Nityanta Saripalli,

President

nrs13@illinois.edu

Pronouns: He/Him

As President, he co-manages the executive board and 12 agencies and committees. Nityanta is super excited to set a new standard as to what AAF Illinois is all about. When not working on AAF, you can often find him working with the athletic department or studying at SCD.

Favorites: Hot Sauces (or like anything spicy), Crossword Puzzle, The Outdoors, and honesty trying new things

 

Rachel Ellis, CEO

Pronouns: She/Her

Rachel is a Junior from Chicago, IL majoring in Advertising with a minor in Psychology. As CEO, she is responsible for co-leading the executive board and 12 agencies and committees. Rachel is ecstatic about the year ahead and hopes to help others discover their inner creativity and spark their innovation and involvement within AAF. Her goal is to make sure that AAF continues to thrive and grow into a resourceful and safe environment for everyone. Outside of AAF, Rachel is most likely watching a new TV show or dancing for fun.

Favorites: Hats, Grey's Anatomy, Sushi, and J.Cole

 

Jason Chen | Chief Client Services Officer

Pronouns: He/Him

Jason is a junior studying Advertising with a minor in Business. As Chief Client Services Officer, he communicates and searches for clients for AAF. Jason is extremely excited to find amazing businesses and organizations that can become patterned with AAF. When not working on AAF, you can often find him playing soccer at the fields or at the ARC lifting.

Favorites: Lifting, poker, and eating powered peanut butter

William Hohe | Chief Creative Officer

Pronouns: They/Them

William is a junior in Advertising (BS) & Photography (BFA) with minors in Art History & Business. In AAF, William is the Chief Creative Officer and is in charge of maintaining and advancing the aesthetics and brand identity of Illinois' AAF. In the past, William has worked as the Director of AdLab and been a client for multiple agencies through the Circular Fashion Expo (CFE.3). Outside of AAF, William is the president of the Fashion Network and Lead Organizer of the Circular Fashion Expo. S

Favorites: Running, Thrifting/Vintage shopping, all things pop culture, and maximalism.

Aniya Davis | Chief Diversity Officer

Pronouns: She/Her

Aniya is a junior studying advertising with minors in public relations and business. As the Chief Diversity Officer, she leads the agency DEI and helps oversee the applicants for MPMS and MAIP! Aniya is excited to show everyone how to advocate for themselves and for others within the advertising industry. When she's not doing work for AAF, you'll see her in NAACP here on campus and working at the Union or the Bookstore. Don't forget to chat with her sometime! She's happy to talk to anyone about any and everything.

Favorites: Cheesecake (really anything sweet), HGTV, dystopian novels, and games

Lauren Barjami | Chief Industry Engagement Officer

Pronouns: She/Her

Lauren Barjami is a Sophomore majoring in Advertising and minoring in Computer Science. As the Chief Industry Engagement Officer, her responsibilities include organizing industry trips such as Advasion, coordinating speaker events, and enhancing alumni relationships. Lauren is passionate about showcasing the creative achievements within AAF Illinois. Outside of AAF, Lauren runs her own Etsy shop, specializing in custom music stickers. She enjoys attending concerts and music festivals such as Lollapalooza with her sisters, and you can often find her going for runs or taking workout classes at the ARC.

Favorites: Crafting Spotify Playlists, Clay Art, Gordon Ramsay Cooking Shows, Stickers, Painting, Baby Keem, Essential Oils, Podcasts

Kenny Huffstetter | Chief Operations Officer

Pronouns: He/Him

Kenny is a Senior in advertising with a minor in business. As Chief Operations Officer, he is responsible with making sure that every agency has a place to meet and if there are any areas within AAF that need additional help he is there to assist. He is also going to be apart of this years NSAC team, and is very excited! When he’s not working on AAF, Kenny work at a coffee shop on campus, plays various sports with his friends, works out, and plays the guitar.

