Why Ed’s Win Also Felt Like Mine

As a copywriter intern for Estipona Group (EG) who loves to be creative, I am always on the lookout for something inspirational. Something that motivates me. Something that tells me, “It’s okay to dream big.” Well, that something is Ed.

In the summer of 2025, Edward Estipona received the Thomas C. Wilson Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Advertising Federation, Reno. To the advertising world, it was a well-earned recognition. To me, it meant something deeper. Ed didn’t just build a career—he defied expectations, broke barriers, and did it all while staying authentic.

Before joining EG, I did my homework. I studied the agency’s website and scrolled through socials, and one blog post stood out: “Top 5 Reasons We Won Agency of the Year.” What caught my attention wasn’t just the creativity of the work—it was the heart behind it. As an aspiring professional, I was looking for a place where projects have a bigger purpose. A place that cares about the work and the people behind it. I was especially drawn to projects like the Youth Suicide Prevention Campaign and the 3 Million Reasons Campaign for COVID-19 vaccination. They showed me that this agency didn’t just make ads. They made an impact.

And at the center of it all was Ed.

Even before I met him, I could see how much people respected him—not just for his work, but for his character. I saw that he held his team to a high standard, not just to be great at what they do, but to be good people doing it.

My first conversation with Ed was a phone interview. He didn’t just ask about my resume—he asked about me. What I love. What I value. I could tell that Ed and the team prioritized values and lived by them. Around here, values aren’t a line on a website; they’re how people show up.

Over coffee chats and workdays, I’ve learned more about Ed’s story. He came to the U.S. from the Philippines as a kid. He felt underestimated—because he was a minority, because he was small. There were many times in his childhood when he was underestimated, when he was the underdog, but with relentless determination, he proved everyone wrong.

He brought that same spirit into his career. When he started, the ad world lacked minority representation. No one looked like him. So in true Ed fashion, he built his own table, invited others to it and raised the bar for what leadership can look like.

As an immigrant myself, I’ve wrestled with self-doubt. I’ve questioned whether my dreams were too far out of reach. But witnessing Ed’s story reminded me they’re not. If anything, they’re worth chasing harder.
Watching him win the Lifetime Achievement Award wasn’t just inspiring—it was affirming. It reminded me that authenticity matters. That being underestimated isn’t a weakness, it’s an opportunity. That it’s okay to speak up, to be wrong, to learn out loud.

Over coffee one day, Ed told me, “Find your voice, and use it proudly.” That’s exactly what I intend to do.