I have been passionate about music for as long as I can remember. At sixteen, I began recording music independently, which led me to build my own home studio and start coordinating hip hop and R&B events in a community dominated by rock music. These experiences taught me that music is more than just sound. It is a way to connect people, tell stories, and create opportunities for expression. Working with local artists helped me develop organizational and networking skills while also giving me a firsthand look at how the music industry functions and how important it is to support others in their creative journeys. My passion for music has continued to grow through my studies at Drexel University, where I am pursuing a degree in Music Business. I have had the opportunity to gain meaningful internship experience, first with a company that manages hip hop producers, where I maintained databases and managed social media, and currently with We Are Moving the Needle, a nonprofit supporting women in music, assisting with programming, research, and social media. Alongside my studies, I have learned to DJ and formed a collective with a colleague, securing multiple bookings. Each of these experiences has strengthened my skills in event coordination, artist support, and industry operations while giving me a deeper understanding of the ways music can inspire and bring people together. Because I know how transformative music can be, I want to use my career to give back to young people. I plan to work with after school or educational programs that focus on music, audio production, and performance. By teaching youth how to record, DJ, produce, or organize events, I hope to provide the same kind of opportunities and guidance that helped me find my path. I want to help students discover their own voices and passions while also giving them practical tools to develop skills that can support their personal growth and potentially lead to a career in music. My goal is to create or join programs where young people from diverse backgrounds can learn in a supportive, hands on environment, gaining confidence, creativity, and the chance to express themselves. Music can give youth a sense of purpose and belonging, and I want to be someone who helps guide them in that process. Receiving this scholarship would allow me to continue pursuing my education and career goals while honoring the legacy of Sunni E. Fagan, who inspired countless young students through music. Like Sunni, I hope to make a positive impact in the lives of youth, helping them find their voice and develop a lifelong passion for music.

Wicked has been a source of hope and inspiration for me since the moment I first heard its music. What I love most isn’t just the catchy songs or the story itself—it’s how Wicked dives into real themes like courage, friendship, identity, and standing up for what you believe in. It reminds us all to look beyond what people see on the surface and embrace who we really are, even when it’s hard. Elphaba’s story especially hits home. She starts off misunderstood and labeled as “wicked,” but through everything, she learns to accept herself and her gifts. Growing up, I often felt out of place, unsure if I belonged. Seeing Elphaba fight against the odds and stay true to herself gave me strength and hope during those times. Glinda’s journey, from being a bubbly socialite to a loyal friend, shows me that people can grow and that real friendship means standing by those you care about. Songs like “Defying Gravity” and “For Good” have become my personal anthems. “Defying Gravity” in particular gives me the courage to break through fears and limits, reminding me to believe in myself even when things get tough. I’m also really excited about the new movie, especially with Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba and Ariana Grande as Glinda. Seeing women of color in these roles brings a fresh, important perspective to the story. It shows me that Wicked’s message is for everyone, no matter who you are or where you come from. For me, Wicked isn’t just a musical—it’s a reminder to be myself, to stand tall, and to support others doing the same. It’s a story that truly speaks to my heart.

My name is Aidia Rivera, and I’m a sophomore at Drexel University studying Music Business. I’m drawn to marketing and sales because, to me, they’re more than just about selling products—they’re about connecting people, telling stories, and helping artists share their passion with the world. In the music industry, this connection can make all the difference between someone being heard or overlooked. Growing up in a small town in Pennsylvania, I saw many talented artists around me who struggled to get noticed. They had the passion and talent, but didn’t have the right tools or support to get their music out there. That’s what inspired me to focus on music business—especially marketing and sales—because I want to help artists get the platform and audience they deserve. It’s about more than promotion; it’s about understanding people’s stories and finding ways to bring those stories to life in ways that really connect. My biggest inspiration comes from my mom. She’s been my rock, working tirelessly and sacrificing so much to support my education and my dreams. Watching her navigate challenges with strength and grace motivates me every day to push forward, even when things get tough. I want to make her proud and give back to my family by building a career where I can create opportunities not just for myself, but for others who face the same challenges I have. The path hasn’t always been easy. In 2020, I lost my 7-year-old little brother in a house fire. That loss shook me to my core and changed everything. Music became my anchor during that dark time—it gave me purpose, comfort, and a way to heal. Now, I want to help other artists find that same kind of strength and hope by helping them build their brands, connect with fans, and succeed in a competitive industry. Marketing and sales are the tools I want to use to create those opportunities. I’m also excited by the challenge marketing and sales present. These fields require creativity, resilience, and empathy—all skills I’ve been developing through my experiences both in and out of school. I want to learn how to use those skills to build genuine connections between artists and audiences, because I believe that music has the power to change lives. This scholarship would mean so much to me. It would ease some of the financial burdens and help me continue my education, so I can keep developing the skills I need to make a real difference in the music business. Neal Hartl’s passion for his work and his ability to connect with people inspires me to follow that example—building genuine relationships and making a positive impact through what I do.

