Buffalo Prep Receives International Recognition for READI Program at the 2nd Annual Anthem Awards

Buffalo, NY — March 21, 2023 – Buffalo Prep announced today that it has been named a Bronze Winner at the 2nd Annual Anthem awards for its READI (Realizing Equity, Access, Diversity, and Inclusion) program in the Community Engagement: Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion category.

Anthem Winners are selected by the International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences. Members include: Nicholas Thompson, CEO, The Atlantic, Christina Swarns, Executive Director, Innocence Project, Zarna Surti, Global Creative Director, Nike Purpose, Maurice Mitchell, National Director, Working Families Party, Lindsay Stein, Chief Purpose Office, Tombras, Jennifer Lotito, President & Chief Operating Officer, (RED), Lisa Sherman, President & CEO, The Ad Council, Emily Barfoot, Global Brand Director Dove, Unilever, Trovon Williams, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Communications, NAACP, Roma McCaig, Senior VP of Impact, Clif Bar, Michelle Egan, Chief Strategy Officer, NRDC, Dinah-Kareen Jean, Senior Manager, Social Innovation, Etsy, Sarah Kate Ellis, President & CEO, GLAAD, Jad Finck, Vice President of Innovation & Sustainability, Allbirds, Christopher Miller, Head of Global Activism Strategy, Ben & Jerry’s, Shayla Tait, Director of Philanthropy The Oprah Winfrey Charitable Foundation.

Launched in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic and in response to ongoing civil and racial unrest, Buffalo Prep’s READI program is a series of workshops, trainings, and presentations to promote educational and racial equity throughout the Western New York community and beyond.  Buffalo Prep works with individuals, companies, schools, organizations, and peer & networking groups to facilitate conversations that encourage a deep examination of issues surrounding racial and educational equity. Sessions provide opportunities for individual and collective reflection and build a knowledge base, as well as potential action plans, that can be utilized to continuously strengthen and maintain an inclusive and equitable climate.

“Since launching this platform in June of 2021, we have seen that social change has emerged as a dominant force in mainstream culture.” said Anthem Awards Managing Director Jessica Lauretti. “The sheer number, breadth and overall quality of the entries shared with us in the 2nd Annual Awards is a testament to the strength of this growing movement and demonstrates an enduring commitment to the work that is both humbling and inspiring to see. From the war in Ukraine, to protests in Iran and the ongoing battle for equality here at home in the States, the call for change not only perseveres but is a growing global chorus.

“Buffalo Prep is honored to receive this international recognition for our READI program,” said Patti Stephen, president of Buffalo Prep.  “Our work to be an antiracist organization and promote racial and educational equity is more critical than ever.  We believe it is not only our responsibility to educate our students – empowering them with the knowledge, support, and skills necessary to thrive as leaders, democratic citizens, and agents of change – but to educate our community members to help build a just and peaceful world.”

The Anthem Awards was launched in response to the prevalence social good has taken within the national conversation and cultural zeitgeist in recent years. The 2nd Annual competition received nearly 2,000 entries from 43 countries worldwide. By amplifying the voices that spark global change, the Anthem Awards are defining a new benchmark for impactful work that inspires others to take action in their communities. A portion of program revenue will fund a new grant program supporting emerging individuals and organizations working to advance the causes recognized in the 2nd Annual Anthem Awards.

ABOUT BUFFALO PREP

Since its founding in 1989, Buffalo Prep has worked with thousands of students to provide academic and social support in a rigorous and nurturing environment. Through rigorous academic programming, Buffalo Prep students have the opportunity to turn knowledge into power. While students put in the extra work in the classroom, Buffalo Prep puts in the work to build a more inclusive, equitable, and just community around them.

About The Anthem Awards: Launched in 2021 by The Webby Awards, The Anthem Awards honors the purpose & mission-driven work of people, companies and organizations worldwide. By amplifying the voices that spark global change, we’re defining a new benchmark for impactful work that inspires others to take action in their own communities. The Anthem Awards honors work across seven core causes: Diversity; Equity & Inclusion; Education; Art & Culture; Health; Human & Civil Rights; Humanitarian Action & Services; Responsible Technology; and Sustainability, Environment & Climate. Founded in partnership with the Ad Council, Born This Way Foundation, Feeding America, Glaad, Mozilla, NAACP, NRDC, WWF, and XQ. 

About The Webby Awards:

Hailed as the “Internet’s highest honor” by The New York Times, The Webby Awards is the leading international awards organization honoring excellence on the Internet, including Websites; Video; Advertising, Media & PR; Apps, Mobile, and Voice; Social; Podcasts; and Games. Established in 1996, The Webby Awards received more than 13,500 entries from all 50 states and 70 countries worldwide this year. The Webby Awards are presented by the International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences (IADAS). Sponsors and Partners of The Webby Awards include Verizon, WP Engine, YouGov, Brandlive, Canva, NAACP, KPMG,  Fast Company, Wall Street Journal, MediaPost, Podcast Movement, and AIGA.

###