ATHENS, Ohio -- Roshni Marfatia, an Ohio University senior from Cincinnati and graduate of Princeton High School, has been chosen as a finalist in the Most Promising Minority Students for 2003. The American Advertising Federation (AAF) program matches the brightest minority talent with leading advertising corporations.

Marfatia, who is majoring in advertising management with specializations in business and sociology, is one of 25 nationwide finalists who will be recognized at the annual "Building Bridges for Our Future" awards luncheon on Feb. 14 in New York City.

"I am very glad that there is a program out there to help minority students get up close and personal with professionals in the industry," Marfatia said. "When opportunities like these are presented, they give an individual a sense of hope and accomplishment."

Now in its seventh year, the program is committed to building a multicultural advertising workforce by recruiting, interviewing and providing networking opportunities for student candidates.

Students are selected on academic achievement and must be nominated by an AAF-affiliated college chapter or advertising federation. Candidates are whittled down through an essay submission, resume and two letters of recommendation.

"This is a very prestigious award and Roshni's selection only reinforces the quality of the type of student at the E.W. Scripps School of Journalism," said Ohio University Professor Jan Slater who had written one of Marfatia's letters of recommendation. "We are delighted and proud of Roshni's inclusion in this most exclusive group of advertising students."

With dreams of working for a New York City-based advertising agency, Marfatia eventually plans on climbing the ladder to a senior-level management position.

"This program will open up job opportunities and should be a great boost to my career," she said. "This is a great recruiting event."

AAF President and CEO Wally Snyder said, "Through this program, top companies have immediate access to the sharpest young talent. These future leaders are primed to make a significant impact on the ever-evolving world of advertising."