Music has always been so much more than just sound for me—it’s a way to express myself, to heal, and to connect with others. Whether someone is creating music or just listening, music has this incredible power to touch people’s hearts and help them through tough times. That’s why I’m passionate about building a career in the music industry, especially in music business and production. I want to help artists find their voice and the platform they deserve to share their work with the world. Growing up in a small town in Pennsylvania, I saw a lot of talented people dreaming about music but struggling because they didn’t have the right tools or support. I’ve faced some of those challenges too—like financial struggles and limited opportunities—but I’ve never let that stop me. I truly believe that with passion and the right education, anyone can make their dreams in music come true. And I want to be someone who helps open those doors for others, especially women and people from backgrounds like mine. Two people who inspire me every day are Alicia Keys and my mom. Alicia Keys is my biggest role model because she’s so real and strong—she stays true to herself and uses her music to lift others up. She shows that you can be powerful and kind at the same time. My mom is my hero; she’s sacrificed so much to support me through college and everything I’ve wanted to pursue. Watching her work hard and never give up has taught me to do the same. In the future, I want to make a real difference by helping new artists, especially women, get the education, resources, and fair chances they need to succeed. I want to be the person who makes sure others don’t have to face the same obstacles I’ve faced. When people remember me, I want them to think of someone passionate, persistent, and caring. Someone who truly believed in the power of music to change lives—and who worked hard to help others share their gifts too. I want my legacy to be about lifting others up while chasing my own dreams. Winning this scholarship would mean the world to me. It would help me keep going with my education and bring me closer to the career I’ve dreamed about. Music saved me during some of my hardest moments, and now I want to use it to inspire and support others.

My name is Aidia Rivera, and I’m a sophomore at Drexel University studying Music Business. Music has always been more than just sound to me—it’s a way to connect, express, and build community. For me, collaboration is at the heart of everything creative. It’s where ideas come to life and where we find strength in working together. Growing up in a small town in Pennsylvania, I saw how collaboration could bring people together in powerful ways. At 15, I started organizing and hosting hip-hop shows in a place mostly known for rock music. These shows weren’t just about performing—they were about creating a space for singers, rappers, DJs, and fans who didn’t always feel seen or heard. Bringing together such diverse talents and backgrounds showed me how much can be accomplished when we support each other’s dreams and lift each other up. It wasn’t always easy to organize these events—there were obstacles like finding venues, equipment, and convincing others to believe in something new. But through teamwork and shared passion, we made it happen, and those experiences taught me the real power of collaboration. Coming to Drexel expanded my understanding of collaboration even more. Whether I’m working on music projects with classmates or sharing what I’ve learned about DJing, I’ve realized that every person adds something unique. Collaboration isn’t just about dividing tasks—it’s about sharing ideas, respecting different viewpoints, and building something none of us could create alone. I love how working with others challenges me to grow and pushes the creative process to new places. Collaboration took on a deeper meaning for me after the tragic loss of my 7-year-old little brother in 2020. That pain was overwhelming, but music and the connections I made through it became a source of healing and hope. Collaborating with others in the arts helped me find purpose during a difficult time and reminded me that we’re stronger together. In the fine arts, collaboration is essential. It turns individual talents into something bigger and more meaningful. It connects artists, audiences, and communities in ways that inspire and uplift. I’m committed to creating collaborative spaces where emerging artists—especially those from backgrounds like mine—can find the support and opportunities they deserve. Receiving this scholarship would help me continue my education and my mission to build creative communities. Pamela Branchini’s generosity and passion inspire me to keep working with others to bring beautiful, meaningful art to the world.

