How did you feel when you found out your colleagues had chosen you to receive the Kennedy award?

As I wrote to my colleagues in a thank you email, this is how I felt: WOW. I truly 100% did not see that coming. It's crazy how many emotions it brought up in me. I am still reeling from it all. I felt shocked, confused, humbled, embarrassed, honored, touched, guilty and shaky (in that exact order).

Which of the Kennedy Day tenets speaks to you the most and why?

I would have to say that my favorite Kennedy Day tenet would have to be: “Misfits Rule”. No other way I could have won this amazing prize if that was not one of his tenets. :-)

What is one thing everyone can do to live more like Kennedy did?

I think just accepting that everyone is an individual and everyone has something to bring to the table. Treat everyone equally. Everyone deserves a chance and everyone is important!

As a recipient of the Kennedy award, you get to visit another city and office in the W+K network - which office do you most want to visit and why?

Oh my goodness, so generous!!!!! I would have to say I’d choose the Tokyo office because everyone I ever speak to says how wonderful it is there. It's the most different of all the agencies to what I'm used to here in Amsterdam. Also, 33 years ago I visited Tokyo on a two month work contract but I was too young to appreciate it. I stayed in my flat there counting my days til I went home. So regretful in retrospect. What a fool! I'm a different person now….I’m ready for take two! Haha Tokyo is so wonderfully ALIVE!!! Just get OUT INTO IT!

Did you know David Kennedy? If you did, what was one of your favorite memories of him? If you didn’t, what’s your favorite thing you’ve heard about him?

I personally did not know Kennedy but I definitely knew his very chilled voice on the phone. I was struck by how he would call our Amsterdam Office simply to catch up with an old colleague that he knew from Portland. But before I transferred the call, he would take the time to ask me not only how I was, but WHO I was. That says a lot about him.

The Kennedy awards at their core are about recognizing people, initiatives and programs. In that spirit, give someone or a program at W+K a shoutout to close us out.

I think I am going to shout out to an upcoming workshop that our office has organized for us called the Courageous Conversations, which I am very much looking forward to. Glenn Singleton will give us all a full two day (!!!) workshop about achieving racial equity, which is a very long overdue conversation in today’s world.

If I had to do a shout out to a person, I think I would choose our art director Craig Williams. He is zany as all get out, a creative, sharp, dedicated, workaholic, a true believer of our office and has worked here longer than I have which is a looong time. He is absolutely nuts, so his spirit definitely belongs here and I defy anyone else to tell me otherwise. Thank you!!!!!

How did you feel when you found out your colleagues had chosen you to receive the Kennedy award?

Honestly, it was one of the most overwhelming moments I have ever had in my entire professional journey. I think I was so shocked that I didn't really register it while it was announced in our agency meeting. At some point I was almost in tears and super emotional. The highlights were the quotes my colleagues shared about me, it made me feel really special and super emotional (happy tears).

It’s really a great personal honor for me to be one of 8 who have received this inaugural award in David’s honor. This will always be special to me.

Which of the Kennedy Day tenets speaks to you the most and why?

I think what speaks to me most out of all the tenets is that no task is too small and no smile is big enough. Personally, I truly believe in the power of putting out good into the world. A big smile to a person having a tough day, taking the time out to hear out a colleague when things aren't working out or helping out someone with the smallest task, will always go a long way. Both personally and professionally.

What is one thing everyone can do to live more like Kennedy did?

Be humble and only put good out into the universe.

After David passed, a network thread was started where everyone shared stories and pictures of him. I was hooked on that thread and read almost each and every story. I read about how someone mistook him for the janitor on their first day, how he was Santa on Christmas, Dumbledore on Halloween, and so many more instances talking about David as a person. He was truly loved and that came out in the stories I read. It made me realize how humble, creative and inspiring he was and how he managed to touch everyone’s lives (even those who had not met him). This global creative icon was also the most humble and generous human being ever. He truly touched people’s lives and made it better. I wish I had the privilege to meet him.

