Birgit Schwarz-Hickey has been working in the advertising business since the late 80's and received many international awards for general advertising, direct marketing, product design and the film area.

She has extended connections to the industry in the US and overseas and has been teaching Advertising Concepts, Design and Digital Media, both domestically and abroad since 2003. She has developed individual courses and curricular for various BFA programs and takes part in many industry lectures and panels.

She takes special pride in connecting students to the bigger AD community.