FAIRFAX, Va., June 25, 2026 – The AVIXA Foundation is pleased to announce the 2026 grant recipients of the Brad Sousa Impact Fund. Honored at InfoComm 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada, the recipients are The Loop Lab and Highmark Mann Center for the Performing Arts. Selected from a competitive pool of submissions, the two grantees are creating meaningful community impact and driving fundamental change through digital transformation. This Brad Sousa Impact Fund offers financial support to changemaker organizations utilizing audiovisual technology and digital transformation in communities around the world.
"We are proud to recognize The Loop Lab and Highmark Mann for demonstrating how grassroots workforce programs mixed with pro AV tech skills training can be models for measurable, scalable impact on our industry,” said Sarah Joyce, AVIXA Chief Global Officer and Foundation Executive Director. "The Brad Sousa Impact Fund exists to support exactly this kind of transformative work. These organizations lift up communities of untapped AV talent to fill a real need in our industry.”
The Loop Lab is a nonprofit, Greater Boston-based workforce intermediary advancing equitable access to careers in the pro AV and digital media industries. The Loop Lab will use this grant to strengthen expansion of industry-aligned media arts and pro AV workforce training pathways serving historically underrepresented young adults across Greater Boston and Western Massachusetts. Apprentices receive intensive project-based instruction in areas including live event production, audio engineering, video production, lighting, digital collaboration workflows, content creation, and AV systems exposure. This program combines training with paid fellowships and direct employer engagement.
The Highmark Mann Center for the Performing Arts, a nonprofit performing arts center located in the Centennial District of Philadelphia's West Fairmount Park, will use this grant to support their Music Industry Pre-Apprenticeship Program (MIAP). This program combines technical training, workforce readiness, mentorship, and paid on-the-job learning experiences across professional production environments. MIAP apprentices rotate through industry partner sites, including production companies, recording studios, theaters, and scenic shops, gaining hands-on experience while building professional networks and transferable workforce skills.
The Brad Sousa Impact Fund supports the AVIXA Foundation’s global mission through impact investing and partnerships, with a key focus on developing audiovisual and digital transformation professionals and their understanding of each other’s overlapping needs. The AVIXA Foundation is fundraising for the next round of grants and welcomes corporate and individual donations to help amplify its impact for next year and years to come. Learn more and donate at avixa.org/avixa-foundation.
Photo: Brad Sousa Impact Fund Grant Recipients Honored at InfoComm 2026
Photo: Left to Right:
David Labuskes, CEO, AVIXA
Roger Patrick, COO, FORTÉ
Sarah Joyce, CGO, AVIXA
Jarrod Sousa, Solutions Architect, AudioCodes
Christine Schyvinck, CEO, Shure Incorporated
Joseph Valerio, Director, AVIXA Foundation
Christopher Hope, Founder and Executive Director, The Loop Lab
Pete Spynda, Executive Director, Tech25, 2025 grantee
Bets Charmelus, Senior Director, Workforce Development, Highmark Mann Center for Performing Arts, 2026 grantee
Anthony Featherstone, Executive Director, Worksource Montgomery, 2025 grantee
Aaron Udler, CEO, Office Pro, AVIXA Foundation Board Member
Brittany Greer, Executive Director, Rosie Riveters, 2025 grantee
Photo Credit: John Staley
About the AVIXA Foundation
The AVIXA Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization focused on cultivating a growing workforce on behalf of the Audiovisual and Integrated Experience Association (AVIXA). The Foundation does so by creating awareness of careers in the global AV industry; enabling potential and emerging professionals through skills training, scholarships, and scholastic support; and developing a bridge between the industry and those who want to become AV professionals. With the help of AVIXA members and the entire industry, the Foundation helps build a future with a diverse, skilled workforce eager to take on the challenge of creating integrated AV experiences around the world. More information is available at avixa.org/foundation.
About AVIXA
AVIXA is the Audiovisual and Integrated Experience Association, producer of InfoComm trade shows around the world, co-owner of Integrated Systems Europe, and the international trade association representing the audiovisual industry. Established in 1939, AVIXA has more than 3,000 enterprise members representing over 20,000 AV professionals, including manufacturers, systems integrators, dealers and distributors, consultants, programmers, live events companies, technology managers, content producers, and multimedia professionals from more than 80 countries. AVIXA members create integrated AV experiences that deliver outcomes for end users. AVIXA is a hub for professional collaboration, information, and community, and is the leading resource for AV standards, certification, training, market intelligence, and thought leadership. Visit www.avixa.org.