Practical Changes

Updates to Vanguard, which focuses on mid-career professionals, include an expanded leadership training component to resemble a “mini MBA,” aimed at better equipping participants with the skills they need to grow within their companies.

Practical changes to MAIP, which inducted 75 fellows in 2024, include an enhanced curriculum, incorporating AI training, business etiquette, and an understanding of how agencies make money—skills identified by industry partners as essential for success in today’s workplace.

MAIP will continue its summer “Labs” program and expand its partnerships with organizations like the VCU Brand Center to enrich fellows’ experiences.

Similarly, Vanguard’s leadership track is evolving to partner with a university to provide a “mini MBA” experience.

Kaplowitz expressed optimism that the revamped programs will continue to serve as a vital resource for underrepresented talent in the advertising industry. She said a main goal was to get more agencies and partners “to raise their hand and want to have more MAIP fellows, knowing that they come incredibly prepared.”

She also emphasized the 4A’s commitment to staying connected to the alumni of both MAIP and Vanguard.

“We have over 4,500 alumni from the MAIP program, and we’re still very much committed to those communities and staying connected to them,” she added. “We want to ensure they are part of the evolution as we move forward.”