Favorites: Chicago Cubs, Dr Pepper, Traveling, and Talking to new people

Francesca Caruso | AdBuzz President

Pronouns: She/Her

Francesca is a senior majoring in Advertising. As AdBuzz President, she will be leading a group of students who are curious about gaining real world experience in Public Relations while working with real clients. When not working with AAF, Francesca loves to be listening to music, reading, or doing work in the SCD.

Favorites: NYT Daily Mini, Baking, and Discovering new music

Caroline Pulford | Addys Project Manager

Pronouns: She/Her

Caroline is a sophomore studying Advertising with a minor in Informatics. In her role as Addy’s Project Manager, she creates the semester schedule for each Addy’s team project and helps groups stay on track to submit their competition work by the deadline. Besides her position in AAF, Caroline is a member of Kappa Delta Sorority and Phi Eta Sigma Honor Society.

Favorites: Fashion, Chick-fil-a, Nancy Meyers Movies, Pilates, and Sushi!

Joseph Garlin | Build-It Vice President

Pronouns: He/Him

Joseph is a Freshman studying Finance. As Vice President of Build It, Joseph is responsible for recruiting Build It members, structuring Build It meetings, and handling financial responsibilities within the Build It agency. Outside of AAF, Jospeh enjoys watching sports and hanging out with friends.

Favorites: Dogs, Animals, Football, Good movies, Fun times

Julian Trujillo | CTRL+V Account Director

Pronouns: He/Him

Julian is a junior studying Advertising and Psychology. As CTRL+V Account Director, Julian is responsible for managing relationships with clients, organizing teams, and dealing with logistical problems. Outside of AAF, he is involved with Game Night.

Favorites: Denver Broncos, Puzzles, and Coke

Milla Kutsin | Hyperlink Project Manager

Pronouns: She/Her

Milla is a freshman majoring in Advertising. As Hyperlink Project Manager, her responsibilities include managing hyperlink projects to ensure everything is completed on time within the agency as well as acting as a leader through assisting the team with content creation. She is thrilled to be a part of Hyperlink this semester and is looking forward to sharing her love for all things social media and content creation!

Favorites: Sushi, Lana Del Ray, Chit-Chatting, Spending Money, Spamming Private Story

Caroline Burns | Midnight Oil President

Pronouns: She/Her

Caroline is a junior studying advertising, and starting a minor in journalism. As President for Midnight Oil, she looks forward to instilling a fun and creative space for others to learn and explore the advertising industry. Caroline is excited to not only pass on her experiences and advice, but also to continue to learn from those around her this year. Outside of AAF, you can catch Caroline stopping to pet any dog in sight, working out with her friends, or searching for a new outdoor study spot.

Favorites: Making Nestle Toll House cookies, hiking, watching Modern Family

Ayesha Baweja | NSAC President

Pronouns: She/Her

Ayesha is a senior from California majoring in Computer Science + Advertising, minoring in informatics. This year, Ayesha is the NSAC President and this will be her fourth year with NSAC. Outside of AAF, Ayesha is a Nordstrom ambassador, does info sci research, works at an education technology startup, and is the marketing chair for Reflections | Projections, a tech conference on campus.

Favorites: Sushi, Nintendo Switch, making jewelry, crossword puzzles

Wafa Smairat | NSAC Media Director

Pronouns: She/Her

Wafa is a sophomore undeclared in her studies but is hoping to join the college of ACES soon. Wafa joined the NSAC team her freshman year after peaking an interest in the financial aspects. She hopes to further expand her technical and marketing skills this year as an Exec member. Wafa can’t wait to take a larger role in AAF! When she’s not working on NSAC material, you can find Wafa learning more computer skills or a new language!

Favorites: Watching sunsets, listening to Harry Styles, playing tennis, shopping on Amazon, and taking pictures of the sky

Madeline Kruse | OTH Project Manager

Pronouns: They/She

Madeline is a junior studying Advertising with minors in Art and Sociology. As account director of On The House, they help run weekly agency meetings and maintain connections with clients. This year she is joining Midnight Oil to build her portfolio and be apart of a collaborative team!! After hours Madeline is the production director at the student ran radio station WPGU 107.1! Additionally they are involved with The Fashion Network and Horticulture Club. Send all your plant cuttings her way!!

