Playbill has partnered with Inspired to create and amplify stories of inspiration that advocate for young people across the country to have access to arts and cultural experiences. The following article is written by the team at Situation Project and adapted from their online publication Inspired. Click here to learn more.

For Damian Bazadona, the founder of Situation Group and the nonprofit Situation Project, access to the arts has never been a privilege—it’s a necessity. That belief has shaped his life’s work, opening doors to thousands of young people who might otherwise never step inside a theater. This year, that dedication was recognized in a big way, as Bazadona received both The Broadway League’s Impact Award and AACSB’s Influential Leader Award—two honors that underscore what so many in the industry have long known.

Bazadona is a force for change. He doesn’t just talk about access—he builds it.

Two Awards, One Powerful Mission

The Broadway League’s Impact Award is given to individuals or organizations that have made outstanding contributions to Broadway and the broader theater community. Bazadona’s work in Broadway marketing, combined with his commitment to ensuring that the arts are accessible to all students, exemplifies the spirit of this award. His ability to connect the industry with the next generation of audiences and creators has left an indelible mark, proving that Broadway thrives when it embraces everyone.

Similarly, the AACSB Influential Leader Award recognizes alumni from AACSB-accredited business schools who are driving positive change in the world. Bazadona’s entrepreneurial approach—using innovative strategies to bridge the gap between the arts and underserved communities—makes him a perfect fit for this recognition. By applying business acumen to social impact, he has created a model that not only works but inspires.

From Recognition to Real-World Impact

Ask anyone who has worked with Bazadona, and they’ll tell you the same thing: awards aren’t what drive him. He’s not in this for the spotlight or the accolades. What matters to him is the work—breaking down barriers, expanding opportunity, and ensuring that every student, no matter their zip code, has the chance to experience the transformative power of the arts.

And that work speaks for itself.

This past year alone, Situation Project has engaged nearly 5,000 students in cultural experiences designed to broaden their horizons and spark their creativity. Through strategic partnerships, the organization has reached more than 2 million arts and culture enthusiasts, helping to strengthen a community that believes in the power of theater, music, and visual storytelling. And through 42 student-led projects, young people have spent over 200 hours bringing their own artistic visions to life.

“It’s about showing [these students] that they belong in these spaces. Broadway, museums, and concert halls aren’t just for some people; they’re for everyone,” says Bazadona.

The Power of a Visionary Leader

For Samara Berger, executive director of Situation Project, Bazadona’s influence is immeasurable.

"Damian has always believed that Broadway belongs to everyone," Berger explains. "His vision ensures that access to the arts isn’t a privilege; it’s a necessity. Because of him—and the incredible team and partners behind Situation Project—thousands of students now see the theater not just as a place they can visit, but as a space where they belong."

And that’s exactly what Bazadona has spent his career proving: that exposure to the arts doesn’t just create audiences—it creates future artists, future leaders, future changemakers.

A Legacy That’s Just Getting Started

The recognition Bazadona has received this year is well deserved, but for him, the real reward is the work itself—the student who sees their first Broadway show and suddenly imagines a future in the arts, the young person who creates a project that reshapes how they see themselves, the moment when possibility expands because access has been granted.

That’s the impact of Damian Bazadona. And that’s a legacy that will last far beyond any award.

Inspired was created by Situation Project 501(c)3.