Springboard to Design Named Finalist in Anthem Awards

	Springboard to Design 2026 students. Photo: Julieta Cervantes

Springboard to Design is a finalist in two categories 00 Advocacy & Support in Belonging & Inclusion and Community Engagement in Belonging & Inclusion -- at the 6th Annual Anthem Awards.

Public voting is now open in both categories through Thursday, October 29. Supporters can vote for Springboard to Design in each category.

Winners will be selected by the International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences. Judges include a panel of leaders from leading organizations and companies dedicated to social impact, including Nancy Brown, CEO, American Heart Association; Heather Malenshek, CMO, Land O'Lakes, Inc.; Jesse Tyler Ferguson, award-winning actor and LGBTQ+ advocate; Patrice Duckworth, chief inclusion officer, Johnson & Johnson; Fatima Graves, president/CEO, National Women's Law Center; Justina Nixon-Saintil, vice president/global chief impact officer, IBM, and many others.

"We're thrilled to see the impact sector bounce back, share their stories, and expand their impact after a challenging year last year," says Anthem Awards general manager Patricia McLoughlin. "This year's finalists are truly setting the standard for how to advocate for a cause, inspire action, create impact, and overall make this world a better place."

Springboard to Design (SB2D) is a tuition-free theatre design mentorship and equity initiative that expands access to careers in theatre design for students from underrepresented communities. Founded by Design Action and led by Tony Award-winning designers Clint Ramos and David Zinn, the program provides hands-on training, mentorship, and professional development across disciplines including scenic, costume, lighting, projection, sound, props, wigs, and production design. Through its commitment to equity and inclusion, Springboard to Design works to ensure that the next generation of theatre artists reflects the diversity of the communities whose stories they bring to life.

In a joint statement, Ramos and Zinn say, "We're honored that Springboard to Design has been recognized by The Anthem Awards for our commitment to expanding access and creating a more inclusive future for theater. Talent is everywhere, but access to opportunity is not. Through mentorship, hands-on training, and meaningful connections to the professional theater community, we're working to ensure that emerging designers from underrepresented backgrounds have the tools, resources, and support to see themselves in this industry and shape its future. This recognition reinforces why that work matters."

Alongside the Finalist Announcement comes the launch of Anthem Community Voice in Partnership with NationBuilder, an annual voting campaign and celebration to uplift the work of Anthem Finalists. Supporters can celebrate Springboard to Design's work online until October 29 at celebrate.anthemawards.com. All fnalists are also in the running to win a Gold, Silver, or Bronze Anthem Award selected by Anthem judges. Winners will be announced on November 5.