Favorites: Sudoku, Indoor Plants, Neo-Soul music, Cheese

Ellie Sinclair | RSVP Vice President

Pronouns: She/Her

Ellie is a Senior studying Advertising and Public Relations. As RSVP Vice President, she is in charge of client accounts and works with the members of RSVP to give them a better understanding of the advertising industry. When she is not studying for classes or at AAF events, Ellie loves to play volleyball, go thrifting, and learning new languages!

Favorites: Plants, Chai Lattes, and Early 2000s Reality TV

Marieli Lopez | Chief Community Engagement Officer

Pronouns: She/Her

Marieli is senior in Advertising minoring in Public Relations and Communication. She is responsible for creating outreach events and fundraisers for AAF members to interact with local communities. In addition to event planning, Marieli is also President of AAF's Community Outreach. She oversees student-run social cause campaigns and educates the team on social marketing strategies. Outside of advertising, you can find Marieli performing beside her besties at a local house show.

Favorites: Alternative Rock, Spider-Man, Sanrio, Singing, Studio Ghibli

Lily Dahlborn | Chief Culture Officer

Pronouns: She/Her

Lily is a sophomore majoring in Communication and minoring in Public Relations and Media. This year, she is thrilled to hold the role of Chief Culture Officer at AAF, where her focus is building connections and friendships through the Mentor/Mentee program. She wants to promote AAF as a place where people can learn more about the advertising industry, but also as a vibrant social community. She is looking forward to ensuring every participant has a truly enjoyable experience at AAF this year.

Favorites: Dancing, traveling, taking photos, hugging my friends, pasta, shopping, and chick flicks

Jenn Lee | Chief Financial Officer

Pronouns: She/Her

Jenn is a junior studying Advertising with minors in Public Relations & Creative Writing. As the Chief Financial Officer, she organizes and oversees AAF’s finances to help maximize members’ opportunities and experiences. Jenn is excited to see all the different projects and events AAF has in store this semester! When Jenn is away from the advertising industry, you’ll find her with friends, staring at puzzles, organizing an album filled with pictures of her puppy Coco, or baking Brown Butter Matcha cookies.

Favorites: The entire Cars Trilogy, Legos, Chess, Costco, Ikea Meatballs, Drawing, Studio Ghibli Films, Scrapbooking, and Swing Dancing

Evan Walker | Chief Intelligence Officer

Pronouns: He/Him

Evan is a junior studying Advertising with a dual minor in Informatics and Business. As Chief Intelligence Officer, Evan is responsible for tracking chapter trends/insights, and providing academic/industry resources. Outside of AAF, he really enjoys coffee shops, watching critically acclaimed films, and hanging out with friends. Additionally, Evan is also involved with Illinois Business Consulting, The Black Business Network, and Phi Eta Sigma Honor Society.

Favorites: Basketball, Chipotle, Studio Ghibli/Christoper Nolan Films, and Discussing Pop Culture

Abby Kubatzke | Chief Social Officer

Pronouns: She/Her

Abby is a senior studying Advertising. As Chief Social Officer, Abby plans the AAF social events and makes sure everything is running smoothly. Abby is excited to make AAF social events as fun as possible and have people looking forward to the next! Abby is also the Artistic Director for a dance team on campus called Stiletto Queens.

Favorites: Dance, Cats, Coffee, and Drawing

Sydney Klesner | AdBuzz Account Director

Pronouns: She/Her

Sydney is a Junior majoring in Statistics and Advertising. As the Account Director of AdBuzz, Sydney aims to get people excited for their future in advertising through networking, real world experience, and lasting memories.   She wants visitors to feel at ease in the environment offered by AdBuzz and to eagerly anticipate visiting there each week. Sydney enjoys attending concerts by some of her favorite musicians, exploring new cities, and finding new coffee shops when she isn't working with AAF.

