Mosaic Awards
SUPPORT DIVERSITY & INCLUSION
MOSAIC AWARDS
The purpose of the Mosaic Initiative is to fill gaps created from implicit and explicit bias toward marginalized groups in the Toledo art and advertising industries. Specifically, we help to increase representation of diverse groups in front and behind the scenes, teach decision makers how to recognize and eliminate discrimination, and award those who are making a concerted effort to give a voice and opportunities to the historically excluded.
The AAF Toledo’s Mosaic Awards recognize agencies and individuals whose commitment to diversity and inclusion are evident through their creative work and organization-wide initiatives. The recipients chosen have embraced creative techniques, business practices, and diversity programs that not only help improve the bottom line, but also secure a relevant role in a continuously evolving advertising environment.
MOSAIC NOMINATION AWARDS FOR INDUSTRY DEI
Nominate an advertising professional, company or student who has made purposeful effort to increase inclusion, champion diversity, or celebrate multiethnic groups. Yes, you can even nominate yourself!
DEADLINE FOR NOMINATIONS IS FRIDAY, February 20, 2026, at 11:59pm
This award recognizes those who have taken a strong and purposeful effort to use multiethnic talent in the conception, strategy, development and execution of their campaigns. They use diverse talent (directors, writers, production teams, models, actors, etc.) to promote and market services, goods and products.
We all know that person who is a champion for diversity. They could be outgoing and in front, or quiet and behind the scenes, but they are always impactful. Continuously striving to bridge gaps, connect the right people, generate ideas and stand up on behalf of others are the characteristics of a Mosaic Champion.
The future of diverse and inclusive advertising starts with the next generation of marketers developing unique and impactful methods to reach and celebrate multiethnic groups. We believe that recognizing students who are currently leading the charge is an important part of creating that future.
Educators who make deliberate contributions to advance and expand diversity in the student art or advertising population are at the heart of change in our industry. Those who are incorporating diversity in their lessons and students in any teaching capacity... classrooms, workshops, virtual spaces, mentorship, groups, individuals, trainings, etc. qualify for this important award.
MOSAIC AMERICAN ADVERTISING AWARDS SUBMISSION
Does your creative work give a voice to those who have been ignored,
celebrate diverse cultures, or bring audiences of different backgrounds together?
One (1) Mosaic American Advertising Award will be awarded to an entry, from any American Advertising Award category submission, that best exemplifies a spirit of diversity and inclusion. Criteria for this award is a demonstration and understanding of and sensitivity to the needs, concerns and buying practices of multicultural audiences.
The winner will automatically be chosen by our panel of judges out of all of the American Advertising Award entries. There is no need to submit in a special category for consideration. Feel free to add in your entry notes anything that may reinforce that your entry or the process of creating it exemplifies a spirit of diversity and inclusion.
*There is no need to do anything additional in your submission to qualify*
MOSAIC AWARD WINNERS
2019
Multicultural Integrated Campaign -- VCREATIVE for the Toledo Police Recruitment Campaign
2020
Nick Amrhein, Photographer & Director, for the photo series, “Change History, Change the Mindset”
Mosaic Media Image Award for Innovation in Storytelling -- VCREATIVE for the video Every Seat Has a Story, created for Mosaic Ministries
2021
Multicultural Talent in Advertising: Content Creation -- Will Lucas, Creadio
Mosaic Champion -- Yusuf Lateef
Most Promising Multicultural Student -- Angel Dennis
Mosaic Media Image Award for Realism -- Nick Amrhein, Photographer & Director, for the video “I never asked for this”
Mosaic Media Image Award for Advocacy -- Gyona Rice, Mind Your Speech
2022
Mosaic Educator -- Tisha Mays, aMAYSing Kids Broadcasting & Media Mentorship Program
Multicultural Talent in Advertising:Content Creation -- Mike Perdue, LFTF Show
Mosaic Champion -- Matt Foss, Glasscity Theatre Collective & Madhouse - Sons of Toledo Film Project
Mosaic Award for Alternative Media -- Christina Kasper (Urban Sight, Inc.), Glass City River Wall
2023
Media Image Award for Realism --Madhouse, Toledo Opera “Blue” Toledo Stories
Media Image Award for Advocacy: Content -- Bowling Green State University, In the round speaker series
Multicultural Talent in Advertising: Content Creation --James Dickerson, dirtykics
Mosaic Champion -- Linda Parra, Nuestra Gente Radio Station, Nuestra Gente Community Projects, LLC
Most Promising Multicultural Student -- Alyn Martinez, University of Toledo
Mosaic Educator -- Mercé Culp, Toledo Museum of Art
2024
Multicultural Talent in Advertising: Content Creation Award
Winner: Stayce Fowler - Stalwart Magazine
Runner Up: David Ross - The Arts Commission of Greater Toledo and The Junction Coalition
Mosaic Educator Award
Winner: Aaron Lusk - The Maritime Academy of Toledo
Runner Up: Rebecca Monteleone - University of Toledo
Most Promising Multicultural Student Award
Winner: Lydia Myrick - University of Toledo
Mosaic Champion Award
Winner: Katie Shelley - Toledo Museum of Art
Runner Up: Suzanne Rorick - Toledo Opera
Mosaic American Advertising Award - Gold
Winner: Madhouse - We see you. A love letter to women.
Mosaic American Advertising Award - Silver
Winner: Toledo Museum of Art - Black Orpheus
2025
Multicultural Talent in Advertising - Gold
Winner: eMPWR Magazine
Multicultural Talent in Advertising – Silver
Winner: Swell Magazine
Mosaic Educators – Gold
Winners: Jenn Stucker & Heidi Nees
Mosaic Educator – Silver
Winners: LeSean Shaw | Young Empowered Authors
Most Promising Multicultural Student – Gold
Winner: Crystal Smith
Most Promising Multicultural Student – Silver
Winner: Taylor Vanek
Mosaic Champion – Gold
Winner: Midstory
Mosaic Champion – Silver
Winner: Midstory
