AAMU Student Recently Honored in New York

Joseph T. Tilaye, a senior visual arts major, was recently honored at the American Advertising Federation (AAF) Mosaic Awards in New York, NY. The Dothan, Alabama native was selected as the inaugural recipient of the $10,000 AAF Mosaic Center Scholarship.

Tilaye’s journey to the accolade began when he and three other Alabama A&M students won first place in the American Advertising Federation's HBCUs for Advertising Campaign, a nationwide competition showcasing creativity and strategic thinking. Their victory earned $3,000 for the University’s AAF chapter and a summer trip to NYC, where they toured the headquarters of leading companies like Universal McCann Worldwide, iHeart Media, and Google.

“Our trip was packed with incredible experiences,” Tilaye shared. “One of the highlights was an impromptu interview I landed with “The Breakfast Club's” Charlemagne tha God and “The 85 South Comedy Show” hosts Karlous Miller and Chico Bean. That opportunity really put me on the map.”

His talent and passion didn’t go unnoticed. AAF representative Erica Blake contacted Tilaye at the start of the fall semester, requesting his resume and bio for an upcoming opportunity.

“To my surprise, I opened my email one day to find that I had been selected as the first-ever recipient of the AAF Mosaic Center Scholarship,” Tilaye said. “Not only did I get to attend the AAF Mosaic Awards in New York City, but I was also invited to give a speech and be featured in a national press release. The $10,000 scholarship is going to help me tremendously in completing my education.”

Tilaye expressed deep gratitude for the recognition, acknowledging the fierce competition in the advertising industry.

"Being from a small town in Alabama and having the chance to be in rooms with top professionals in the industry is an honor I don’t take lightly. I’ve been creative for as long as I can remember, and this experience only solidifies my commitment to making a mark in this field.”

Set to graduate in May 2025, Tilaye has maintained an impressive 3.5 GPA while interning with both Mb Solutions, Inc., and The Miles Blackwell Foundation. He also has offers lined up from Fortune 500 companies for full-time positions after graduation.

Beyond his academic achievements, Tilaye is involved in campus life as a member of the Baptist Student Ministries; Trailblazers; and is a former member of Alabama A&M University Echo Student Ambassadors. 

“My older brother, Tyler Brown, attended AAMU and established his career here in Huntsville," he said. "His success and support were key in my decision to attend A&M. I knew this was where I was meant to be. So, A&M was the first and only school I applied to."

Tilaye’s goals stretch far beyond graduation. He plans to work in brand marketing and eventually rise to a Chief Marketing Officer position, all while continuing to give back to his community. He shares the following message with fellow Bulldogs.

“Trust God enough to follow His plan for your life. He will not fail you. His plan far exceeds any plan you have for yourself. Stay rooted in the Lord, because even in the toughest times when you feel the weakest, He will be your strength.”