Favorites: Kombucha, Thrifting, Golden Retrievers, and Cycling Classes

Greta Prepejchal | AdLab Director

Pronouns: She/They

Greta is a junior studying Advertising with a minor in Art & Design. Greta is super excited to lead AdLab, AAF's workshop and tutorial centered creative agency. Having been an AdLab member her freshman year, Greta hopes to create a comfortable and welcoming environment in which members can take creative risks and not be afraid to ask a million questions just like she did. When Greta isn't consumed by the advertising world, she can be found hibernating or jacked up on an iced matcha latte - there is no in between.

Favorites: BrewLab’s Iced Crème brûlée Matcha Lattes w/ Oatmilk, Sumo Wrestling, Hercules Beetles, & Jack Black’s School of Rock (2004)

Sage Raulston | Build-it Creative Director

Pronouns: She/Her

Sage is a sophomore studying advertising with a minor in psychology. As the Creative Director for Build-it, she runs the Build-it Instagram page, as well as oversees project deadlines and organization. She is also involved in The Every Voice Coalition on campus, an RSO that aims to prevent sexual violence on campuses in Illinois. Sage doesn’t have a set post-graduation plan, but she hopes to be able to travel around the world, ideally with her childhood best friends and her cousins.

Favorites: Animals, Rock, Jazz, Indie, and Metal Music, Making Pancakes on Sunday Mornings, and Big Hugs!

Eileen Kim | CTRL+V Creative Director

Pronouns: She/Her

Eileen is a sophomore in Advertising with a minor in Art + Design. This year, she is filling the role of CTRL+V's Creative Director. She is responsible for guiding CTRL+V's members in knowledge about camerawork, film and media, and making sure members have the resources to see out their creative visions. Outside of AAF, Eileen spends her time skating, tattooing, and making chicken at Cane's. In the future, she hopes to work as a Creative Director for ad agencies in Chicago.

Favorites: Making Fire Fits, Early Era Youtube, Grapes

Nicole Amrhein | Hyperlink Strategist

Pronouns: She/Her

Nicole is a sophomore studying advertising and getting minors in business and informatics. As the hyperlink strategist, Nicole lead’s the graphics team, works to solve internal and external issues, and works with the project manager to check the team’s progress. Outside of AAF, Nicole is apart of the sorority Alpha Gamma Delta and is the Director of Merchandise for my chapter.

Favorites: Concerts, fall, fashion, chick-fil-a

Liesl Cooke | Midnight Oil Account Director

Pronouns: She/Her

Liesl is a senior studying Advertising with a minor in Informatics. As MO AD, she is responsible for overseeing the relationship between teams and their clients. She's so excited to watch teams develop their skills and find out what they are really passionate about in advertising, while having tons of fun! She can't wait to see what new memories come with this year. When she's not doing things with AAF, you can find Liesl swimming, biking, and running with the Illinois Triathlon Club or making origami cranes out of post-it notes.

Favorites: Baking Bread, Taylor Swift, Crocheting

Caden Jones | NSAC Strategy Director

Pronouns: He/Him

Caden is a junior studying Advertising with a minor in CS. As the NSAC team's strategy executive director, Caden manages the strategy portion of the team's competitive campaign. When not working to create a winning campaign, you'll find Caden working out at the ARC or studying at a cafe. Caden is also involved as a Computer Science course advisor as well as in other agencies in AAF.

Favorites: Computer building, Cars, Podcasts, Modern art, Anime

Lauren Jenkins | NSAC Creative Director

Pronouns: She/Her

Lauren is a senior studying advertising with a minor in informatics. As the creative director, Lauren will be in charge of ensuring that the campaign that NSAC develops for this year's client, Tide, maintains a consistent visual and thematic look. When not working on AAF, you can find Lauren working in the Ike South area or hanging out with friends at the Union. Outside of AAF, Lauren also works as the social media director/video editor for the Daily Illini and as a photo/video intern for the University Housing marketing team.

