The Recording Academy has been devoted to supporting the progression of musical excellence for more than six decades. Through its NEXT Class program, founded in 2014 by the organization's Los Angeles Chapter, voting and professional members aged 21-35 are provided real-life experiences to foster their budding careers in the music industry.

The NEXT Class of 2024 featured 20 accomplished participants from various industries, backgrounds, and professional experiences. The participants engaged in multiple mentoring circles with esteemed Recording Academy members, gaining invaluable networking opportunities and deepening their understanding of the music industry. Areas of focus included music business, music licensing & supervision, music marketing & technology, production & engineering, and songwriting.

"The L.A. Chapter’s NEXT program continues to bring in top quality industry professionals and creatives that truly exemplify the up-and-coming talent that is present in the L.A. Chapter," said Luke Savage, Operations Manager  of the L.A. Chapter. "I am so proud of the mentees and mentors that participated in the program this year and can’t wait to see what they do NEXT." 

"Los Angeles Chapter’s NEXT program has continued to be a key platform for creative and professional development, through the unique opportunity of peer-to-peer mentorship and the acclaim only a GRAMMY esteemed program can bring," added Qiana Conley Akinro, Senior Executive Director of the L.A. Chapter. "I am delighted to see the growth of the mentees and the sincerity and encouragement the mentors brought to this year’s program. Congratulations to the 2024 NEXT Class and the amazing creators and executives that made it memorable!" 

Get To Know The NEXT Class Of 2024

To celebrate the NEXT Class of 2024, the Recording Academy's Los Angeles Chapter is highlighting some of this year's participants and mentors. 

NEXT Class Mentees

“During my time in the Recording Academy's NEXT class of 2024, I had the privilege of engaging with some of the music industry's most influential leaders and peers. I loved having a safe space to get to know them, ask for advice and inquire about where leaders see the music industry going. The program offered exclusive opportunities for networking events, which allowed me to foster connections and deepen my understanding of the Academy's mission. This program ignited a deeper sense of purpose in me, empowering me to advocate for the wellbeing of music-makers and celebrating musical excellence with renewed dedication.” – Kate Cordova, Senior Director of Social Media, Marketing, and Communications at ASCAP

"I am so honored to have been chosen to be a part of this year’s Grammy NEXT program. Learning directly from experienced professionals is still a key aspect of any music professional’s career development and the conversations we had with our mentors were hugely informal. Massive thanks to the Recording Academy and all the mentors who gave their time to help us grow." – Phil McGowan, Mixing & Recording Engineer

“The NEXT program was a truly great opportunity to learn and connect. Being able to ask questions and get advice from industry leaders like Dale Becker and Mike Elizondo in a small group was a special experience. I’m grateful that I was chosen to participate!” – Moritz Braun, Music Producer and Owner at JUST FOR THE RECORD, LLC

“Participating in the Grammys NEXT Class of 2024 was an invaluable honor and experience that significantly shaped my understanding and approach to the music business. It was a pivotal step in my professional journey, and I am excited to apply what I've learned to my future endeavors.” – Joy Wayodi, Artist & Music Publicist at Afrika Plug

"The Grammy NEXT Program gave us the rare opportunity to learn directly from incredible industry leaders in music. We had open conversations, resources to build upon our strengths and weaknesses, and most importantly a chance to build community together. Thank you to the Recording Academy for creating such a positive experience." – Dolly Ave, Artist

“I had an incredible experience with the Grammys NEXT Gen program, where we were paired with highly esteemed mentors from the music industry. I thoroughly enjoyed it and believe it's a fantastic initiative by the Grammys to connect young professionals with the academy and provide invaluable learning opportunities. This program truly brings us closer to the heart of the industry.” – Emilio Esteban, Music Producer, Composer, & Conductor

“The NEXT Class of 2024 has given me invaluable opportunities to grow both as an artist and a professional. The guidance from experienced mentors and the connections I've made have been instrumental in pushing my career forward. I'm grateful for the support and excited about the future.” – Chisom “Cheekychizzy” Ifeachor, Performer, Music Producer, Sound Engineer, and Co-Founder at The Bridge Management

"Finding good mentors in the recording industry is difficult – NEXT makes it easy. Every mentor and all my fellow mentees have made a lasting impact on me. I'm leaving NEXT feeling connected to my community and better at my craft." – Emile Figgins, Audio Engineer: Immersive & Experimental Media

