Board Member Spotlight: Marcia Rich

You may know her as Scarlett Marcia from Ad Smack Battle Rumble Mania. We know her as the hard working board member who carried the weight of the American Advertising Awards on her shoulders all with a baby in her belly. Get to know Marcia Rich in this Board Member Spotlight.

Let’s hear about your day job.

Where do you work, and what does your role entail?

I work at Crowley Webb as a UX designer. I design and develop our digital assets including websites, emails, and banner ads.

What drove you to get into the advertising/marketing biz?

In high school I attended BOCES for graphic design and came to love it. I went to RIT and got my BFA in Graphic Design and started learning programming. Post college I pursued front-end web development and digital design and have made it my career. Having a website is such a critical part of any business. I love helping business owners to improve their web presence and make a site that really showcases the services they offer.

What do you find challenging in our industry?

Everything is constantly changing, which is a challenge, but also keeps it interesting. There are always new technologies which require new standards and programming techniques.

Tell us about organizations/charities you’re passionate about.

I really admire Girl Develop It, which is an organization helping women learn code. I like that they’re helping to bridge the gap of women in technology.

When you’re not working, how do you spend your free time (hobbies, side projects, etc.)?

My latest full-time hobby is as a new mommy to my son Daniel.

What’s one thing not many people know about you?

I’ll give you three – I speak Italian, I used to have a 3-legged cat, and I’ve been hit by a train (literally).

What’s your guilty pleasure?

Phish food ice cream.

What’s your favorite app or social media outlet?

Pinterest! I use it for everything from design inspiration, new recipe ideas, decorating and DIY projects, and now parenting stuff.

What’s your favorite restaurant?

I love Dick and Jenny’s on Grand Island, my hometown. Their breakfasts are amazing.

What’s your favorite hidden gem in WNY?

I’m not sure if this is a hidden gem, but I recently had Donut Kraze and they’re even better than Paula’s.

Now, let’s talk a little about AAF Buffalo.

Why did you join AAF Buffalo?

I really wanted to help spread the word to students and young professionals about all our great networking opportunities. Plus, I still learn from all our events and speakers so it’s great to be part of the selection process for that.

What role(s) do you play on the AAF Buffalo board?

My first year on the board I joined the communications and programming committees. My second year I co-chaired the American Advertising Awards committee.

What has been your proudest moment in your role on the board?

Definitely chairing the awards show. It was amazing seeing everyone working together and pulling it off to honor all the winners in such a fun way.

What’s your favorite AAF Buffalo event?

The Big Tip Off – its super fun and for a great cause (student scholarships).

How has AAF Buffalo impacted you professionally?

I’ve gotten to meet other professionals from small businesses and other agencies all over WNY. My fellow board members are now lifelong friends and continue to impress me daily with how hard they work and how much everyone contributes.

What differentiates AAF Buffalo from other groups?

I think we do a great job involving a wide range of professions. We don’t just cater to designers – we have events and speakers that hold value for writers, AE’s and PM’s, photographers, illustrators, developers and more.

Why would you encourage others to join AAF Buffalo?

Everything mentioned above – fun, friendships, networking and professional advancement.

Keep up with Marcia on Twitter at @mrs_wrich3.