My name is Aidia Rivera, and I’m a sophomore at Drexel University studying Music Business. I come from a small town in Pennsylvania, raised by my single mom, and I’ve always known I wanted a life driven by passion. For me, that passion has always been music—especially the behind-the-scenes technology that brings it to life. When I was 15, I began recording my own music. I taught myself how to use basic software to track vocals and mix beats. Though I didn’t have many resources, I had drive and determination. Soon, I started organizing and hosting hip-hop shows in my town, which was mostly dominated by rock music. Through these events, I gained hands-on experience with sound equipment—setting up microphones, running audio boards, and managing live sound. That practical experience sparked my deep interest in music technology and showed me the power of sound engineering in bringing music to life. In 2020, I lost my 7-year-old little brother in a house fire. That loss shattered my world, and for a while, it felt like everything stopped. But music became my anchor. I poured my grief and emotions into producing, engineering, and organizing shows—not just as therapy, but as a way to keep moving forward. Music gave me back my purpose. My brother’s memory pushes me to keep creating because I know he would’ve wanted me to follow my passion and do what I love. At Drexel, I’ve expanded my music technology skills even more. I taught myself how to DJ during my first year and learned new production tools. I brought those skills home over the summer, continuing to host shows and create experiences for my community. Everything I do—every beat I mix, every event I organize—is a step toward building a future where music connects and uplifts. Financial challenges have been a major obstacle. My mom took out a loan to help cover my first year of college, but her debt-to-income ratio now makes it impossible to secure additional loans or financial help. Despite this, I’m determined to continue my education and pursue a career in music technology. I refuse to give up on my dreams. What inspires me to pursue music technology isn’t just the sound itself, but the impact it can have—the way music can heal, unite, and empower people. I want to be a part of that impact by mastering the tools and technology that bring music to life. This scholarship would be a crucial step toward achieving that goal and honoring both my passion and my brother’s memory.

My name is Aidia Rivera, and I’m currently a sophomore at Drexel University majoring in Music Business. I come from a small town in Pennsylvania, raised by my single mom who has always done everything she could to support my dreams. Growing up in a low-income household, I didn’t have many opportunities handed to me—but I’ve always had a strong sense of drive and a desire for something greater than what surrounded me. In 2020, my life changed forever when I lost my 7-year-old little brother in a house fire. That kind of trauma doesn’t fade—it becomes a part of your story, whether you want it to or not. In the middle of that overwhelming grief, music became my outlet and my healing space. It gave me a way to express what I couldn’t say out loud. Music didn’t just help me survive—it gave me a purpose when I felt lost. At 15, I began recording my own music, and soon after, I started organizing and hosting some of the first hip-hop shows in my area, which was mainly dominated by rock music. It started as a way for me to perform and share my work, but it quickly turned into something bigger. These shows became a space for local artists—especially young rappers and singers like me—who didn’t feel seen in our community. We created something powerful out of almost nothing, and that made me realize that my passion wasn’t just making music, but building spaces where it could thrive. Since coming to Drexel, my love for the music industry has only grown. The program has introduced me to so many different areas of the field, and I’ve already begun learning to DJ, manage events, and collaborate with other passionate students. I took those skills home this summer and continued hosting shows, now with even more confidence and direction. However, staying in school has become incredibly difficult. My mom took out a loan to help pay for my first year, but her debt-to-income ratio is too high to qualify for any additional loans or co-signing options. Despite how hard we’ve tried, we’ve hit financial barriers that are tough to break. But I’m not giving up. I know why I’m doing this—and I know I have more to give. My dream is to uplift artists who come from places like mine—where resources are limited, but passion runs deep. I want to create events, platforms, and maybe even my own label someday. Music changed my life after my brother passed, and it’s helped me keep going even when things felt impossible. Now, I want to help others find that same light. With your support, I’ll continue pushing forward—for myself, my family, and every artist who just needs a chance.