“NEXT has been a really nurturing experience where I have been able to connect with amazing mentors that stepped up my vision and gave me a clear path in my career in this ever-changing music industry.” - sonnemm, Music Producer, Songwriter, and Music Director

NEXT Class Mentors

"It has been a great pleasure to serve as a GRAMMY Next Mentor. Through this program, I have met many impressive, passionate, and ambitious young artists and executives who make me excited about the future of our industry. It has been a joy to exchange ideas with the mentees, share my knowledge of the past, offer advice on navigating the music industry, and learn from them about how they discover new music and perceive emerging trends. I look forward to continuing as a GRAMMY Next mentor for years to come!" - Shannon Herber, Head of Artist Strategy & Music Business Development at Campaign

"Participating in the NEXT program as a mentor was an incredibly rewarding experience. I'm grateful to the Recording Academy for facilitating and prioritizing interconnectedness within our creative network. I always say that mentorship is a two-way street; it's an exchange of knowledge and information, not merely a one-sided occurrence. I really enjoyed meeting the mentees from all around the world who have such colorful and diverse career paths. It served as an opportunity to meet emerging artists who have exciting futures ahead. I came away from the experience feeling so inspired and encouraged by their commitment to their craft." - Stephanie Economou, GRAMMY -winning film/television/video game composer

"It was such a pleasure being a part of NEXT Class of 2024. The participants were very impressive, all with diverse backgrounds and experience. NEXT is nurturing the next generation of the music business." – Mike Elizondo, GRAMMY-winning producer

"Getting to connect with the next generation of music professionals is a wonderful opportunity to both give and receive. It's an honor to help young professionals at such a critical stage of their career, especially in helping them believe in themselves to achieve what they're setting out to achieve. On the other hand, I love to interact with colleagues at this stage because it helps me stay connected to what is important for the next generation of music professionals and gauge the subtle movements/shifts in culture, thought and artistic expression that will undoubtedly come as they start to make their mark. Thank you, NEXT!" – Dale Becker, GRAMMY-nominated mastering engineer

"I loved participating in the NEXT Program as I genuinely felt like I walked away learning as much as I was able to give. We were able to cover much more than our original topic (marketing) and have open dialogues about what it really means to work in music in 2024." – Dani Chavez, Artist Manager, CMO of FM Group at YMU

"The NEXT program is great in helping guide the future of the industry and I am honored to be a mentor. The mentees are all eager to learn, receptive, and fully engaged. No one makes it in life, let alone this business, without assistance and it is a pleasure to impart my experiences and wisdom to these current artists and/or future industry executives." – Chris Lakey, SVP, Global Creative Synch at Kobalt Music Group

Meet the NEXT Class of 2024 Participants:

• Brigitte Alanis

• Lauren Alvarez

• SIA AMUN

• Joy Wayodi

• Dolly Ave

• Moritz Braun

• Corynne Burrows

• Kate Cordova

• Emile Figgins

• Chisom Ifeachor aka CheekyChizzy

• Katrina Lee

• Phil McGowan

• sonnemm

• Kristen Personius

• Whitney Peyton

• Craig Posey

• Brooke Reese

• Tyler Sheppard

• Karl Wingate

Meet the NEXT Class of 2024 Mentors:

• Adam Anders

• Dale Becker

• Sam Benfey

• Jacqui Bransky

• Dani Chavez

• Stephanie Economou

• Mike Elizondo

• Josh Gudwin

• Shannon Herber

• Amanda Jones

• Chris Lakey

• Ellen Lu

• Gita Williams

Voting and Professional Members within the age range of 21-35, at the time the application goes live, are eligible to apply to the NEXT Class program. NEXT Class of 2025 application details will be available to LA Chapter Members in November 2023.

Learn more about the Recording Academy's Los Angeles Chapter and its initiatives.

The Recording Academy Proudly Invites Nearly 3,900 Music Creators & Professionals To Join Its 2024 New Member Class

In celebration of the 25th anniversary of the Latin GRAMMYs, the Latin Recording Academy has announced a series of exhibits for 2024 at the Paley Museum in New York City, the GRAMMY Museum in Los Angeles, and the Gary Nader Art Centre in Miami.

"For 25 years we have had the immense privilege of celebrating excellence in Latin music, accompanying our music creators in their successes worldwide. These exhibits are a magnificent opportunity to bring the magic of the Latin GRAMMYs to the public," said Manuel Abud, CEO of the Latin Recording Academy. "We invite all music lovers to join us in New York City, Los Angeles and Miami to enjoy these exhibits, which are filled with unforgettable moments and important achievements that have marked our history."

