The AAF Dallas Luminary Awards brought together some of the most talented women in Dallas advertising and marketing—not just to celebrate wins, but to reflect on the journeys behind them.
Patty Harrison with AdChat DFW chatted with this year’s honorees for a series of candid and refreshingly honest interviews. What really stood out weren’t the titles or trophies, but the unexpected stories they shared.
Note Time Stamp for each Interview
Val De Fex – The Infinite Agency 7:23
Val reflects on her full-circle journey—from managing soccer events at a tiny agency to leading brand strategy at The Infinite Agency. She’s thrilled to be part of the rebranded Luminary class.
Rhonda Contreras – TRG 52.02
Rhonda got her start wearing three hats at once: receptionist, media buyer, and production manager. Her story is a hilarious reminder of how multitasking builds grit and grace.
Amanda Jackson – LERMA/ 1:52
Amanda admits she’d swap advertising for designing directors’ decks—proof that creativity and visual storytelling drive her no matter the format.
Alice Kendrick, PH.D – SMU, Temerlin Institute 2:14
Professor Kendrick underscores how, despite technology’s speed, creativity remains the irreplaceable core of advertising. “Creativity is still king.”
Asha Ramirez – MultiView 2:59
Asha humbly shares her rise from corporate marketing to leading the charge at MultiView, thrilled to be recognized among Dallas’ top women in marketing.
Jennifer Walker – Visit Dallas 3:33
Jennifer shares her excitement about helping shape the new Dallas brand and marketing the city ahead of massive moments like the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Jennifer Krajcirovic – Mouser Electronics 3:53
Jennifer credits her growth as a leader and team builder for her nomination—and jokes that if advertising didn’t exist, she’d be aiming for the stars as an astronaut.
Jackie Hoyos – Moroch 4:31
Starting in NYC as an assistant media planner, Jackie learned two key skills fast: how to master Excel and how to never complain—lessons that still guide her.
Jackie Fernandez – Truth Marketing and Media 4:56
Jackie’s passion lies in building agency culture and supporting her team. Her leadership style focuses on empowerment, encouragement, and authenticity.
Alicia Connor – See Pictures Productions 5:41
From childhood ad-lover to production powerhouse, Alicia says her nomination reflects years of collaboration across agencies, crews, and clients.
Natalie Yancey – Medium Giant 6:11
Surprised and honored, Natalie credits her team’s recent growth and her leadership through tough challenges for the recognition.
Carrie Davis – Communities Foundation of Texas 7:00
Carrie blends marketing expertise with nonprofit purpose, previously serving at Scottish Rite for Children and now making community-wide impact at CFT.
Sarah Franks – Plot Twist Creativity 7:40
With 17+ years at The Richards Group under her belt, Sarah brings strategy savvy and media leadership to Plot Twist—where she’s the sole media mind on staff.
Deja Sanders – Our Bodega / LERMA/, AAF Dallas 8:33
A former scientist turned strategist, Daisha’s trajectory is anything but typical. From leading AAF Dallas to launching her own agency, she’s a true trailblazer.
Taylor Torcellini – TwistedX Footwear 9:45
Taylor opens up about career burnout and finding purpose in an unexpected place: western footwear. Her resilience and candor shine through.
