boys\, she’s a master multitasker who knows a thing or two about creative problem-solving\, perfect for a night of stories about when things don’t go according to plan. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBrian Yohn \n\n\n\nBrian Yohn is a senior graphic designer at Virginia Tech with more than 20 years of experience spanning agency work\, creative leadership at Virginia Tech\, and a two-year remote stint with Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. A designer\, educator\, and tinkerer at heart\, Brian balances big ideas with hands-on problem-solving. Outside of work\, he wrangles two teenagers\, a flock of chickens\, and too many cats\, a daily masterclass in patience and adaptability that makes him well-equipped to share a few design horror stories of his own. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nJustin Combs \n\n\n\nJustin Combs is currently an advertising professor of practice in the School of Communication at Virginia Tech. He has planned and executed multi-million-dollar media campaigns for hundreds of Arby’s restaurants across the country\, led Bardstown Bourbon Company’s first national campaign\, and contributed quiz content for two Chipotle IQ digital trivia games (both went viral). He’s weathered his fair share of advertising mishaps and dealt with more than a few monster clients along the way. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTickets\n\n\n\n🎟️ $20 per personYour ticket includes: \n\n\n\n\nOne drink to sip while you listen\n\n\n\nA Halloween goodie bag to take home\n\n\n\n\nMembers\, non-members\, friends—all are welcome. \n\n\n\nRegistration\n\n\n\nSpace is limited\, so please register to save your spot! \n\n\n\n \n \n Advertising Horror Stories\n \n "*" indicates required fields \n \n CompanyThis field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.Name*\n \n \n \n First\n \n \n \n \n Last\n \n \n Email*\n \n CompanyEvent Ticket Quantity*Each ticket is $20 and includes a drink ticket and Halloween goodie bag. Select the quantity you’d like\, and you’ll be redirected to PayPal to complete your purchase.\n \n \n Price:\n $20.00\n \n \n Quantity \n Promo Code Total\n \n Payment Method*PayPal CheckoutCredit Card\n MasterCardVisaSupported Credit Cards: MasterCard\, Visa\n \n Card Number\n \n \n \n Expiration Date\n \n \n  \n Security Code\n \n \n \n Cardholder Name URL:https://aafroanoke.org/event/ad-horror-stories/ LOCATION:Big Lick Brewing Company\, 409 Salem Ave SW\,\, Roanoke\, Virginia\, 24016 CATEGORIES:AAF,Ad2 ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://aafroanoke.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Advertising-Horror-Stories-NoBody-1920x1005-1.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250930T120000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250930T130000 DTSTAMP:20260409T141352 CREATED:20250829T011552Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250923T020905Z UID:2143-1759233600-1759237200@aafroanoke.org SUMMARY:Authenticity in Action: Latino Voices in Media & Marketing DESCRIPTION:Join us Tuesday\, September 30\, at noon\, for a meaningful discussion about the role the Latino community plays in the advertising and media. Our panelists will share their backgrounds\, showcase examples of inclusive campaigns\, and examine how local agencies can better serve the growing Hispanic community in Roanoke. Whether you’re in marketing\, media\, or simply appreciate authentic storytelling\, this event will offer fresh perspectives and practical ideas. \n\n\n\nEvent Details\n\n\n\n\nDate: Tuesday\, September 30\, 2025\n\n\n\nWhen: 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM\n\n\n\nWhere: Online via Zoom\n\n\n\n\nMeet Our Panelists\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\nMercedes Barba \n\n\n\nMercedes is the founder of Mercedes Barba & Media LLC. A Latina entrepreneur\, PR expert\, and mom\, Mercedes helps founders\, creators\, and financial leaders land features in outlets like Forbes\, Business Insider\, and Fast Company. She blends storytelling and strategy to amplify voices\, grow businesses\, and champion representation in media. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\nAna Morales \n\n\n\nAna serves as the Art Director for Roanoke Magazine\, earned an MFA degree from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and a BFA from James Madison University\, where she studied studio art and art education. Morales has exhibited her art locally and nationally for the past two decades. Ana currently lives in Roanoke with her husband and stepson and has a baby boy on the way! \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\nBrenda Prieto \n\n\n\nOriginally from Mexico City\, Brenda came to Roanoke as an international student and has since built a dynamic career in marketing and communications. She now serves as PR\, Marketing & Social Media Manager at the City of Roanoke Redevelopment and Housing Authority and leads Ad 2 Roanoke as president. \n\n\n\nBrenda’s passion for storytelling\, community\, and uplifting diverse voices makes her an inspiring part of our conversation on authenticity in advertising. