Jason Hughes, CEO of ArtServe with 2026 Impact Award honorees William “Willie” Riddle, Sara Rogers, Jody Leshinsky, Joy Strempack (DJ Joy Joy), and Doug Evans, ArtServe Board Chair.
May 8, 2026 – ArtServe recently honored four distinguished leaders whose work continues to shape Broward County’s cultural landscape at its fourth annual Impact Awards Gala, presented by Seacoast Bank. The sold‑out evening brought together artists, community leaders, corporate partners and arts advocates for a celebration of creativity, inclusion and community impact.
The 2026 Impact Awards honorees represented a cross section of the leaders, educators and advocates who lead Broward County’s creative ecosystem. William “Willie” Riddle, founder and artistic director of Generation Venetian Arts Society (GENVAS), was recognized for advancing inclusive, community‑centered performance and using the arts to foster dialogue and shared humanity. Joy Strempack (DJ Joy Joy), a multidisciplinary artist and educator, was honored for her broad impact across education, music and design, creating spaces that prioritize connection, inclusion and joy. Sara Rogers, a veteran performing arts educator and coach, was celebrated for mentoring generations of actors and helping artists discover confidence, authenticity and voice both on and off the stage. Jody Leshinsky, a lifelong arts champion and Life Enrichment Manager at John Knox Village of Florida, was recognized for more than four decades of leadership strengthening arts infrastructure, expanding access to cultural experiences and enriching lives at every stage.
“We’re a small team doing big work, and I’m so grateful to our board and staff for the passion and dedication that allows ArtServe to thrive every day,” said Jason Hughes, CEO of ArtServe. “Nights like the Impact Awards remind us why this work matters so much.”
Sponsored by Seacoast Bank, Florida Power & Light (FPL) and OutClique Magazine, the event featured gourmet cuisine by past honoree Marc Martorana and Commissioner Don D’Arminio, a silent auction and live music by honoree DJ Joy Joy.
“At Seacoast Bank, we are proud to stand behind an organization that is powered by creative passion and community support,” said Dan Chappell, executive vice president and chief human resources officer of Seacoast Bank and a member of ArtServe’s Board of Trustees. “Like ArtServe, we are deeply rooted in South Florida, and we were honored to partner this evening to celebrate the incredible people doing meaningful work right here in our community.”
Seacoast Bank enhanced the evening with a signature Seacoast Lounge and its custom‑designed panther sculpture, created in partnership with the Florida Panthers and the American Cancer Society to bring attention to the fight against cancer in all its forms for everyone. Painted by artist Andrew Hayes, the panther was featured throughout the event and in gala photography, symbolizing Seacoast’s longstanding commitment to community support and commemorating its 100th anniversary.
ArtServe is located at 1350 East Sunrise Boulevard in Fort Lauderdale and is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Daily admission is free. For more information about these events, or to become a member, volunteer or support ArtServe’s mission, please visit www.artserve.org or email membership@artserve.org.
About ArtServe
Named a “Top-Rated Nonprofit” by GreatNonprofits, the leading provider of user reviews of charities and nonprofits, Fort Lauderdale-based ArtServe is an award-winning arts incubator advancing the arts for social good as a creative laboratory and hub for experimental artists committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Now in its 36th year, ArtServe has won multiple awards for innovation in the arts and is supported in part by the Broward County Board of County Commissioners as recommended by the Broward Cultural Council and the Community Foundation of Broward. In 2025, ArtServe was named Non-Profit Organization of the Year: The Arts by 211 Broward. Each year, ArtServe helps 2,000+ artists sell their work, build businesses, and connect with the community through exhibitions, education, and events.