The 2024 Latin GRAMMYs, officially known as the 25th Annual Latin GRAMMY Awards, will air live from the Kaseya Center in Miami on Thursday, Nov. 14. The three-hour telecast, produced by TelevisaUnivision, the world's leading Spanish-language media and content company, will broadcast live on Univision, Galavisión, and ViX on Thursday Nov. 14, beginning at 8 p.m. ET/PT (7 p.m. CT), with a one-hour pre-show starting at 7 p.m. ET/PT. This year’s nominees will be announced on Tuesday, Sept. 17.

This year, the Latin GRAMMYs will debut a new Field and two new Categories: Best Latin Electronic Music Performance, housed within the new Electronic Music Field, and Best Contemporary Mexican Music Album (Regional-Mexican Field). Ahead of the 2024 Latin GRAMMYs, the Latin Recording Academy will host the official Latin GRAMMY Week 2024, which includes multiple events throughout Miami-Dade County including the 2024 Latin Recording Academy Person of the Year gala, which this year honors 18-time Latin GRAMMY winner and two-time GRAMMY winner Carlos Vives.

Learn more about the new Latin Recording Academy exhibits taking place in New York City, Los Angeles and Miami below:

The Paley Museum, New York City

Sept. 13 - Nov. 3

The Latin GRAMMYs kick-off exhibit at the Paley Museum showcases the remarkable 25-year history of Latin music, celebrating the vibrant cultural tapestry that has shaped the awards show into a global phenomenon. Visitors can explore priceless artifacts, glamorous costumes, and iconic instruments from music superstars like Ricky Martin, Rosalía, Carlos Santana, and Shakira — all Latin GRAMMY and GRAMMY winners — as well as celebrated New Yorkers such as Celia Cruz and Rúben Blades, whose influence has left an indelible mark on the music world. The exhibit will highlight some of the most unforgettable moments from the Latin GRAMMY Awards telecast, trace the show’s incredible evolution, and demonstrate why Latin music has become an essential part of our culture.

"It is a tremendous honor to partner with the Latin Recording Academy and to have the privilege of hosting this historic 25th anniversary celebration of the Latin GRAMMY Awards at the Paley Center," said Maureen J. Reidy, President & CEO of The Paley Center for Media. "This must-see exhibit will honor the indelible impact of Latin music and its visionary artists, whose innovative rhythms, poignant lyrics, and extraordinary contributions have redefined the global musical landscape and have had a profound impact not only on music but on entertainment and culture worldwide."

GRAMMY Museum, Los Angeles 

Sept. 19 - Dec. 18 

Hosted on the 2nd floor of the GRAMMY Museum as part of its permanent Latin Music Gallery, this exhibit will enhance the museum's extensive Latin aisle by featuring artifacts from global Latin superstars like Shakira, Carlos Santana, Karol G, and Rosalía, among others. The exhibit will explore the last 25 years of Latin GRAMMY history and the diverse musical genres and cultures that have graced its stage. 

At its core, the exhibit underscores how Latin music has evolved into a powerful commercial force in the international music landscape over the past quarter-century, with the Latin GRAMMYs playing a pivotal role in its global rise. The exhibit will also explore the history of the institution and its most significant moments, highlighting Latin music's creative complexity and enduring cultural impact.

"The Latin GRAMMYs have undeniably established themselves as a cultural landmark and a powerful influence in global music over the past 25 years," said Michael Sticka, President and CEO of the GRAMMY Museum. "This fall, we eagerly anticipate commemorating more than two decades of musical excellence, memorable highlights, and extraordinary moments from the Latin GRAMMYs at the GRAMMY Museum."

Gary Nader Art Centre, Miami

Sept. 26 - Dec. 20

Miami will host a first-of-its-kind collection of 25 years of Latin GRAMMY official art, featuring original paintings by renowned artists including Romero Britto, Walter Goldfarb, Michael V. Rios — who also designed the cover of Carlos Santana’s multi-GRAMMY-winning album Supernatural —and Patssi Valdez, among others. From mixed media to collage, murals and oil paintings, the collection includes renowned visual artists from several countries. In  addition,Brazilian muralist Aline Bispo, the official artist for the 24th Annual Latin GRAMMY Awards, will unveil a new piece to inaugurate the festivities. 

"It is a profound honor to host the art exhibition commemorating the Latin GRAMMYs at our gallery in Miami. This city, with its vibrant culture and deep Latin roots, is the perfect setting to celebrate the rich heritage and artistic achievements of Latin music. We are thrilled to bring together art and music in such a dynamic fashion, highlighting the synergy between these two powerful expressions of creativity," said Gary Nader, founder of the Gary Nader Art Centre.

