1/27/2025 - BAARC Board Member Spotlight Series: maxine nisse
Q: Why did you decide to join BAARC?
A: As I started in the SF media industry in the mid 90's as a Broadcast Buyer, I always thought BAARC was a fantastic philanthropy, especially as it focused on the Bay Area, specific to the advertising and marketing community. I am grateful to my colleagues from the launch of my career until today and it is my pleasure to serve on this board with many other fantastic industry professionals.
Q: Why is the Bay Area professional community special to you?
A: I am a San Francisco native and have spent my entire professional career in the SF/Bay Area so I am honored to be able to give back in some way to my own community.
Q: Do you have any advice to share with those looking to break into the advertising/marketing industry?
A: My advice is to reach out to anyone who works in our industry and ask them for 30 minutes for an informational interview. In person is always the best. Ask that person questions like what their daily schedule looks like, how did they get into their career/role, what do they love/not love about what they do, what skills does it require to be successful, etc.
Q: What is one New Year's Resolution that you hope to stick to from a professional perspective?
A: Continue to attend advertising and marketing industry events to network with old friends and make new ones!
8/19/2024 - BAARC Board Member Spotlight Series: Ben Bodipo-Memba
Q: Why did you decide to get involved with BAARC?
A: I loved the idea of being involved with an organization that was committed to making a difference within our industry. Many people have helped me along my professional journey; this was a "no brainer" opportunity to give back.
Q: Why is the Bay Area professional community special to you?
A: It is a very tightknit community. There is a lot of overlap within it with many of us crossing paths professionally...a definite extended family feel.
Q: Being part of the DEI committee at BAARC, what's been the most impactful moment thus far?
A: I appreciate BAARC's commitment to DEI, with the emphasis on inclusion, letting people from underrepresented communities understand that there IS an opportunity in the marketing & advertising field. Proud of BAARC's work in mentorship too.
Q: If you could share any type of advice, what would it be for your younger self?
A: Do not be afraid to ask for help, reach out to your community, or connect with a mentor. You'd be surprised how many people are willing to help.
5/27/2024 - BAARC Board Member Spotlight Series: Mansi jain
Q: Why did you decide to get involved with BAARC?
A: I am part of COOP, a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering students for better careers. Joining BAARC was a natural step for me to further our mission. Our belief at COOP is that every student deserves a pathway to success. When Sarah introduced me to BAARC, I was thrilled to discover potential avenues and connections that could benefit both COOP and our students.
Q: What are your thoughts on your vision for incorporating COOP’s organization with BAARC?
A: We hope that BAARC will keep COOP in mind for future events and sessions. We see BAARC as a strong ally and look forward to collaborating in various ways.
Q: Any top level information on COOP and how people can get involved?
A: Every semester, during Spring and Fall, we actively promote COOP as a free course for students to enroll in. Interested individuals can apply through our Google Forms. While we can't guarantee employment, we provide exceptional opportunities for growth and development. Our organization is constantly evolving, and we anticipate doubling our student numbers soon.
Q: If you could share any type of advice with your younger self, what would it be?
A: My advice would be to remain resilient and never give up. Life is unpredictable, presenting new doors and challenges. Stay prepared, and energized, and always give your best effort!
2/12/2024 - BAARC Board Member Spotlight Series: Carolyn Parodi
Q: Why did you decide to get involved with BAARC?
A: I had heard about BAARC’s work supporting our community and those struck by hard times and admired it’s focus. I knew of a woman early in my career whose husband died suddenly and she needed some financial support immediately – BAARC stepped in and helped her through an incredibly tough time.
Q: What role do you have at BAARC?
A: I’ve been on the BAARC board for about 4 years now – I initially reached out to help with the Mentorship program and quickly was lured in by Kelly Burke to manage the program overall. Along with our other Mentorship leads, I help lead everything from recruiting mentors and mentees, program content development, program execution and communication.
Q: Favorite moments/thing you're most proud of while serving on the board?
A: I'm proud of how we’ve evolved our outreach to move beyond the Mentorship Program. We've added our Lunch and Learns to help those new industry members become aware and understand career paths/opportunities as well as share new program content such as our interviewing prep.
Q: If you could share any type of advice with your younger self, what would it be?
A: Get involved and be proud of what you bring to the table – look around at what you can do within or outside your company that supports what you care about and lean in!