The Angela Mears Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit status. This allows us to further our mission of making creative careers accessible to all, regardless of financial means or background.
Donate Now and We’ll Make a Difference Together:
Our Foundation’s Mission
Angela Mears believed that true creativity comes from diverse thinking. In her life and work, she looked beyond the safe and the expected to elevate the unconventional, the novel, and even the weird — because more often than not, that’s where genius lies.
But diversity of thought requires diversity of experience. And the high barriers to entry for most creative careers — including low- and no-pay internships — mean that many from diverse backgrounds never get the chance to pursue their dreams.
The Angela Mears Foundation is on a mission to make creative careers accessible to all, regardless of means or background. Through our Next Dragon Program, we enable under-resourced, aspiring creatives to accept low- or no-pay internships by providing grants to help with living expenses. These internships are the most common gateway to a fruitful creative career.
Through these grants, the Angela Mears Foundation opens doors for diverse thinkers who may have otherwise been locked out of career-defining opportunities — and gives the world the benefit of their one-of-a-kind creativity.
Who was Angela Mears?
Angela Mears was a remarkable individual whose influence extended far beyond her professional achievements. A trailblazer in the marketing industry, she embraced her role as an iconoclast, redefining norms and encouraging others to adopt fresh perspectives. Her ability to recognize the potential in others was one of her defining traits. Angela had a unique talent for spotting individuals with diverse experiences, knowing that their insights would enrich any collaborative effort.
Her ascent to the position of the youngest Chief Creative Officer at Weber Shandwick - New York was a testament to her innovative thinking and commitment to excellence. Angela's accolades, including honors from Cannes Lions and the Clios, reflect her significant contributions to the field. However, her creativity extended well beyond marketing; she cultivated various interests, from an award-winning food blog to tarot readings and a love for plants and dogs.
Angela was deeply committed to mentorship, dedicating her time and expertise to nurture aspiring creatives. She found purpose in guiding the next generation, celebrating their successes as if they were her own. Her untimely passing on March 27, 2023, left a profound impact on many who admired her spirit and guidance.
In memory of Angela, the Angela Mears Foundation was established to perpetuate her legacy of creative mentorship and support. Through this foundation, her vision of fostering talent and encouraging diverse voices will continue, ensuring that her influence remains felt within the creative community.
The Next Dragon Program
(launching in 2025)
Grants awarded annually to qualified diverse thinkers who have secured a low- or no-pay internship in a creative field.
Grants must be used during the period of the internship for living expenses: housing, transportation, and/or food.
Grants include mentorship through our Dragon Network of accomplished creatives who guide our grant recipients, sharing expertise to help diverse thinkers turn passions into thriving careers.
