The Most Inspiring Night in Advertising shone again in New York City. The American Advertising Federation (AAF) celebrated its 34th annual Most Inspiring Night in Advertising on Thursday, welcoming eight new inductees into the prestigious AAF Advertising Hall of Achievement. Nearly 500 members of the industry gathered at Pier Sixty to honor this year’s class, with content creator Eric Sedeño serving as host.
Supermodel, entrepreneur, and cultural powerhouse Ashley Graham was also recognized during the evening, receiving the AAF’s Special Cultural Force Award for her influence and advocacy across fashion, media, and body-positivity culture.
For more than three decades, the AAF Advertising Hall of Achievement has been the industry’s gold standard for honoring standout professionals aged 40 and under — rising leaders who are already shaping the future of advertising, marketing, culture, and creativity.
The 2025 AAF Hall of Achievement Inductees
This year’s class reflects the full diversity of the modern industry — spanning broadcast, tech, finance, creative agencies, and media innovation. Inductees pictured left to right (front row seated, then back row standing):
Front Row
• Alison Levin, President, Advertising & Partnerships, NBCUniversal
• Abi Evans, Chief Growth Officer, Dentsu Creative — also honored with the Jack Avrett Volunteer Spirit Award
• Amie Owen, Chief Commerce Officer, IPG Mediabrands
• Jason Schulweis, Former Chief Commercial Officer, The Female Quotient
Back Row
• Steve Pacheco, President & CEO, AAF
• Christena Pyle Kalonaros, Co-Chair, AHOA Council of Judges; Chief Community & Engagement Officer, dentsu
• Orlando Baeza, VP, Brand & Creative, Chime
• Charlotte Tansill, President, PR, Social & Influence, Ogilvy North America
• Ashley Graham, recipient, Special Cultural Force Award
• Paolo Provinciali, VP, Marketing – Growth, Performance & Operations, LinkedIn
• Tim Natividad, Co-Chair, AHOA Council of Judges; President, U.S. Advertising Sales & Marketing, TelevisaUnivision
The evening spotlighted not only professional excellence but the passion, mentorship, and leadership each honoree brings to their corner of the advertising world — underscoring why the event continues to be known as The Most Inspiring Night in Advertising.
REELated:
Barry Manilow and Marlo Thomas to receive AAF President’s Award
