TAMUC Employee Honored with AMA’s ‘Marketing Maverick’ Award

A Texas A&M University-Commerce employee and alum was recently honored with the “Marketing Maverick” award by the American Marketing Association's Dallas/Fort Worth Chapter (AMA).

Yazan Kakish, the director of marketing and communications for the A&M-Commerce College of Business, was given the award to recognize his accomplishments as a trailblazer in the Dallas-Fort Worth marketing industry, highlighting his work to promote the College of Business and foster partnerships in the metroplex.

AMA Dallas/Fort Worth introduced the Marketing Maverick honor in 2023. According to the association's website, it is awarded to those who actively challenge norms, push boundaries and create waves in their respective fields, standing at the forefront of innovation and creativity while making a substantial impact on the marketing landscape.

Last year, the AMA awarded Kakish the Collegiate Excellence Award, an award he was also nominated for this year as well.

Kakish has served in his current role since 2022 and earned his M.B.A. from A&M-Commerce the same year. In addition, he serves as an adjunct instructor in the College of Business. He also holds a seat on the board of the Dallas Junior Chamber of Commerce.

Kakish’s Journey

Hailing from Amman, Jordan, Kakish served in various marketing roles in his native country for more than a decade before arriving in Commerce. He held positions at engineering and construction firm KBR, Inc., the advertising agency Ogilvy, and W Amman, a five-star hotel in Jordan managed by Marriott.

Kakish said that being in America has had its ups and downs, but he has done his best to adapt and thrive in his new home.

“My journey from Jordan to Texas nearly three years ago was a profound transition marked by excitement and challenges alike,” Kakish said. “While I am deeply grateful for the warm embrace extended to me by the city of Dallas and the United States, the path has been anything but smooth.”

He continued, “Leaving behind my homeland meant bidding farewell to cherished family and friends and embarking on a quest to forge a new life. It’s a journey fraught with moments of self-doubt, where every step forward is accompanied by the haunting question, ‘Have I made the right choice?'”

Enhancing the College of Business

Reflecting on his time at Commerce, Kakish stated that it has been incredibly fulfilling, and he relishes the chance to mentor and guide the next generation of marketing professionals as both a staff member and adjunct instructor.

“The boundless enthusiasm and drive that my students demonstrate continues to inspire me to make a meaningful impact in our community,” Kakish said. “I love having the opportunity to tell their stories and that of our alumni and show the world how a business education at A&M-Commerce can truly be transformational.”

He says that he is eager to expand outreach to Lion alumni and forge partnerships with area business leaders to provide the best hands-on education and expertise possible to A&M-Commerce students.

When asked if he had a message for potential students—especially international students such as himself—who are thinking of taking the leap toward an education in America, Kakish said that it's important to be unafraid to challenge yourself.

“Be bold, brave and courageous,” Kakish said. “Most importantly, don't be afraid to be passionate about what you do.”

Explore your future in marketing through the College of Business at A&M-Commerce.