Edin Newton, Audiovisual Systems Integration Engineer at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, has built a career fueled by curiosity, creativity, and a passion for learning. From running AV for high school theater productions to designing, integrating, and supporting audiovisual systems across campus, Newton has embraced every opportunity to grow. As a member of the 2026-2027 Prism cohort, he is pursuing his CTS while supporting students, advocating for representation in the industry, and expanding his impact within the higher ed AV community. Read More

With more than 25 years of experience in audiovisual technology and leadership, Teiko Johnson, Senior Audio Visual Manager at Morehouse School of Medicine, has built a career focused on supporting learning environments, mentoring others, and advancing technology services across higher education. As a 2026 Prism Scholar, Johnson is eager to expand his leadership skills, connect with peers across the AV community, and continue advocating for mentorship, representation, and professional growth within the industry. Read More

Continuing our Prism Spotlight series, Starting the Prism Journey, we're excited to introduce Sabastian Kwantreng of George Mason University. This series highlights the newest Prism Scholars at the beginning of their scholarship experience, sharing the diverse paths, perspectives, and aspirations that brought them to the program. In this spotlight, Sabastian reflects on the mentors who encouraged him, his desire to grow his AV knowledge, and what he hopes to gain from the Prism experience. By sharing stories like Sabastian's, we hope to celebrate our current scholars while encouraging future applicants to see a place for themselves in higher education AV. Read More

Every AV professional starts somewhere. In this first installment of our reimagined Prism Spotlight series, Noel Cerda shares his path into higher education AV, the goals driving his career, and what he's hoping to accomplish during his Prism journey. Read More

Prism Scholarship recipient Daniel Wray serves as AV Lead at Virginia State University, where he oversees roughly 200 learning and event spaces across campus. In this Prism Spotlight, Daniel reflects on finding his place in higher ed AV, the relationships he's built through the Prism community, and the lessons he's learned while pursuing his CTS certification. He also shares why understanding the "why" behind the material matters more than memorizing answers and how support from colleagues has helped him stay motivated through challenges. Read More

Sameh Youssef shares his path from large-scale AV integration projects in Egypt to leading event and learning space technology at The American University in Cairo. As a HETMA Prism Scholarship recipient, he reflects on earning his CTS, balancing global responsibilities, and the impact of community and mentorship on his growth. Read More

In this PRISM Spotlight, Wendell Quintyne Fernando reflects on his path from IT support into higher‑ed AV, why the PRISM Scholarship came at the right moment, and how community, persistence, and steady growth have shaped his journey. He shares what he’s learned along the way, what he’s working toward next, and why investing in your foundation still matters, even when resources are limited. Read More

Layne Weldon, Academic Technology Specialist II at Emory University’s Candler School of Theology, shares her path from theater audio to higher ed AV and what the Prism Scholarship meant for her professional growth. In this spotlight, Layne reflects on earning her CTS, the value of community through HETMA and AVIXA, and the confidence that comes from investing in yourself and your career. Read More

Ann Kelly, CTS, Supervisor for the Engineering and Installation team at UCLA Digital Spaces, reflects on her path into higher‑ed AV, the realities of supporting large‑scale learning environments, and what the Prism Scholarship meant at a pivotal point in her career. From balancing budgets and evolving classroom needs to finding community, mentorship, and confidence through Prism, Ann shares an honest look at growth, resilience, and why the journey doesn’t end with a single exam. Read More

Kameesha Jones, an AV Project Manager at Florida International University and DEI Chair for HETMA, shares what it was like to be selected as a 2023 Prism Scholarship recipient and how the Prism community continues to support her growth. She talks candidly about her CTS journey, the study strategies that helped most, and the real-world pace of supporting high-profile campus events. The spotlight also highlights her commitment to mentorship and the pipeline she has helped build to create early-career opportunities in live production and AV. Read More