As a recipient of the Kennedy award, you get to visit another city and office in the W+K network - which office do you most want to visit and why?

To visit any W+K office in the world would be absolutely amazing; however since I have never been to Europe and have always daydreamed about traveling and eventually living there, I would pick Amsterdam.

I really loved the Nike, Duolingo, and Samsung work which the teams have created. Having worked at Samsung, India before joining W+K, I had a preview of the work that came from global for the “Awesome campaign”. It was such a sticky, unique piece of work! I was even more convinced to try and get a job at W+K. Here I am now! I would love to meet the teams who have worked on these accounts and pick their brains, if they would have the time for me. I have also seen photos of the office and really wouldn’t mind spending my week working from there :)

As a city, Amsterdam seems most like my vibe. I would love to spend time at the Van Gogh museum, see what exhibits are there in the film, street-art museum, and explore the city in general. Discover some fun things to do and make new friends.

Did you know David Kennedy? If you did, what was one of your favorite memories of him? If you didn’t, what’s your favorite thing you’ve heard about him?

I was not fortunate enough to meet him but I read that he wrote Santa letters!

I would have loved one from him. It really would have been AMAZING to have something handwritten from him (primarily to own a piece of his amazing, most meticulous handwriting that I have read so much about) and also to see what he would write to me in one of those letters. It would be my prized possession. If anyone has any Santa letters, do share them with me :)

The Kennedy awards at their core are about recognizing people, initiatives and programs. In that spirit, give someone or a program at W+K a shoutout to close us out.

I would love to give a shout out to my amazing creative directors Amrish Kondurkar and Sunayna Sabharwal! Thank you for coming up with the most fun, creative ideas (we put FUCK LUCK on a hoarding, yay!), for being patient with us in times of extreme pressure, for teaching me specifically to enjoy the creative process (good and bad parts) and mostly for being the most approachable, nicest people to work with (also for the non-work related fun!). You guys are just the best!

How did you feel when you found out your colleagues had chosen you to receive the Kennedy award?

Completely, utterly at a loss for words - as someone who is never at a loss for words.

I had fully anticipated the award being given to someone else, and was preparing to celebrate that person ferociously. Being the recipient was the furthest thing from my mind, and it was a total shock when my name was announced. Well, that’s not entirely true … the opening, anonymous description was: “He’s quite LOUD.” So that gave it away a bit.

Which of the Kennedy Day tenets speaks to you the most and why?

‘Everything is laugh-out-loud funny!’ I like to keep a very jovial, positive, borderline silly atmosphere in the office. This isn’t restricted to solely the office, actually. When I started at W+K London in January 2021, everything was remote: I was working from my parents' apartment in Italy; every meeting via Zoom; never seeing my colleagues' legs. I would play music to start meetings to set the tone and get people in the mood, and host Friday happy hours with my new team members. I’d like to think that some of my best friends were actually born out of somewhat solitary conditions, where we had to make the best out of the collective isolation.

What is one thing everyone can do to live more like Kennedy did?

From what I have been able to gather from others anecdotally, and from afar, he didn't acquiesce to following hierarchy in the workplace. He spoke fairly to everyone, and in turn allowed everyone to speak freely regardless of their level or position. This is a quality I have always felt is unique to W+K and still permeates today in this office. It’s what makes W+K its most creative, and allows people to do the best work of their lives.

As a recipient of the Kennedy award, you get to visit another city and office in the W+K network - which office do you most want to visit and why?

I would absolutely love to visit the W+K Tokyo office. I have always wanted to visit Japan, and Tokyo in particular. As an American with a borderline irritating obsession with baseball, I would love to take in a Yomiuri Giants game in the Tokyo Dome. Apart from baseball, I’ve wanted to immerse myself in what seems to be the futuristic, dense, neo-lit urbanity of the city, and the juxtaposition of the cherry blossoms in bloom. I’m also fascinated by samurai history and maybe someone will let me swing a katana. If I’m able to enjoy some sushi, saké and karaoke…all the better.

