Curious what we got up to this year? Ever wonder what it’s like to be an Agency volunteer? Learn more about our 2025 teams, and ways to get involved here!

AMA PDX Agency Draws to a Close: hear about reflections on AMA PDX Agency, Embracing New Challenges, and Creating Impactful Stories

Dive into this interview with Bruna Mesquita to learn more about her experience volunteering with AMA PDX Agency so far.

This summer, denim giants launched campaigns that did more than sell jeans; they sparked a broader conversation about representation, identity, and inclusive marketing. All eyes were on American Eagle and Gap. Their recent campaigns give us a deeper look into how brands navigate that delicate balance between cultural relevance and commercial success. 

This month, we spoke with Bradley Fischer, a strategy, data, and analytics professional and first-time AMA PDX Agency volunteer. Bradley is bringing his expertise to Wonderfolk, a Portland nonprofit that empowers underserved youth through immersive leadership experiences.

Through AMA PDX Agency, Bradley is helping Wonderfolk build a strong data foundation, shape messaging, and tell a compelling story of impact. His experience shows how even a few hours a week can create meaningful change—for both nonprofits and volunteers.

What happens when you mix bright college students, real-world marketing challenges, and even a little putt-putt? You get AMA’s 2025 Diversity Leadership Institute—a four-day program at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign where 20 students from historically underrepresented backgrounds explored identity, equity, and leadership.

Discover how AMA PDX Agency volunteer Jeanne Fu is leveraging her marketing expertise to drive progress for Wonderfolk, a Portland nonprofit empowering low-income and BIPOC youth through arts, outdoor adventures, and global travel. Learn how her team is strengthening fundraising efforts, shaping impactful branding, and building authentic connections through pro bono creative work.

July is Disability Pride Month and the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act — a powerful reminder that disability is not something to "overcome," but a meaningful part of identity and culture. This blog breaks down why the words we choose matter and offers a simple, thoughtful guide to speaking and writing about disability with care and respect. From avoiding outdated terms to honoring personal preferences, these tips will help you communicate more inclusively and avoid common missteps. Curious how to be more mindful in your language? Start here.

Media is more than a megaphone—it’s a brand-building powerhouse. Companies are grabbing attention with short-form videos, authentic user content, personalized experiences, and seamless social shopping. Want to stay relevant and connect with today’s audience? These six strategies show how media can turn engagement into real brand impact. Read the full blog to dive in.

Happy Pride Month! June is a time for celebration, reflection, and recognizing the ongoing fight for LGBTQIA+ rights. While this year feels different with mounting challenges to basic freedoms, it’s more important than ever to show up in meaningful ways. As marketers, we have the power to uplift the LGBTQIA+ community through thoughtful and inclusive practices. From using gender-neutral language in your messaging to hiring LGBTQIA+ creators, every action counts. Join us as we explore how inclusive marketing can drive progress, create real connections, and ensure everyone feels seen and valued, even in uncertain times.

Get ready to be inspired! Our 2025 AMA PDX Agency Storytelling Project kicks off with a dynamic video Q&A featuring storyteller Bryn Culbert and Wonderfolk account manager Dory Athey. This behind-the-scenes glimpse captures the heart of volunteerism, teamwork, and the powerful impact of our agency program. It’s a fun, insightful look at how marketing pros and nonprofits come together to create real change—don’t miss it!

Anti-Asian hate has surged again following the 2024 U.S. elections, with alarming increases in incidents targeting AANHPI communities. Marketers can play a crucial role in fighting this by promoting authentic representation, supporting AANHPI creators, and reevaluating language to avoid harmful stereotypes. This piece offers practical steps for brands to take action and make a positive impact.

AI and automation are transforming marketing by making it smarter, faster, and more personalized. AI enhances customer experiences through predictive analytics, personalization at scale, and AI-powered chatbots for efficient customer support. Automation, on the other hand, boosts efficiency by handling tasks like email campaigns, social media scheduling, and performance reporting. Together, these technologies allow marketers to make data-driven decisions, nurture leads, and create seamless customer interactions. As AI and automation evolve, they’ll continue to offer deeper insights and more immersive experiences, ensuring businesses stay competitive and deliver exceptional marketing.

April is Neurodiversity Celebration Month, and AMA PDX is honoring the unique strengths neurodivergent individuals bring to marketing. We spoke with Trinity Bowen, a Portland State MBA student, who shared how her neurodivergence fuels creativity, pattern recognition, and problem-solving in her work. Trinity reminds us that inclusion goes beyond accommodations — it's about embracing different ways of thinking to build stronger, more innovative teams.

In the world of influencer marketing, smaller is getting smarter. This blog explores the growing power of micro (10k–100k followers) and nano (under 10k) influencers, who are winning over brands with their authenticity, high engagement rates, and niche audiences. Unlike their mega-famous counterparts, these influencers feel more like trusted friends than celebrities—making their recommendations more impactful and budget-friendly. For brands looking to build genuine connections without breaking the bank, micro and nano-influencers are the secret sauce to smarter, more relatable marketing.

In today’s digital world, video content remains one of the most powerful tools for engaging and converting audiences. Statistics show that 80% of internet traffic will be video by 2025, and 72% of consumers prefer learning about products through video. Video enhances engagement, builds trust, drives conversions, improves SEO, and is highly shareable, making it a crucial component of any marketing strategy. Whether through social media, YouTube, live streaming, or video ads, businesses can harness video to connect with audiences, increase brand visibility, and achieve measurable results.

The February 28, 2025, economic blackout highlighted concerns over corporate cuts to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) initiatives, encouraging consumers to support businesses that align with their values. Data from major companies like Target, Walmart, and Amazon showed declines in traffic, while Costco, known for its DEIA stance, saw a boost. This shift signals a growing consumer awareness about mindful spending and emphasizes the importance for marketers to align with values that matter to their audience.

March is Women’s History Month, a time to honor the incredible contributions women have made throughout history and push for gender equality. While Women's History Month started as a way to highlight women’s struggles and triumphs, it’s now a call to action. This month reminds us of the work still needed to close the gender pay gap, celebrate diverse experiences, and actively advocate for women’s equality. Companies can show commitment to gender parity through actions like pay equity audits and supporting women-owned businesses. Most importantly, let’s remember that celebrating women’s achievements is not just for March—it’s an ongoing mission to shape a brighter, more inclusive future!

In honor of Women’s History Month, we reflect on the incredible women who’ve shaped history—and the challenges they still face, like imposter syndrome. This pervasive self-doubt affects many, especially women and women of color, who often struggle with feeling unrecognized in systems that weren't designed for them. To tackle imposter syndrome, we encourage you to pause and reflect: Are your doubts based on fear or facts? Analyzing your accomplishments can help you overcome self-doubt, build confidence, and embrace your true potential. Let’s keep celebrating each other’s wins and break through those barriers together!

At AMA PDX, we're all about using marketing to make a real difference. This year, we're spotlighting four amazing organizations driving change in their communities: Wonderfolk, which empowers BIPOC youth through leadership and arts; Lloyd EcoDistrict, turning neighborhoods green and sustainable; Playworks Pacific Northwest, promoting play for stronger, healthier kids; and Portland Fruit Tree Project, fighting food insecurity by redistributing fresh produce. With our expert marketing support, these organizations are amplifying their impact and creating lasting change.