A capacity crowd filled the Martha's Vineyard Performing Arts Center for a screening of Luther: Never Too Much, a new documentary chronicling the life and career of soul and R&B icon Luther Vandross. The event, held last week at the 2024 Martha's Vineyard African American Film Festival and presented by the Recording Academy’s Black Music Collective and Cîroc Limonata, was a celebration of Vandross' legacy in music and culture as well as the Academy's impact in underrepresented communities across the music industry.  

Award-winning filmmaker Dawn Porter, who directed the film, kicked off the screening with a heartfelt memory: "When I first came here in 1998, never in my wildest dreams could I have imagined that a film that is so special to me, I would be able to share with you on this island that I love." 

She also gave the audience, which included former Chair and CEO of BET Networks Debra Lee and Universal Music Group executive Jeff Harleston, permission to release. "You are free to sing, dance, and we will be back for you after this," she said. 

Not skipping a beat, Luther takes things all the way back to the beginning. It details Vandross' early influences including the Supremes, the Temptations and the Sweet Inspirations, as well as Dionne Warwick and Aretha Franklin, the latter of whom both became collaborators. As Vandross' many hits — "Ain't No Stoppin' Us Now," "Bad Boy/Having A Party," "Stop To Love," "Til My Baby Comes Home," title track "Never Too Much," and more — weaved in and out of the comprehensive doc, the audience moved and grooved.  

Vandross' decades-long career unfolds in full scope across Luther, highlighting his own group, Shades of Jade; the musical ensemble Listen My Brother, a one-time Apollo Theater fixture that also appeared in early "Sesame Street" episodes; his work on David Bowie's legendary Young Americans album, which boosted Vandross' solo career; his many jingles; his days as a backup singer for Bette Midler and Roberta Flack; and much more. The film's use of amazing archival footage tracing these eras wowed the audience. 

In addition to penning his own hits like "Give Me the Reason" and other classics, such as "Everybody Rejoice/A Brand New Day" from the Broadway musical "The Wiz" and Aretha Franklin's Jump To It, Vandross was a vocal perfectionist and a showman, which Porter reflects in the film through rehearsal footage and sketches of the costumes he designed for his tours. Luther producer and fan Jamie Foxx even offers his own testimony to the vital assist Vandross gave his early romantic life. 

Porter does not shy away from Vandross' dark points in Luther. At the height of his fame, for example, he was involved in a car accident that killed a friend. Insightful interviews with lifelong friends and music peers dating back to high school, including folks like Carlos Alomar, Fonzi Thornton, Robin Clark, Valerie Simpson, Dionne Warwick, Mariah Carey, Nile Rodgers, his niece Seveda Williams, and longtime assistant Max Szadek uncover Luther Vandross, the person. Some of the most heartbreaking personal revelations revolve around his weight and the emotional toll that media scrutiny took on him as well as persistent rumors about his sexuality, which his closest friends continue to guard, even in death. 

Patti LaBelle, to the dismay of Vandross' friend and writing partner Richard Marx, who considers such acts a betrayal, did speak publicly on the topic via a clip. Vandross' inability to find love, as detailed in "Any Love," a song he once described to Oprah as his most autobiographical track, is most heartbreaking. 

In a Q&A panel following the film, Porter shared how she pulled off such a wonderful tribute to Vandross in Luther. 

"What really works for this movie is having all that music," she said. "I watched this movie like a fan. I want to hear those songs. I want to sing those songs. So having the ability to let them play out, having the archive, having the estate images and rehearsal footage" was invaluable, she stressed. "When you have all those elements, you feel like you can do justice to a story. And if anybody deserves justice to his story being done, it's this man." 

The panel — which also featured guest Ryan Butler, Vice President of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion for the Recording Academy, and author, professor and radio host Dr. Nii-Quartelai Quartey as moderator — also highlighted the notable steps and initiatives the Academy has launched to advance a diverse, inclusive music community. 

"[Around the] last GRAMMYs, we launched Academy Proud, which is what we call a membership resource group for LGBTQ artists, creators, [and] professionals, so that they also have a safe space," Butler, who is openly gay, reflected. "I think that a lot of times, the Academy felt unapproachable. It felt like it was the castle on top of the hill behind the gate. So I think what I really do, as the leader of our diversity efforts, is come out of the castle and go into the communities where people are."  