Favorites: Film, Photography, Art Museums, Hiroshi Magai, Card Games, Farmers' Markets, Plants

Elie Dixon | OTH Creative Director

Pronouns: She/Her

Elie is a sophomore in Advertising and starting a minor in Public Relations. As creative director for OTH, she is excited to guide new members through the creative process and see everyone grow in confidence with their client teams. She wants people to feel that they can be creative, even if they have never done anything in advertising before! Outside of AAF, you can find her working at a coffee shop, hanging out with friends, and scrolling on Pinterest.

Favorites: Small Dogs, Instagram Stories, Ceramics, the Blue Jolly Ranchers

Sumer Hazeen | Chief Communications Officer

Pronouns: She/Her

Sumer is a Senior in Advertising with minors in Spanish and Informatics. Additionally, Sumer is apart of APO, a service fraternity on campus and IMP, a mentor program for kids at local elementary schools. Sumer has a cat, her name is Suki. She is the only thing Sumer loves in this world, besides chocolate. Sumer also loves going to Target and walking around aimlessly buying things she doesn't need. Sumer is also a huge coffee drinker and loves whipping up her own coffee at home. Sumer is really excited to meet everyone and hopes everyone has so much fun this year!

Favorites: Baking, dance parties, and binging shows on all platforms

Ryan Kowalski | Chief Digital Officer

Pronouns: He/Him

Ryan is a junior studying Computer Science + Advertising. As the Chief Digital Officer, his job is to update and oversee the digital online presence of AAF's webpage. He also is responsible for updating the various agencies’ websites with new content. When not working on the AAF website, Ryan can be found playing video games, binge-watching a show, or taking a nap.

Favorites: Chicago, Overwatch, Editing Videos, Kendrick Lamar, Family

Caden Bargowski | Chief Fundraising Officer

Pronouns: She/Her

Caden is a junior studying Advertising. As Chief Fundraising Officer, she brainstorms and implements engaging fundraising events to generate both good memories and funds for AAF. Caden is excited to step into this role and can’t wait to use creativity and strategy throughout the semester for her events. When she’s not in her role as Chief Fundraising Officer, you can catch her procrastinating cleaning her room and walking around campus. When she’s not doing that (sorry Mom), she enjoys photography, videography, social media management, and content creation.

Favorites: Hot Yoga, House Music, Costco Marinara Sauce, Scattergories, Petting Dogs, and Chocolate Extreme Dairy Queen Blizzards.

Ava Brancato | Chief Membership Officer

Pronouns: She/Her

Ava is a sophomore studying Advertising with a minor in Business. She manages events and handles all information related to student memberships. She is eager to start this new position and help expand the AAF community. In her free time she likes to hang out with her friends, thrift, and cook. Ava is also involved in Greek life and AMA.

Favorites: Hiking, fashion, sleeping, and being creative

DaVinci Calcara | Outreach Chair

Pronouns: She/Her

DaVinci is a senior majoring in Advertising and minoring in Art and Design. As Outreach Chair, she is in charge of running the Outreach Committee and bringing awareness to the field of Advertising as well as AAF! When she’s not at an AAF meeting, you can find her chilling at home with her cat and watching Netflix!

Favorites: Sweet tea, 90s alternative music, Tiktok, and strawberry Pocky

Miguel Mora | Addys President

Pronouns: He/Him

Miguel is a Sophomore studying Advertising with minors in Anthropology and English as a Second Language. In the Addy's agency President role, Miguel is in charge of planning and running weekly meetings for the agency. He hopes to provide a great environment for members eager for creative freedom. Outside of AAF Miguel loves to rock climb in UIUC's Climbing Club, as well as rollerblade with the Inline Insomniacs.

