Clean sweep: VCU AMA chapter students make history, take top three at international conference

By Megan Nash
VCU’s American Marketing Association (AMA) student chapter has demonstrated that its sales athletes are among the best in the world by sweeping first, second and third place at the Insight Global Perfect Pitch competition during the 2024 AMA International Collegiate Conference in New Orleans.
From April 11-13, VCU and VCU School of Business students faced off against roughly 700 participants from 300 chapters worldwide. Adam Hvitfeldt-Matthews, a sophomore double-majoring in psychology and philosophy, took first place. Freshman Mohamed Turay, an information systems major, claimed second place, while senior marketing major Jackson Craiker secured third. Seniors Kate Blackwell and Liam Kavanagh also made it to the finals, finishing in the Top 60.
The Perfect Pitch competition, sponsored by Insight Global, challenges students to deliver a compelling 90-second interview pitch. The goal: to position oneself as the ideal job candidate, noting key qualifications and providing supportive examples in an effort to move on to the next phase of the hiring process.
Dr. Jonathan Ross Gilbert, assistant professor of Marketing and director of the VCU Center for Professional Selling, coached the students to their impressive victory.
“This achievement speaks volumes about the talent and dedication of our students,” said Gilbert. “They’ve worked incredibly hard, and it’s wonderful to see their efforts recognized on such a prestigious stage.”
VCU’s success didn’t stop there. Senior marketing major Jianna John excelled in the Sherwin-Williams Role Play Competition, finishing fourth out of over 300 participants.
The trip to NOLA was organized by Mynda Gentry, a senior marketing major and president of the VCU AMA Chapter, along with incoming president Jhene’ Stephens, and eBoard members Grace Marchosky and Laila Dajani, who also represented VCU in various workshops and seminars while at the conference.
“AMA ICC was a great opportunity for me to expand my network and enhance my professional development skills,” said Gentry. “It was inspiring to meet other chapter leaders and share ideas on how to grow and continue our organization’s success at VCU.”
Held annually, the AMA International Collegiate Conference offers professional business opportunities for student chapters around the world and serves as a premier event for aspiring marketing professionals to showcase their skills and connect with industry leaders.
“The AMA Conference offers more than just a platform for competition. It’s an opportunity for learning, development and groundbreaking discoveries,” said Gilbert. “I am incredibly proud of the students’ accomplishments–from team efforts to individual wins–this year was truly a success.”
About the American Marketing Association
Based in Chicago, the American Marketing Association is an international organization comprising marketing students and professionals. VCU’s student chapter was originally founded in 1983 and reinstated in 2008. It is home to award-winning content, Professional Certified Marketer® (PCM®) certification and premier academic journals. Membership is open to all students, regardless of major.
To support the efforts of the VCU School of Business Department of Marketing and to fund student participation in future competitions, donations can be made to the VCU Center for Professional Selling through the VCU School of Business Annual Fund.
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