A fellow among us.
For decades, advertising agencies across the country have struggled to reach a level of ethnic diversity that reflects or exceeds that of the general population. Despite efforts by trailblazing organizations like Adcolor and the Marcus Graham Project, studies show the issue persists.
As a response to this—and spurred on by the racial inequities further revealed by COVID-19 and the murder of George Floyd—in 2021, 19 Ideas partnered with Say Yes Buffalo to develop a unique fellowship program offering a paid, part-time employment opportunity to a Say Yes Buffalo scholar.
Fellow
noun; fel·low
a person appointed to a position granting a stipend and allowing for advanced study or research.
Our fellowship program.
Achieving diversity in advertising agencies is necessary. To do our part, 19 Ideas developed a Fellowship program for college-age BIPOC students to earn new skills, gain exposure to working alongside experts in a professional environment, and ultimately experience a competitive advantage when applying for jobs. Each summer, we interview young college students and select one applicant to join the agency for 12 immersive months of hands-on agency experience.
Throughout their year at 19 Ideas, our fellows learn different facets of a full-service marketing agency. The college student in this role interacts with every agency department and reports to our Creative Director. Fellows learn about—and participate in—strategic, digital, and creative marketing and communications projects for 19 Ideas and its clients.
Our partnership with Say Yes Buffalo means applicants are referred to the fellowship interview through its scholar program. Over the year we work together, the scholar selected to be the 19 Ideas fellow participates in a professional development program that includes honing soft skills required to work in a professional environment while practicing hard skills related to strategic marketing, the production of materials, learning to contribute to existing workflows, and managing client relationships.
We value diversity.
19 Ideas is committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
We know our people are the most valuable asset we have. The collective sum of life experiences, knowledge, innovation, self-expression, unique capabilities, and talent our employees invest in their work represents a significant part of our culture, reputation, and the company’s achievements.
Our values
19 Ideas’ co-founder and CEO Katie Krawczyk envisioned this program as a way to provide an intentional and conscientious opportunity to a dedicated young professional, hoping to seed our industry with capable young people from various backgrounds.
Left–right: Fellow Manny Wright with 19 Ideas co-founders Katie Krawczyk and Dan Gigante
“Our goal is to connect with young professionals to support a more equitable landscape in the marketing and communications fields here in the Buffalo area and beyond.”
— Katie Krawczyk, 19 Ideas Chief Executive Officer & Founding Partner
Providing opportunities is fundamental to 19 Ideas’ commitment to our community. By partnering with Say Yes Buffalo and Persistence Preparatory Academy (for whom Katie is a founding board member), among others, 19 Ideas is putting its money (and its heart) where its mouth is.
Our fellows share their experiences
At 19 Ideas, my role as their Marketing & Communications fellow wasn’t just an opportunity but an enriching chapter in my career journey. From the beginning, I was immersed in the vibrant marketing world, soaking up knowledge and experiences that would shape my professional path. Each day brought new opportunities to connect with audiences, infusing my work with creativity and purpose. My time at 19 Ideas wasn’t only about professional growth; it was about forging connections, honing skills, and discovering my true passion for marketing and communication. And for that, I’ll forever be grateful.
— Skye Collins-Nieves, Marketing & Communications Fellow, 2023 Fellow
19 Ideas gave me insight on strategic planning, taught me the importance of teamwork, and showed me what it felt like to work under compassionate leadership. 19 Ideas understands the importance of paying attention to fine details and as a fellow you become accustomed to that standard. The company works diligently, and all departments have separate duties but come together cohesively. The leadership there are some of the most compassionate people I have met; they care about the work product but prioritize your wellbeing. My year-long fellowship was one of my best experiences in undergrad: professionally and personally.
— Emmanuel Wright, 2022 Fellow
Our partnership with Say Yes Buffalo.
Say Yes Buffalo is an education-based initiative providing a powerful engine for long-term economic development by removing barriers to educational attainment, workforce participation, and economic mobility of K–12 public and charter school students in Buffalo, New York.
Say Yes Buffalo is a partnership between the Buffalo Public School District, the Buffalo Teachers Federation, the Buffalo Association of Administrators and Supervisors, the City of Buffalo, Erie County, Say Yes to Education, Inc., and a diverse range of higher education entities, corporate, non-profit, and philanthropic organizations.
When it was launched in December 2011, Say Yes Buffalo became the second chapter in the country to partner with an entire city school district. Say Yes to Education operates chapters throughout the US.
19 Ideas interviews applicants enrolled in Say Yes Buffalo’s scholar program each summer starting in May for our fellowship opening.