Porter regretted that Vandross, whose health challenges as a diabetic and stroke survivor contributed to his early death in 2005 at the young age of 54, never got to experience today's industry. "Don't we all wish Luther lived now?" she lamented to the audience. 

Vandross' fight to cross over and expand his audience features prominently in the film. He achieved some of that goal with his very personal, chart-topping single "Dance with My Father," which he penned with Marx; the song won the GRAMMY for Song Of The Year at the 2004 GRAMMY Awards while he was recovering from a stroke he suffered in 2003. (Earlier, the crowd gasped upon learning that Vandross won his first GRAMMY after nine previous nominations.) 

"In 2020, a group of us at the Recording Academy got together [and] we created the Black Music Collective, which is really about honoring and celebrating the contributions of Black creatives," Butler said in response. 

"As soon as I saw the film," he continued, "I thought, 'What if the Black Music Collective existed when Luther was here? Would he have been nominated nine times before he won? Or would he have enough Black voters in the [Recording Academy voting] membership?' When I arrived at the GRAMMYs, Black representation in voting membership was around 9%, which was indexing lower than U.S. census data. We set an aggressive goal of 33% and we're [now] at 22%," he announced to applause.  

Porter closed out the panel by announcing that Luther: Never Too Much would hit select theaters in October before its official premiere in 2025 on CNN, OWN and Max. 

Attendees at the Luther: Never Too Much private reception | Photo: Corey Fletcher 

Elsewhere throughout the festival, the Recording Academy's DEI team participated in multiple panels and events, including the DEI is Alive panel, which discussed the impact and importance of DEI work in the entertainment industry; a screening of and conversation about Billy Preston: That’s The Way God Planned It, a new documentary celebrating GRAMMY-winning R&B, rock, soul, funk, and gospel legend Billy Preston, which Butler moderated; and a welcome and toast celebration for Oscar nominee Colman Domingo. 

Diageo, who partnered with the Recording Academy's DEI team to produce the Luther: Never Too Much screening, conversation and private reception, has supported the Black Music Collective and the Academy's DEI initiatives on an ongoing basis. 

Learn more about the Recording Academy's Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, recent DEI achievements, and year-round work to support artists, creators and music professionals of all backgrounds. 

On July 29, a diverse, talented group of over 200 Recording Academy New York Chapter members filled Brooklyn Brewery in Williamsburg to mingle, network, and talk shop. 

The special occasion was the New York Chapter Member Celebration — its first summer event — and the attendees were eager to make new friends and connections, while embracing old ones over free food and drinks.

Held inside Brooklyn Brewery's spacious wooden tasting room, where guests could try any of the local brewer's beers on draft and bites from Shake Shack — the official burger partner of the New York Chapter Member Celebration As members milled about the space, New York-bred DJ Morsy — who's also a music producer, audio engineer and proud member of the Class of 2024 — provided upbeat grooves to make Monday feel like a full-on party.

An hour or so into the lively event, Nick Cucci, the Senior Executive Director of the New York Chapter, and Lee Dannay, the new NY Chapter President, briefly paused the music and conversation to share their gratitude for their community — which grew by 600 members to 3501 this year — and the many sponsors that made the evening possible. "We can’t do this without our partners and our sponsors," Dannay said. 

The Connect Lounge, located among large, shiny vats of beer still in the brewing process, provided opportunities to network with many of the event's community partners. Daniel's Music Foundation, GRAMMY Go, MusiCares, Music Managers Forum US, Platinum Academy, The Mechanical Licensing Collective, Sound Royalties, RAMPD, Queer Capita, and She Is The Music all had tables set up to showcase their important work and how to get involved. 

Inside the Connect Lounge, attendees could watch clips from GRAMMY Go — the Recording Academy's creator-to-creator learning platform —featuring useful courses on music production, songwriting and audience building from a star-studded cast of GRAMMY-winning and nominated artists including Victoria Monét, Janelle Monáe and Hit-Boy. 

The Lounge also boasted more delicious treats; fresh, gooey cookies from Levain Bakery — the official cookie partner of the New York Chapter Member Celebration  — and organic flavored green tea from Saint James. 

Towards the end of the evening, the music was briefly paused once again to reveal the lucky winner of a raffle. NYC-based, Nigerian-born Afrobeats artist Teemanay took home a brand new D'Angelico Premier Brighton electric guitar, donated by the craft NYC guitar company. 

