From Ads to Advocacy w/ Ryan Kelly : The Advertising Club of Edmonton

How do you balance the business side of advertising with the desire to make a real difference in the world? In this episode, we dive into it with Ryan Kelly, Vice President of Communications and Community Partnerships at the Alberta Cancer Foundation. Ryan shares his journey from creative director in top Edmonton agencies to his current role in the non-profit world, where his work directly impacts cancer research and patient support.

We discuss the challenges of aligning personal values with professional work, the transformative power of storytelling and strategy, and the emotional moments that have defined his career—like the riderless bike procession at the Enbridge Tour Alberta for Cancer. Plus, hear the behind-the-scenes story of how Ryan’s team collaborated with the Arkells for a powerful year-end campaign.

Whether you’re a student, a seasoned pro, or just curious about how marketing can drive change, this episode is packed with insights and inspiration. Tune in now and rediscover the good that marketing can do!


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