Did you know David Kennedy? If you did, what was one of your favorite memories of him? If you didn’t, what’s your favorite thing you’ve heard about him?

I did not know him, no. However, I’ve heard he used to walk around the office with his key affixed to his belt loops (or some other apparatus), jangling, like he was the janitor. It showed that he was not trying to put on a show, or keep up appearances as the owner of this famous ad agency, but just there as a creator trying to make the best work possible.

The Kennedy awards at their core are about recognizing people, initiatives and programs. In that spirit, give someone or a program at W+K a shoutout to close us out.

Forever Curious.

Forever Curious is an agency project we’ve been running for 7+ years in partnership with local primary schools. The aim is to inspire and develop curiosity & creativity in young people. We start at Year 4 (9 year olds) and stick with the same students for three years. Three local schools. 30 kids per school. 90 kids total.

Loads of creative sessions culminating in their very own creative exhibition.

The ambition for the project is to create a mutual and inspirational reciprocation between W+K and the youth, thereby sparking their creativity and reigniting ours. We learn from the kids, and the kids learn almost as much from us.

Big shoutout to Olli Rosicourt, David Brodie, Preety Mudhar and so many more wonderful people who make this happen.

How did you feel when you found out your colleagues had chosen you to receive the Kennedy award?

I cried. After the agency meeting was over I ran to the head People and Culture and asked to triple check this. We have so many remarkable humans. What have I done to receive this award? It is surreal, and I am still digesting it. But if I could use one word to describe this feeling, it is “Blessed” to be loved just the way I am.

Which of the Kennedy Day tenets speaks to you the most and why?

On Kennedy Day, shut up when somebody else is talking! The world is full of talkers, now more than ever, so listen more. Kennedy was a listener.

What is one thing everyone can do to live more like Kennedy did?

Recently someone asked what I do at W+K, and David's smiley face came to my mind. I pointed to a beautiful tree and said, exactly what that tree is doing for this space (btw, I’m a tree hugger). It is not about what you do, or your title, it is about bringing happiness, compassion, fresh air, and a lot of laughter. Everyday is a birthday …

As a recipient of the Kennedy award, you get to visit another city and office in the W+K network - which office do you most want to visit and why?

Tokyo, get ready! Sonia de Mayo is coming!! Tokyo has been on my bucket list for a while, and having this checked off by my W+K family is priceless. I can’t thank you enough my beautiful people of W+K.

Did you know David Kennedy? If you did, what was one of your favorite memories of him? If you didn’t, what’s your favorite thing you’ve heard about him?

I did, I have so many amazing memories of David. He was once my elevator guy in Portland, and told me “You will find the way”. In NY he told me “You have life in your eyes”. We once spoke about one of his heroes, “SuAnne Big Crow” from Pine Ridge. He was so struck by this story that he boarded and took it to Nike as a “Just Do it” spot. If you want to know more about SuAnne Big Crow, David highly recommended the book “On the REZ'' by Ian Frazier - I still have a few pages perfectly marked with his red pen. If anyone wants to bring this back to Nike, we will walk into that room holding hands … HOKA HEY!

The Kennedy awards at their core are about recognizing people, initiatives and programs. In that spirit, give someone or a program at W+K a shoutout to close us out.

WKW [Wieden + Kennedy Women] for life!

Neal, Karl, Casey, Nick, Orlee, Amber, Mindy, Jimmy, Frank, Kiara (aka chuleta) and all the OG’s, the love is real! My Aliaza, LGTB, WKA, Noir, and Amy’s book club. W+K Family keep doing what you are doing, and let’s make that bad bitch bucket list (BBBL) project happen!

Lauren Wilson is my hero that once flipped a car into the Hudson River for me (this all happened in my head).

