AVIXA Foundation Announces 2025 Brad Sousa Impact Fund Grant Recipients

The AVIXA Foundation announces the 2025 grant recipients for the Brad Sousa Impact Fund. Honored at InfoComm 2025 in Orlando, Florida, the recipients are Rosie Riveters, Tech25, and WorkSource Montgomery (WSM). Named to honor the legacy of the late Brad Sousa, CTO at the integration firm Forte. This fund offers financial support for changemaker organizations utilizing audiovisual technology and digital transformation in communities around the world.

Selected from a diverse group of submissions, the three grantees are creating meaningful impact and promoting fundamental change through digital transformation, AVIXA says. The nonprofit Rosie Riveters fosters critical thinking and problem-solving skills for young women through hands-on STEM learning in communities around the US. The organization will use its grant to scale the reach of its STEM kits into even more communities, driving further awareness of AV careers.

"We are excited about Rosie Riveters' program success using music to discover careers in pro AV," says Sarah Joyce, AVIXA chief global officer and foundation executive director.

Tech25 is a nonprofit organization founded to address the growing demand for skilled AV broadcast and event technicians. In only a few years, it has had 30 alumni placed in full-time industry roles. "Tech25 transforms lives and creates career pathways for those who have historically been unaware of our dynamic industry," Joyce says.

Tech25's grant will support it in its efforts to offer youth and adults technical skills, certifications preparation, and the hands-on experience needed to secure living-wage careers in AV.

Grant recipient WorkSource Montgomery (WSM) is working to ensure all residents in its region have access to career pathways leading to equitable and sustainable economic mobility, with a specific focus on high-demand fields like AV and IT. With this grant, WSM intends to launch a dedicated AV and technology-focused LYFE (Launch Your Future Employment) cohort for young adult career exploration, hands-on work experience, and pathways to internships and full-time employment.

"WSM is a cornerstone in workforce development, and we are proud to offer a grant in Brad's honor to help them build more direct talent pipelines into our industry," Joyce says.