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWhat You’ll Experience\n\n\n\nThis isn’t just another lunch break\, it’s your chance to: \n\n\n\n\nHear powerful stories from local Latinos and Latinas shaping advertising and media.\n\n\n\nSee campaigns in action that prove inclusive work makes a difference\n\n\n\nDiscover fresh perspectives on connecting with Roanoke’s growing Hispanic community\n\n\n\nWalk away inspired with practical ideas you can put to use right away\n\n\n\n\nCome hungry for lunch\, and leave hungry to create change. \n\n\n\nCost of Tickets \n\n\n\n\nFree for Ad 2 and AAF Roanoke members\n\n\n\n$10 for non-members URL:https://aafroanoke.org/event/authenticity-in-action/ LOCATION:Virginia CATEGORIES:AAF,Ad2 ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://aafroanoke.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Authenticity-in-Action-1920x1005-2.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250723T120000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250723T130000 DTSTAMP:20260409T141352 CREATED:20250618T160546Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250710T154632Z UID:2048-1753272000-1753275600@aafroanoke.org SUMMARY:Real-World AI: How Marketing Agencies and Teams Are Putting It to Work DESCRIPTION:AI is no longer a buzzword—it’s a business tool that’s rapidly reshaping how marketing agencies and teams operate\, collaborate\, and create. \n\n\n\nJoin us Wednesday\, July 23\, at 12 PM for a free Lunch & Learn webinar and get an inside look at how two agency leaders are taking artificial intelligence from theory to practice: \n\n\n\n Raki Wright Clements\, Owner & Digital Strategy at The O’Connor Group Ryan McBurney\, Managing Partner and VP of Marketing and Fundraising at Interactive Strategies \n\n\n\nIn this engaging session\, Raki and Ryan will share how their teams are actively operationalizing AI across departments—from creative and strategy to project management and client service. They’ll share the tools they’re using\, the processes they’ve built\, and the lessons learned along the way. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to deepen your agency’s approach to AI\, you’ll walk away with real-world insights and practical ideas to bring back to your team. \n\n\n\nEvent Details\n\n\n\n\nDate: Wednesday\, July 23\, 2025\n\n\n\nWhen: 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM\n\n\n\nWhere: Online via Zoom\n\n\n\n\nWhat You’ll Learn:\n\n\n\n\nHow real agencies are using AI right now\n\n\n\nSpecific tools and platforms they rely on\n\n\n\nThe processes they’ve built to streamline work\n\n\n\nCommon challenges (and how to overcome them)\n\n\n\nTips to start or evolve your own team’s AI integration\n\n\n\n\nCost of Tickets \n\n\n\n\nFree for Ad 2 and AAF Roanoke members\n\n\n\n$10 for non-members URL:https://aafroanoke.org/event/real-world-ai-marketing-webinar/ LOCATION:Virginia CATEGORIES:AAF,Ad2 ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://aafroanoke.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/AI-Webinar_2025.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250717T120000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250717T130000 DTSTAMP:20260409T141352 CREATED:20250617T183558Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250617T183600Z UID:2044-1752753600-1752757200@aafroanoke.org SUMMARY:Gen Z to CMO: Real Talk from Marketing Pros DESCRIPTION:Fresh out of college and wondering what’s next? Ready to level up your career right here in the Roanoke Valley? Don’t miss your chance to connect with some of Roanoke’s top marketing minds in a LIVE webinar built just for rising professionals like you! Whether you’re unsure where to begin or ready to make bold moves\, our expert panel of seasoned marketers is here to guide you\, inspire you\, and answer your biggest career questions — no fluff\, just real advice. \n\n\n\n🎯 This is your moment. 📍 This is your city. 🔥 This is your future. \n\n\n\n👉 Register now and step confidently into the next chapter of your marketing journey. \n\n\n\nEvent Details\n\n\n\n\nDate: Thursday\, July 17\, 2025\n\n\n\nWhen: 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM\n\n\n\nWhere: Online via Zoom\n\n\n\n\nWhat to Expect:\n\n\n\n\nReal talk from Roanoke’s top marketing pros\n\n\n\nA candid conversation about navigating your early career\n\n\n\nTips on standing out in today’s competitive job market\n\n\n\nHonest takes on hot topics like AI\, resumes\, and real-world skills\n\n\n\nLive Q&A with the panel\, ask anything\, get real answers\n\n\n\nEncouragement to launch (and grow!) your career right here in the Roanoke Valley\n\n\n\nPlus\, a recording will be available after the event\n\n\n\n\nCost of Tickets \n\n\n\n\nFree for Ad2 and AAF Roanoke members\n\n\n\n$10 for non-members URL:https://aafroanoke.org/event/gen-z-to-cmo-real-talk-from-marketing-pros/ LOCATION:Virginia CATEGORIES:Ad2 ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://aafroanoke.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/ad2roa-genz-to-cmo-scaled.png END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR