The American Advertising Federation of Baltimore (AAFB) announced the winners of multiple scholarships, including the Matt & Wendy McDermott Social Impact Scholarship. Started in 2017 by Matt McDermott with consumer experience agency Harvey, the scholarship recognizes a student whose work — inside and outside the classroom — supports positive change in society.

Jordan Landsman, a senior studying communication, public relations at the University of Maryland College Park, was awarded the $2,000 scholarship for her work to combat homelessness in Baltimore, support small businesses, and educate the public on opioid abuse
in Washington, D.C.

“Advertising stands at the crossroads of culture, and that gives it tremendous power to move people,” said McDermott. “I’m excited to support a new class of talent that will make a positive dent in the world — and put me out of a job one day.”

McDermott is managing director and chief creative officer at Harvey, a woman-founded, WBENC-certified consumer experience agency in Baltimore with clients including CoverGirl, Sally Hansen, Rimmel, Flying Dog Brewery, Loyola University, and Glory Days Grill.

Landsman is currently an account services intern at Creative Design Group in Burbank, California and expects to graduate in May of 2022. “I became interested in communication and public relations because I appreciate the power behind words,” said Landsman. “I want my words to be powerful and make an impact on this world.”

Other scholarships awarded by the AAFB this year include the Professionals of Tomorrow Scholarship and the AAFB Diversity Scholarship.