Pollstar (03/21/23)

The Diversify The Stage organization seeks to help people underrepresented in the music industry find mentors and secure some of their first jobs. Alumnus Maythe Santos wants to advance the group's mission and have her own mentees, noting, "I am now in a position of management power in one of my working spaces, and I hired two Latinas as my assistants." She hopes that Diversify The Stage and other groups promoting intersectionality and equality in the music industry will see their efforts evolve and flourish. Fellow Diversify The Stage alumnus Carmen Walker has a personal stake in sharing with other young professionals the role of confidence and the need to avoid psyching themselves out. "I think battling with the stereotypical experience of what people are expecting of me versus showing up as who I am has been the biggest challenge throughout the years," she comments. Binary Em Garcia believes the best way to improve the music industry for all persuasions involves "each individual doing their own research on how to be more inclusive in their day-to-day interactions and also in the workplace." Santos says speaking up is the best strategy to promote industry change, and raising awareness of the steps that still need to be undertaken while also creating opportunities for peers and successors. "If I can help hire or put somebody in the right direction, I would love to be a part of it," she explains. "I want to keep this going and make sure no one else gets left behind. We open those doors and make it known that you are welcome in this industry."

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