PHOTO BY JACOB SCOTT
Melissa Olson Named 2024 Penny Award Recipient
Honored for her outstanding contribution to the advertising field
AAF-Akron is proud to announce that Melissa Olson, Manager of Strategic Initiatives for Online, Continuing, and Professional Education at The University of Akron, is the 2024 recipient of its Penny Award.
Melissa earned her BFA in Graphic Design and Photography from the Myers School of Art at The University of Akron. During her time at the university, she actively engaged with AAF-Akron, balancing on-campus jobs and internships with her volunteer efforts.
Melissa’s career path has been anything but linear, but this diversity has enriched her professional experience. After graduation, she relocated to California, where she held various roles, including one with a boutique agency that allowed her to work on strategic projects for NGOs and educational clients statewide. It was in this role that Melissa discovered her passion for education—particularly, increasing educational access.
While living on the West Coast, Melissa remained a dedicated AAF member, encouraging student participation in the local chapter’s awards programs. She also served on the board of Creative Fresno, contributing to efforts to strengthen and support the region’s artistic community.
Upon returning to Northeast Ohio, Melissa reconnected with AAF-Akron and took on leadership roles within the organization, including American Advertising Awards Chair and, eventually, AAF-Akron President.
In a particularly meaningful chapter of her career, Melissa served as Manager of Student Affairs at her alma mater, the Myers School of Art. This role brought her professional journey full circle, reinforcing her dedication to expanding educational access and helping people from all backgrounds pursue their aspirations.
Melissa is deeply grateful for the experiences and lessons she has gained throughout her career in advertising and marketing. She believes the industry’s problem-solving methodologies offer powerful models for collaboration and innovation across all fields. She also recognizes the invaluable role that community has played in her journey—particularly the strong, supportive women who have cheered her on along the way.
As she moves into the next phase of her career, Melissa is excited to pass along this encouragement to others, serving as a wayfinder for those looking to embark on new paths or build on the ones they’ve already begun.
An AAF-Akron special committee chose Melissa during a closed session vote in early September. She will be presented the Penny Award at the AAF-Akron Annual Meeting on Thursday, Oct. 17 at 5:30pm at The Knight Stage in downtown Akron. For more information and to make reservations, visit aafakron.com.