Favorites: Denim, Hiking, unfamiliar music, Chipotle Peppers, and the smell of rain

Anna Chang | Build-It President

Pronouns: She/Her

Anna is a junior studying Advertising with a Business Minor. As Creative Director of Build-It, she co-manages the Build-It agency and leads the creative direction. When not working on Build-It, Anna runs her own clothing brand called Amala Exchange, is an Assistant Ad Director/Creative at Illini Media, is involved in Midnight Oil, and is a member of the sorority Kappa Alpha Theta.

Favorites: Traveling, fashion, food (especially trying new foods), architecture, and all things TLC.

Arnav Lande | CTRL+V President

Pronouns: He/Him

Arnav is a Senior studying Information Sciences with a minor in Media. As the President of CTRL+V, Arnav oversees the development of client and spec ads within the agency, and helps people of various experience levels work together to create video advertisements. Outside of AAF, Arnav enjoys taking photos, traveling, and longboarding around campus. Additionally, Arnav is involved in other RSOs like Indian Student Association, Alpha Iota Omicron, and Illini Auto Group.

Favorites: Photography, Movies, Soccer, Sushi, Tech

Kara Yoo | Hyperlink President

Pronouns: She/Her

Kara is a sophomore studying Advertising. This year, she hopes to create a productive but laid-back environment for Hyperlink and really utilize each team to its full potential. When not running Video Team or working on Hyperlink responsibilities, Kara is involved in Alpha Delta Pi, The Fashion Network, Flashpoint Photography Club, and the Illini Union as a Student Photographer.

Favorites: Cherry Punch Sweet Tart Ropes, Trader Joe's Rice Cracker Medley, NYT Connections, Pillow Pets, Childish Gambino, National Parks

Kedzie Griffin | Hyperlink Creative Director

Pronouns: She/Her

Kedzie is a sophomore studying Recreation, Sport, and Tourism with a concentration in Sport Management. She is also working towards a Sport Media certificate. Kedzie is the Hyperlink Creative Director and in this position she manages and evaluates all content that is produced by Hyperlink while also helping manage the social team. When not at AAF, she is probably working for the football team or athletic department.

Favorites: Ice Cream, Taking Photos, Going on hikes, and Spending time with friends and family.

Brooke Button | Midnight Oil Creative Director

Pronouns: She/Her

Brooke is a Senior majoring in Advertising with minors in Spanish and Art & Design. This year as Creative Director for Midnight Oil she is looking forward to meeting new members, social events with the chapter, and seeing the work members create. Outside of AAF, you can find her hanging out with friends, taking walks, or listening to Beach House.

Favorites: Travel, journaling, long walks, art, anime, volleyball, indie music, dogs, plants

Nicole Toloczko | NSAC Research Director

Pronouns: She/Her

Nicole is a senior studying Advertising. As Research Director, she oversees the quantitative and qualitative data analysis in the AAF competition team. When not in class, you will see Nicole whipping up some drinks at Starbucks or grading the SBC masters program. In her free time, she loves cooking up a storm in the kitchen or dancing at Polish Club and Latin Night events.

Favorites: Spotify, Post-It Notes, Notion, Cooking, Nature

Rawan El-Bawab | OTH President

Pronouns: She/Her

Rawan is a sophomore studying Computer Science + ADV and getting a minor in Spanish. As OTH President, Rawan hopes to facilitate a fun and collaborative environment where members go out of their comfort zone, learn new skills and leave with a passion for advertising. You can probably find Rawan doing work at a variety of coffee shops on campus, at the ARC or hanging out with friends on the quad.

Favorites: Coffee Shops, Spotify, Photography, and Sitcoms

Abby Barker | RSVP President

Pronouns: She/Her

Abby Barker is a senior in Advertising. She is super excited to be president of RSVP as she has been a member for the past year and loves the upbeat, motivational tone that drives the agency to create great work for their clients. As president she hopes to build on the family like atmosphere RSVP has by encouraging collaboration, sharing, and doing things outside of the weekly meetings. She enjoys doing art projects like painting or crocheting, and spending time outside.

Favorites: Music, movies, the outdoors, DIY art projects, trying new things, and just being social.