Marketing Pioneer Antonio Lucio Encourages Ad/PR Majors to Seize Opportunities and Maximize Time

In March, the CCNY AAF and PRSSA clubs hosted a Lunch w/ Leaders featuring Antonio Lucio, an award-winning global Chief Marketing Officer who has worked with recognizable companies and iconic brands such as Facebook, HP, Visa and Pepsi.

AAF CCNY President Monique Carchi shared that Lucio is an accomplished industry leader with 40 years of marketing experience, building brands that truly stand the test of time. His work is testament to advocating for meaningful causes, creating change, and connectivity to the masses. An advocate for women in the workforce, and with his recent position of Executive Fellow at Yale School of Management, he is still in practice, striving to build communities up through diversity, equity, and inclusion. “This is a unique opportunity for all of us to get inspired by some of the best and brightest stars in our industry and to truly visualize the professional path we all have ahead of us,” she said. “We will continue the pioneering work these giants have done to affect and promote change in the communications fields.”

Lucio encouraged students to

"Keep your brains balanced, dare to raise your hands (instead of pointing fingers) and own your careers by taking advantage of all the services at CCNY and accessing professors and mentors who can guide you.”

He shared his background as a Puerto Rican scholarship student at Louisiana State University who buckled down, worked hard and forged a path despite obstacles—and encouraged CCNY students to do the same.

Professor Yury Vargas said, “My family has been very fortunate to know and have a personal relationship with Antonio for over 25 years. We've watched him conquer and succeed in some of the best global leadership positions in Marketing,” he continued. “Every time we think that's the pinnacle of his career, he surprises us with yet another, bigger achievement, raising the bar even higher for all us trying to follow his footsteps. We’re so pleased CCNY students have the opportunity to benefit from his wisdom.”

Vargas and his wife Monica Bernal regularly recruit for d expósito & Partners

at the Building Bridges Career Fair and follow Lucio’s lead as they mentor young talent. They said it will hopefully be the first of many opportunities for Lucio to meet with and influence the Ad/PR Program’s promising leaders and “shape the future of a more diverse, inclusive and equal Communications industry.”

Carchi concluded that Lucio “constantly challenges brands to reinvent themselves to deliver their purpose. Fostering communities and elevating meaningful deliveries, he has inspired people to be the best versions of themselves too.”

The event was co-produced by the student clubs, Ad/PR Program, MCA, Colin Powell School for Civic and Global Leadership and the CCNY Career & Professional Development Institute (CPDI).