Getting serious here. People and Culture's amazing support and programs, especially for those with invisible disabilities. I’m invisible no more. Thank you.

How did you feel when you found out your colleagues had chosen you to receive the Kennedy award?

Honored. Humbled. Confused. Loved.

Which of the Kennedy Day tenets speaks to you the most and why?

On Kennedy Day, no task is too small, and no smile is big enough.

Because I really believe that the success of this place hinges on everyone doing whatever it takes to make great work and actually really enjoying doing it. Embracing helping others is part of the joy of this place. Evertyime Kennedy had an idea it seemed to be grounded in getting someone to smile, making them happy or laugh or feel loved and cared for.

What is one thing everyone can do to live more like Kennedy did?

Take the time to talk to people. Share your stories. Ask questions. Listen to the answers. Love the work you do.

As a recipient of the Kennedy award, you get to visit another city and office in the W+K network - which office do you most want to visit and why?

Oh jeez, I need to think this one through a little more. All the offices have so many talented and fascinating people it's hard to pick just one. Can I go to all of them? I guess if I have to choose I'd like to visit London or Amsterdam - or in classic WK fashion try to turn a trip to one into a boondoggle to two. Frankly, I'm a little worried about [Susan] Hoffman and think I need to check up on her.

Did you know David Kennedy? If you did, what was one of your favorite memories of him? If you didn’t, what’s your favorite thing you’ve heard about him?

I was pretty lucky to know Kennedy pretty well. Pre-pandemic I saw him most days in Design Studio working on a project. My favorite memories are many:

I'll miss coming back to my desk to someone saying "Kennedy was looking for you" or "Kennedy wanted you to fax something for him (!)" or a post-it that said "call me. -Kennedy"

Once I worked (and I use that term loosely) on an award show print ad and he left me a bouquet of flowers at my desk and a thank you note. It reminded me what saying thank you to people and telling them you appreciate what they do can feel like. He could even teach you a lesson in a "thank you."

And like many, the letters to my kid from santa telling her not to be afraid; the zucchinis and beans from his garden; the flowers+notes+stories.

I'll take with me the excitement and love he poured into every side project or work piece he was creating.

The Kennedy awards at their core are about recognizing people, initiatives and programs. In that spirit, give someone or a program at W+K a shoutout to close us out.

Jinnina Chiles. She truly deserves this award. She embodies TRULY and ACTIVELY the spirt of work, service, charity, love and "fuck you" that Kennedy lived daily. All hail Jinninia!

How did you feel when you found out your colleagues had chosen you to receive the Kennedy award?

I'm moved by the great tribute my friends have paid me. What they don't know is that they are my inspiration, and it's for these people that I seek to improve every day.

Which of the Kennedy Day tenets speaks to you the most and why?

"People who believe failure is not only an option, but a requirement" – because we learn from failure, we recognize humility, and we become stronger to try again and again.

What is one thing everyone can do to live more like Kennedy did?

Keeping an open heart, having the courage to be different, expecting the best from people, being unexpected and engaging, and never losing the good humor!

As a recipient of the Kennedy award, you get to visit another city and office in the W+K network - which office do you most want to visit and why?

I think they are all interesting and have their own characteristics and culture, it will certainly allow me to learn something more, so I hope to find it all in Amsterdam.

Did you know David Kennedy? If you did, what was one of your favorite memories of him? If you didn’t, what’s your favorite thing you’ve heard about him?

No, I didn't know him personally. But everyone who was in Portland told me about his "peculiar" office! In one occasion, we were visited by Ramiro Del-Cid, who described, in a contagious way, how he was dedicated, friendly, and an amazing nut job.

The Kennedy awards at their core are about recognizing people, initiatives and programs. In that spirit, give someone or a program at W+K a shoutout to close us out.

Find People Who Make You Better.

How did you feel when you found out your colleagues had chosen you to receive the Kennedy award?

