In a heartfelt gathering, the AVIXA Foundation proudly unveiled its 2025 grantees for the prestigious Brad Sousa Impact Fund on Thursday at the Xchange Live Stage during InfoComm. Created in memory of Brad Sousa, the respected and beloved Chief Technology Officer at Forté, this fund is dedicated to nurturing innovation and supporting those who utilize audiovisual technology to inspire positive change in communities worldwide. The announcement exudes hope and promise, pointing toward a bright future where technology and creativity intersect for global good.

Adding to the significance of the event, Brad's son, Jarrod Sousa, attended the ceremony, sharing how proud his father would have been to support these innovative programs. He noted the special significance of the ceremony taking place on his late father's birthday, making the event a heartfelt tribute to Brad’s enduring impact.

This year, three visionary organizations emerged from a multifaceted array of submissions, earning support to expand their influential work:

A nonprofit dedicated to enriching the minds of young women through interactive STEM learning experiences, Rosie Riveters captivates communities across the United States. "We are particularly excited about Rosie Riveter’s program success using music to discover careers in ProAV," highlighted Sarah Joyce, AVIXA Chief Global Officer and Foundation Executive Director. With its grant, Rosie Riveters is set to amplify its STEM kits, introducing more young women to the world of AV careers.

Addressing the ever-growing demand for skilled AV broadcast and event technicians, Tech25 offers transformative opportunities through comprehensive technical skills training, certification preparation, and hands-on industry experience for youth and adults. "Tech25 transforms lives and creates career pathways for those who have historically been unaware of our dynamic industry," shared Joyce. The nonprofit's impressive track record includes 30 alumni securing full-time industry roles in just a few years.

Committed to bridging career pathways in high-demand sectors like AV and IT, WorkSource Montgomery (WSM) fosters equitable and sustainable economic mobility for residents in its region. "WSM is a cornerstone in workforce development, and we are proud to offer a grant in Brad’s honor to help build more direct talent pipelines into our industry," Joyce noted. The grant will empower WSM to launch a specialized AV and technology-focused LYFE cohort, guiding young adults through career exploration, hands-on work experiences, and seamless transitions into internships and full-time roles.

The celebration concluded with an enthusiastic launch of next round of fundraising for 2026. The AVIXA Foundation warmly invites corporate and individual contributions to magnify its impact.

Support this inspiring mission, visit AVIXA.org/IMPACT

As the curtain closes on this announcement, the AVIXA Foundation shines a beacon of hope and opportunity, carrying Brad Sousa's legacy forward in transforming lives through innovative audiovisual technologies.