Even after 10 p.m. when the event ended and brewery closed, many guests mingled outside to continue conversations, exchange information and introduce themselves to anyone they might not have had the chance to yet. Recording Academy New York Chapter members are not only talented and driven creators and music industry professionals, they are clearly committed to supporting each other and building community. 

"We haven’t done an all-member celebration, nor have we ever done a program in Brooklyn during my tenure. All the stars aligned for this night. [It was a] great turnout from our members and an iconic New York City venue — Brooklyn Brewery! Perfect all around," Cucci says of the event.

The Chapter extends an extra special thanks to all their beloved partners, especially the Annual New York Chapter partners: Concord Theatricals, Sound Royalties, and the Mechanical Licensing Collective; the Official Burger of the New York Chapter Member Celebration, Shake Shack; and the Official Cookie Partner of the New York Chapter Member Celebration, Levain Bakery.

New York is the Recording Academy's second-biggest chapter. It not only serves New York City but the entire Northeast, eastern Canada, and Western Europe.. The Member Celebration is just one of many gatherings hosted by this East Coast chapter, which also include other networking opportunities , and intimate conversations  with music creators and professional producers  as part of the Community Connections series, to name a few.

If you are an artist or music professional interested in joining your local Recording Academy Chapter, you can find more information here. The Academy also accepts recommendations for new members.

Navigating the multitude of challenges and roadblocks within the music industry can often seem like a herculean feat. Musicians and industry professionals are expected to master the intricacies of creating and performing music while also juggling the economics and business dealings of the industry. These challenges can be even more daunting for creators and industry professionals with disabilities.  

As the leading global community of music professionals, the Recording Academy is acutely aware of these unique challenges, and it's dedicated to supporting creators and professionals from all backgrounds and experiences.  

That's the vision behind RAA+D (Disability + Accessibility), the Recording Academy's new member resource group aimed at supporting artists, creators and professionals with disabilities and advancing their needs and initiatives. Unveiled during the Recording Academy Philadelphia Chapter's inaugural Block Party during Disability Pride Month last month, RAA+D is dedicated to achieving true accessibility for everyone in the music community and going beyond mere compliance.  

Through RAA+D, the Academy is working to ensure that all members can fully engage in the organization's programs by providing elements such as live American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters, accessibility ramps at our shows and events, and closed captioning for our programs.  

"In recent years, the Academy has made significant strides to ensure that individuals from all walks of life feel supported and a sense of belonging within the Recording Academy spaces," Ryan Butler, Vice President of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion for the Recording Academy, said in an interview. "Through the implementation of RAA+D, the Academy aims to create a robust support system for the disability community, providing opportunities for networking and celebrating their contributions to the greater music community." 

Read More: How The Music Industry Must Work To Close The Accessibility Gap: 4 Eye-Opening Takeaways 

RAA+D's initiatives are driven by a commitment to foster an inclusive environment where accessibility and community are priorities. To help accomplish this, the Recording Academy has partnered with RAMPD (Recording Artists and Music Professionals with Disabilities), one of the leading organizations supporting music creatives with disabilities, as a community partner to advance the work of RAA+D on a year-round basis. 

RAA+D is part of the Recording Academy's DREAM (Diversity Reimagined by Engaging All Musicmakers) Initiative, an inclusive network of member resource groups spotlighting the contributions and initiatives of creators and professionals from diverse cultural backgrounds.  

Spearheaded by the Academy's Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) team, the DREAM Initiative recently launched multiple resource groups, including Gold Music Alliance, which honors and elevates Pan-Asian members and allies within the GRAMMY organization and the music industry, and Academy Proud, which celebrates and honors LGBTQIA+ Academy members and music industry professionals. Other active groups within the DREAM Initiative include Women in the Mix, launched in 2019, which builds community for all women and increases representation within the Recording Academy and in the music industry; the Black Music Collective, launched in 2020, which is a group of prominent Black music creators and professionals focused on advancing Black music and culture; and GRAMMYs Next Gen, which supports and empowers the next generation of music creators and professionals. 

As the Recording Academy continues to establish membership networks that align with our wide-spanning mission and core values, the DREAM Initiative will launch multiple member resource groups spotlighting the diverse music community, including groups celebrating and supporting Latin and Indigenous creators and music professionals. 

"As we look to the future, we are thrilled about the transformative potential of RAA+D," Butler reflected. "This initiative reaffirms our commitment to inclusivity and the recognition of the diverse talents within the disability community. We are excited to see the positive impact it will have on our organization and our members." 

With additional reporting from John Morrison