Mary Therese Friel, President of The Mary Therese Friel Modeling Agency, has been recognized by the Rochester Advertising Federation with their esteemed Silver Achievement Award (Lifetime Achievement), at the 2022 American Advertising Awards Ceremony.
“The Mary Therese Friel Modeling Agency has been a pillar of our Creative Community for so many years,” said Nicole Henry, President of the Rochester Advertising Federation. “I’m thrilled that we were able to bestow this well-deserved recognition.”
The Silver Achievement Award is a lifetime achievement award that is given to a person who has earned the respect of their colleagues, increased the standards of their profession, contributed to the betterment of their community, achieved success in their work and demonstrated a consistent high degree of creative original thinking.
“I am very humbled and grateful for this phenomenal award and acknowledgment.” said Friel. “I am so thankful for all the clients who have believed in me, and my company, all of these years; calling us, working with us, supporting us and trusting us repeatedly, with their amazing projects.”
Friel has owned and operated her modeling agency for 35 years, during which she has placed thousands of models and actors in projects produced by RAF members. Friel’s nomination for the award was incredibly well received by the judges, and had the highest score in all categories.
The award announcement was kept secret, until it was presented at the event to a standing ovation.
A select group of six professional models provided by Friel’s agency, volunteered to assist with the guest reception and award presentation, as they do every year. MTF Model and Actor Derick Thompson said, “It was wonderful to see the love and appreciation for Mary Therese’s devoted work to the Greater Rochester community.” MTF Model Lillian Newby said, “It was a delightful experience and such a wonderful surprise!” MTF Model and Goodwill Ambassador Tricia Polchowski said, “This is such a well-deserved honor for Mary Therese, she gives so much to everyone.” MTF Model, Beauty Queen and Goodwill Ambassador Paige Polchowski said, “It was so wonderful to see Mary Therese recognized for all she does.” MTF Model and Goodwill Ambassador Marisa Dixit said, “If anyone deserves this lifetime achievement award, it’s definitely Mary Therese! We are so lucky to be part of her modeling agency!” MTF Model Rashika Sinha said, “Over the years, I have seen how much effort and dedication Mary Therese puts in. She gives her all to her team, her charities, her customers and the industry. She is the best of the best and we were so excited to see her receive the award!”
About Mary Therese Friel
Friel has been part of the advertising community in Rochester for 50 years. At age 11, she started modeling for Eastman Kodak and Champion Products. Friel worked her way to the very top of her field, winning the coveted Miss USA title and then modeling internationally for the prestigious Eileen Ford Agency. Her modeling career took her around the world, as she graced the covers of many magazines, including Vogue, was offered numerous movie roles, and spent time with the world’s rich and famous.
Whether keeping company with European royalty, or working in the White House, she always kept a connection with Rochester, buying a small farm here, with her earnings. When she returned to her beloved hometown, Friel poured these experiences into the company that she founded. Her career has had multiple roles including: a model, celebrity, goodwill ambassador, author, TV and radio host, consultant, producer, coordinator teacher, agent and manager. All these roles have positioned her as a uniquely qualified professional in Rochester. Today, her goal is to provide the best possible services and people, that her company can offer to their clients. Friel inspires everyone on her team to do their best, on every assignment, for each client. The quality of their service exists within the expertise that they offer, the manner in which they interact with their customers and the people that make up this company. This year The Mary Therese Friel Modeling Agency is celebrating their 35th anniversary.
Friel, however, prefers most, to be known for making a difference in her community and in the lives of others.
There is a saying that she has often repeated and shared...“Service to others is the rent we pay for our room in the hereafter.” Back in 1979, when she was Miss USA, Friel had the tremendous opportunity to meet the great Muhammad Ali. Talking with him privately for two hours completely changed the course of her life. Ali left Friel with this quote. The idea that she had the responsibility to use her celebrity to do good things, to help people and to be a role model became a focal point in her life, from that point forward. When she opened her company, this philosophy became a cornerstone of the business and today is still the most important thing Friel values.
Through her company, Mary Therese Friel, LLC, she commits a vast amount of resources to volunteering and fund-raising for non-profit causes and community initiatives and programs. Friel is committed to making a difference and instilling this philosophy into the lives of those around her. On her weekly radio show, ROC Image Radio on WAYO 104.3 FM, Friel interviews guests who are affecting the Rochester community in a positive way. She ends each broadcast by asking this same question to each of her guests: “what do you most want to be remembered for and why?” Friel's answer is "to make a difference in the lives of those I touch."
Inquiries
mail@mtfmodels.com | 585.624.5510
About the Rochester Advertising Federation
The Rochester Advertising Federation (RAF) is an affiliate of the American Advertising Federation (AAF) and serves as the connection to people, events, and ideas in the Rochester marketing communications community. The members represent every facet of the creative profession including copywriters, art directors, web designers, freelancers, account executives, agency heads, marketing managers, printers, photographers, public relations professionals, and students.
AAF’s Silver Achievement Award was established in 1959 to recognize men and women who have made outstanding contributions to advertising and who have been active in furthering the industry’s standards, creative excellence and responsibility in areas of social concern.
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