Surprised. It's truly a surprise, which makes me feel beloved here. Thanks everyone.

Which of the Kennedy Day tenets speaks to you the most and why?

Misfits rule! Growing up as a nice girl I've always tried to keep everybody happy. But since I started to work, especially working here, I started to realize sometimes it's good to bug/trouble/annoy/exhaust people. Fuck-it-up-a-lil-bit can be good for creativity. Enjoy the shaky shaky ride.

What is one thing everyone can do to live more like Kennedy did?

Never forget the fear and excitement when you step into this creative hell+heaven.

As a recipient of the Kennedy award, you get to visit another city and office in the W+K network - which office do you most want to visit and why?

Tokyo!!! I love the Nike Juku film so much!! Can't wait to visit the genius minds who brought this to life! Plus, I'm super into Japanese culture, the comics the songs the tvs the films.

Did you know David Kennedy? If you did, what was one of your favorite memories of him? If you didn’t, what’s your favorite thing you’ve heard about him?

I never met him in person, but in my mind, he always shows up in an image of a Santa Claus with a bunch of keys on his waist. Like a pragmatist magician.

The Kennedy awards at their core are about recognizing people, initiatives and programs. In that spirit, give someone or a program at W+K a shoutout to close us out.

Introducing the biggest hair at W+K Shanghai office, my best partner -- Uty! She's one of the most talented and annoying nice-girl creatives I've ever met. Check out her long-time-no-update website and leave messages to remind her to update!

How did you feel when you found out your colleagues had chosen you to receive the Kennedy award?

So surprised! And then immediately overwhelmed with emotion - it really means a lot.

Which of the Kennedy Day tenets speaks to you the most and why?

Misfits rule! No one’s the same here, and it’s wonderful. So many people of different backgrounds & countries - a lot of people I wouldn’t otherwise ever have the chance to meet. All these differences make the work better, and has also given me a sense of belonging I’ve never felt anywhere else.

What is one thing everyone can do to live more like Kennedy did?

After Kennedy’s passing there was a network-wide email chain where people across the globe shared their memories. In a time of sadness, it was a beautiful, human, and real collection of notes, and as someone who had never met him personally, it was special to be able to read through. Whether it was advice, or a physical note, or even just a laugh, it feels like he had so much to give to everyone, and it was a humbling reminder that even the smallest of things can have the longest-lasting impact when they come from a place of love & joy. To have an energy to be able to touch people like that - that’s an energy I feel like we should all aspire to find within ourselves.

As a recipient of the Kennedy award, you get to visit another city and office in the W+K network - which office do you most want to visit and why?

New York! Would love to experience the buzz & energy of the city and that office firsthand. I was actually born in the city (and even named after a part of it) but having grown up on the other coast, it always felt so foreign & far away. I’m excited because this feels like such a special opportunity to finally be able to spend some time there.

Did you know David Kennedy? If you did, what was one of your favorite memories of him? If you didn’t, what’s your favorite thing you’ve heard about him?

One of the things that struck me in reading thru everyone’s memories was how many people didn’t realize they were talking to David Kennedy when they first met him! Just another guy in the elevator who was nice enough to show them the way in. I find that so cool. I have this image of founders & leaders being these untouchable greats, but he was the opposite of that. Of course still a great, but always grounded and approachable and genuine.

The Kennedy awards at their core are about recognizing people, initiatives and programs. In that spirit, give someone or a program at W+K a shoutout to close us out.

The Cultural Adaptation team! Mako, Taku, Toshiko. (ie - the wizards who translate the work & interpret meetings live, as not everyone in the Tokyo office shares the same language). Thanks for always being there to ensure everyone can have a voice in any conversation and that an idea can live beyond a single language.

How did you feel when you found out your colleagues had chosen you to receive the Kennedy award?

