AMA Affinity Groups are a pilot initiative to eliminate geographical barriers and foster profound connections within AMA’s global community of marketers. You’ll build meaningful connections and cultivate a sense of belonging through a vibrant online social forum and exclusive virtual programming tailored to enhance your professional journey.
The Marketing for a Better World Affinity Group is a dedicated space for marketers committed to using this industry to foster collaboration and drive positive societal change. From marketing students to tenured professors to seasoned practitioners, wherever you find yourself in your career, there is space for you here.
Through conversation and shared learning, we’ll discuss and apply marketing insights to help address societal challenges and create a positive impact. Join us in being a part of a marketing community that welcomes everyone and leverages our collective strength for a better world.
Affinity Groups are Exclusively for AMA Members
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What to Expect
As an AMA Affinity Group member, you can anticipate engaging in lively discussions about current challenges, pressing topics and best practices in the field.
Online Social Forum
A private LinkedIn Group will provide the space to engage in ongoing discussions around topics like DEIA, sustainability, the intersection of brands and political issues, and technology.
Exclusive Virtual Programming
Participate in regularly scheduled virtual programming that will be open opportunities to connect with fellow members and learn from thought leaders in this space.
The Group’s Mission
The mission of the Marketing for a Better World Affinity Group is to foster conversation and build connections that bridge generations and backgrounds, creating a more inclusive and vibrant marketing community. Together, let’s elevate the power of marketing research and practice to drive positive societal change, address critical challenges, and make a lasting impact on the public good.
Meet the Affinity Group Co-Chairs
Kelly Martin
Professor of Marketing and Tinberg “Business for a Better World” University Professor at Colorado State University
Kelly’s research interests involve the marketing ethics-firm strategy interface, particularly on topics such as customer data privacy, political marketing strategy, and firm approaches to reducing consumer vulnerability. Her work has appeared in journals such as the Journal of Marketing, Journal of Consumer Research, and Harvard Business Review, and has been mentioned in media including, the New York Times and the Economist. Her articles have been recognized for research impact as recipients of the Sheth Foundation/Journal of Marketing Award, the MSI Robert D. Buzzell Best Paper Award, the Thomas C. Kinnear/JPPM Award, the Davidson/Journal of Retailing Award, and the AMA/EBSCO Responsible Research in Business Award. Her book on data privacy in marketing is the 2021 recipient of the AMA Foundation Leonard L. Berry Book Award. She is the outgoing joint Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Public Policy & Marketing. She serves on the editorial boards of the Journal of Marketing, Journal of the Academy of Marketing Science, and Journal of Retailing. Prior to academia, she worked as a marketing director in the assisted living industry.
Christian Aniciete, MBA
VP Communications, AMA PDX; President, API Forward
Christian Aniciete is a story of firsts: first to build the social media program at Oregon’s most diverse university; first in his family to graduate with a business degree; and first social media manager for the Port of Portland and Portland International Airport, “America’s Best Airport.” An accomplished Filipino American immigrant, marketing and communications professional, community leader, youth mentor and social justice champion, Christian brings over a decade of experience in the private and public sectors. A proud, longtime member of the American Marketing Association for nearly 20 years, Christian wears multiple hats. He was the inaugural VP of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and currently the VP of Communications for the Portland chapter of the AMA; serves as a mentor of The Contingent’s SINE (Survival Is Not Enough); leads as the President of API Forward, an education and leadership advancement nonprofit for Asian Pacific Islander leaders; and organizes local Michael Jackson Thriller Flash Mobs. Christian was an invited facilitator at the AMA’s 2nd annual Diversity Leadership Institute, and he has received numerous accolades including recognition as Portland Trail Blazers’ Hometown Hero.