My name is Aidia Rivera, and I am an upcoming sophomore at Drexel University majoring in Music Business. From my perspective, today’s music landscape is more diverse and accessible than ever, largely thanks to the rise of social media. Artists are no longer limited by location or traditional industry paths—they can now build global audiences on their own terms. For example, Bad Bunny’s recent residency had a major impact on Puerto Rico’s economy—not just through local engagement, but through worldwide exposure and support from international fans. This shows how powerful music can be—economically, culturally, and socially. Still, the industry remains extremely competitive—especially for those of us from small towns or underrepresented communities. I grew up in a low-income household in rural Pennsylvania, raised by my mom. While some of my peers turned to negative influences, I found music. I started singing at a young age, and by 15, I was recording my own songs. Eventually, I began organizing and hosting some of the first hip-hop shows in my predominantly rock-focused area. These shows didn’t just give me an outlet—they gave other local artists a platform and a sense of hope. It created a small community where people felt seen and heard. I continued this work until the week before I left for my first year of college. At Drexel, I immediately fell in love with the Music Industry program and all the ways it prepares students to innovate and make a difference. During my first year, I taught myself how to DJ—something I brought back home for the summer. I’ve been organizing and performing at shows throughout my break, and I’m incredibly proud of what my peers and I are building. However, funding my education has become a growing challenge. It’s just my mom and me at home, and although we’ve come this far together, we’re reaching a point where we need support. This scholarship would not only help ease that burden—it would help me stay on the path I’ve been carving for years. I see myself making an impact in the music industry by continuing to give overlooked, hardworking artists a chance—whether through events, management, or advocacy. My dream is to build platforms that highlight real talent, especially from communities like mine, where opportunities are rare but the passion is real. Music gave me a purpose when I needed it most, and now I want to return the favor to others.

Growing up as a minority in a small town in Pennsylvania came with its challenges. Often, I felt like I had to hide who I was just to fit in. But music gave me a space where I could be different, honest, and unafraid. It became my safe haven—my way to express emotions I couldn’t always say out loud. Arts education helped me understand that my uniqueness was a strength, not something to be ashamed of. Through music, I discovered how to process the world around me in a beautiful, emotional, and healing way. In 2020, my life changed forever when my little brother passed away in a tragic house fire. Losing him shattered my world. For a while, I lost touch with music—it was too painful to create when everything felt so dark. But I made a promise to myself: if I was going to keep living without him, I had to live life to the fullest, and that meant following my passion. Slowly, I found my way back to music. I started recording and producing my own songs, making connections in my community, and putting on local shows. I created spaces where others could share their voices too. It wasn’t just about music anymore—it became about healing, purpose, and building something meaningful. Music helped me work through both everyday struggles and deep trauma. It reminded me that I still had something to give, even when I felt like I’d lost everything. Throughout this journey, my biggest inspiration has been my mom. She’s always encouraged me to go after something more than just an “ordinary” life. Despite being low income, we’ve built a strong support system together. She’s the one who showed me how to find resources like this scholarship, and she constantly pushes me to believe in myself. Her strength and love keep me going, even on the hardest days. Now, as a Music Business student at Drexel University, I’m focused on building a career in live music management. I want to help artists bring their visions to life and create experiences that move people the way music has moved me. I believe live music has the power to connect communities, heal hearts, and inspire change—and I want to be part of making that happen. Arts education didn’t just impact my life—it helped save it. It gave me direction, healing, and a voice. And now, I’m using that voice to build a future filled with purpose, creativity, and passion.

Growing up as a minority in a small town in Pennsylvania came with its challenges. Often, I felt like I had to hide who I was just to fit in. But music gave me a space where I could be different, honest, and unafraid. It became my safe haven—my way to express emotions I couldn’t always say out loud. Arts education helped me understand that my uniqueness was a strength, not something to be ashamed of. Through music, I discovered how to process the world around me in a beautiful, emotional, and healing way. In 2020, my life changed forever when my little brother passed away in a tragic house fire. Losing him shattered my world. For a while, I lost touch with music—it was too painful to create when everything felt so dark. But I made a promise to myself: if I was going to keep living without him, I had to live life to the fullest, and that meant following my passion. Slowly, I found my way back to music. I started recording and producing my own songs, making connections in my community, and putting on local shows. I created spaces where others could share their voices too. It wasn’t just about music anymore—it became about healing, purpose, and building something meaningful. Music helped me work through both everyday struggles and deep trauma. It reminded me that I still had something to give, even when I felt like I’d lost everything. Throughout this journey, my biggest inspiration has been my mom. She’s always encouraged me to go after something more than just an “ordinary” life. Despite being low income, we’ve built a strong support system together. She’s the one who showed me how to find resources like this scholarship, and she constantly pushes me to believe in myself. Her strength and love keep me going, even on the hardest days. Now, as a Music Business student at Drexel University, I’m focused on building a career in live music management. I want to help artists bring their visions to life and create experiences that move people the way music has moved me. I believe live music has the power to connect communities, heal hearts, and inspire change—and I want to be part of making that happen. Arts education didn’t just impact my life—it helped save it. It gave me direction, healing, and a voice. And now, I’m using that voice to build a future filled with purpose, creativity, and passion.