I’m extremely grateful that ADMagic is receiving a Kennedy award. Since the conception of ADMagic in 2015, the goal has always been to remove the barriers that lie in the industry and create opportunities for HBCU students to experience and understand how the industry works.

ADMagic is bigger than myself, and I couldn’t accept this award without mentioning all of the incredible people that help it function + flourish, the amazing students that have been a part of the program and all of the future students that will enter. It’s been an honor to bring ADMagic to life in an atmosphere that has supported the overall mission and created space for it to bloom and succeed. Thank you W+K for holding space. Receiving this award further validates that growing ADMagic at W+K was the right decision.

Tell us more about the ADMagic program.

The ADMagic program is designed to provide exposure, resources, and direct access for current HBCU students into the advertising industry. Throughout the program, students receive intimate mentorship, participate in weekly panel sessions to understand each department of advertising and hear from leaders in the industry to understand their journey.

We end the program with the students partnering in groups and participating in a real client brief. In 2022, we partnered with Nike to create a brief that allowed students to tackle a real challenge, apply what they had learned throughout the program, present in-person to clients, and showcase their creativity.

The goal is to equip students to walk away with a clear understanding of how the industry functions, to receive early access into elements that would have otherwise been unavailable to them, and show students how they can take their passions and interests and apply them in a creative field.

How have the Kennedy Day tenets shown up in the program?

From advocating for students to follow their passion to removing hurdles and red tape surrounding the industry, the Kennedy Day tenets show up in ADMagic in a myriad of ways. Similar to Kennedy, who loved the left-behinds, the what-ifers, the upside-downs, and the inside-outs, ADMagic calls on those students that aren’t normally given a seat at the table and provides an opportunity for them to learn about the industry while utilizing their own unique creativity and views of the world.

ADMagic also strives to teach students about the importance of the work you create and never being afraid to fail. “Some of the greatest things in life are the results of somebody failing… Failing is life. Overcoming those failures is life-affirming.”

The Kennedy Day tenets continue to show up in the work I do within ADMagic and I’m grateful to have them throughout this journey as guiding lights.

As a recipient of the Kennedy award, you get to visit another city and office in the W+K network - which office do you most want to visit and why?

This is a difficult decision because each of our offices inspire me in numerous ways and because of ADMagic, it has provided me the access to connect with some incredibly talented humans in our network. From our team in Delhi working on the ADMagic website to connecting and learning from the team in London on ways to assist the students journey.

It’s a goal of mine to have ADMagic experienced in each of our offices and I hope I'm able to visit them all to create experiences that allow HBCU students the ability to learn and create work in various cultures + languages. With that in mind, I’d love to visit São Paulo or Tokyo first to connect with a new team in a new environment, experience advertising through different cultural customs, and discuss ways to bridge the upcoming young leaders of the industry to new possibilities around the world.

Did you know David Kennedy? If you did, what was one of your favorite memories of him? If you didn’t, what’s your favorite thing you’ve heard about him?

One of my favorite memories with Kennedy began when I first arrived to Wieden. I sat on 5NW and everyday at least once or twice he would come up to our pod to chat because he was working on a project with a team in my pod. This allowed us many opportunities to connect and over time our interactions became a part of my daily routine. While our connects were brief, I always looked forward to a random chat, comforting look, or his sincere interest in my thoughts on his work and/or my projects. There are many stories that recall major monumental moments with Kennedy; however, what I remember often was the comfort he provided when I first arrived and stepped foot into this amazing office.

The Kennedy awards at their core are about recognizing people, initiatives and programs. In that spirit, give someone or a program at W+K a shoutout to close us out.

This answer should come as no surprise as she is worthy of every recognition, Jinnina Chiles. The way she uplifts the people that make this agency what it is, has been an inspiration. Jinnina has been a voice of reason, a push to move past personal limitations, a support system, and an overall embodiment of the values that we love here at Wieden. From my first week joining W+K, Jinnina supported me in numerous ways and it’s been an honor to learn from her and work with her.