This article is written by Madilyne Nguyen-Acosta and is part of the SMG Impact Fellows Mix Tape Series, a collection of first-person essays written by the inaugural cohort of Sony Music Group Impact Fellows. Read more about the SMG Impact Fellows Program here.

Tell us about the MAIP recruitment process and how the program connected you to Sony Music Group. What should a student expect to happen?
Applying for MAIP is a challenging, rigorous process. You must select your desired disciplines, the preferred cities you’d like to work in, answer four essay questions, submit a letter of recommendation, and provide a three-minute video showcasing who you are. It’s not guaranteed, but the majority of MAIP Fellows are offered a 10-week internship that they partake in, in addition to the professional coaching and workshops that are built into the MAIP program.

For me, the essay questions and video were the hardest part of the application process because you want to showcase yourself while making your message clear and concise. One thing that helped me while writing my answers and filming my video, was peer feedback. While working on my application, I found myself in a cycle of constant self-critique but getting feedback from my family and peers reassured me that I was sharing my true and authentic self. Once you submit your application, you wait several weeks to find out if you’re a finalist, and another month or two to receive an internship offer.

When I found out that Sony Music Group offered me a Diversity, Equity & Inclusion internship position I literally jumped up and down in my room and screamed. I immediately knew that I had to accept the offer. Without hesitation, I logged onto my MAIP portal, hit “accept” then called my friends and family to tell them the great news. It was a full circle moment. My mom’s first job was with Sony Electronics back in the day, and my dad has always been in the entertainment industry as a DJ. I knew immediately that this opportunity was perfect for me and was excited to bring my skills and experience to the table.

What advice can you offer to future SMG Impact Fellows?
At virtual spring training, MAIP gave us tips and advice on how to make the most of our virtual internship experience. During the first week, insight from MAIP helped me not only to make a great first impression on my supervisor, but also establish solid habits and standards for myself to keep throughout the duration of my internship.

For me, this included greeting my supervisor right when I log on, as if I were greeting in the physical office. It was my way of letting her know that I was online and ready to seize the day. I also made sure to go over what was expected of me, her preferred communication style, and what projects I’d be assisting with throughout the summer.

If I were to share a helpful tip to other interns, it’d be to block off or schedule your lunch breaks on your calendar and treat them like a meeting. In a virtual setting, it can be hard to step away from the screen or even realize that you may be hungry. Doing this helped me set a personal boundary for myself that also improved my productivity and overall mental health!

What does an average week look like in the Office of DE&I?
The work our office engages in is very dynamic and changes from week to week, so it’s challenging to describe an ‘average’ week for the Office of DE&I at Sony Music Group. Our team was formally established just a year ago with the hiring of Executive Vice President & Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer Tiffany R. Warren, so there plenty of exciting growth opportunities to pursue and take advantage of. I often get added to calls with our external DE&I partners, compile industry research for our team, and assist with administrative work. Although administrative work doesn’t sound like the most fun thing to do, it’s necessary. I truly feel like I’m helping build the foundation for our office to succeed and continue being DE&I leaders in the music industry. What I love most about my weeks online is genuinely feeling like I’m was a key part of an effort when I get to see the final product of projects I’ve contributed to. There’s no greater feeling!

What’s your favorite part about working with Sony Music Group?
My favorite part about working with Sony Music Group is the people! I’ve had the opportunity to meet fellow interns and other professionals in different departments who have been so welcoming and enthusiastic toward me. It sounds cliché, but I also love getting to listen to music whenever I want to! On a more serious note, each day, I learn more about diversity, equity, and inclusion in the music industry. I’m so grateful to be supporting Sony Music Group’s DE&I efforts and making history in the music industry, all thanks to the partnership between MAIP and SMG.  

Last but not least, what songs are currently in your rotation and on repeat?  

• “Come Through” – H.E.R (feat. Chris Brown)
• “I Like Dat” – T-Pain & Kehlani
• “Vibe For Me (Bob for Me)” – Aqyila
• “Do Me Nice” – Show Dem Camp
• “Tangerine Dream” – Snoh Aalegra

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This summer, Sony Music Group, the first music industry partner of the 4A’s Multicultural Advertising Intern Program (MAIP), proudly launched the Sony Music Group (SMG) Impact Fellows Program. This bespoke SMG x MAIP partnership will accelerate and strengthen Sony Music Group’s efforts to recruit, develop, and retain diverse entry-level talent. The first cohort of SMG Impact Fellows was comprised of five multicultural and multidisciplinary fellows who worked across several Sony Music teams including International Marketing, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Sony Music Nashville, Provident Label Group, and Philanthropy & Social Impact. 

“Sony Music Group is incredibly proud to partner with the 4A’s Foundation MAIP to provide diverse-entry level talent with direct access to the music industry,” says Tiffany R. Warren, Executive Vice President & Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer at Sony Music Group. “Our inaugural cohort of SMG Impact Fellows brought a breadth of experiences and incredible insights to our organization in just 10 weeks. This partnership is one example of SMG’s intentional focus on developing the next generation of diverse leaders in music and beyond.”

The SMG Impact Fellow program provides diverse young professionals with the unique opportunity to learn about and experience the music industry during a 10-week summer internship, supplemented by several weeks of professional development opportunities and programming from MAIP. 

According to Reema Elghossain, Vice President, Talent Equity & Inclusion at 4A’s Foundation, MAIP has provided thousands of young diverse professionals with opportunities across industries for over four decades. Elghossain continues: “Our partnership with Sony Music Group is a continuation of our commitment and enables us to support, advance, and expand diversity and inclusion efforts throughout an incredibly influential, culture-shaping industry. We’re thankful for Sony Music Group’s support and look forward to the evolution of our partnership.”

In advance of the internship term and throughout the summer, fellows participate in over 20 hours of virtual training to prepare for their full-time experience. Throughout the internship term, MAIP collaborates to create custom content for the MAIP cohort, including pairing each fellow with a MAIP coach, hosting biweekly MAIP labs led by industry partners, facilitating summer projects and organizing ‘The Face of Talent’, a week-long series of events at the end of the internship term designed to celebrate diverse talent and to connect fellows to companies actively seeking talent for full-time opportunities.   

“It’s an honor to be a part of the first cohort of SMG Impact Fellows,” shares Madilyne Nguyen-Acosta, Sony Music Group Impact Fellow, MAIP 2021 Alum, and SMG Office of DE&I Intern. “Finding out I was going to be working in the music industry was a full circle moment. My mom’s first job was with Sony Electronics back in the day, and my dad has always been in the entertainment industry as a DJ. I knew immediately that this opportunity was perfect for me and was excited to bring my skills and experience to the table. And, the internship ended on a high note, as I’ll be joining Sony Music Group full time in the fall.”

To read more about what our SMG Impact Fellows accomplished this summer, check back every Monday through mid-October to read our #LifeAtSonyMusic Impact Fellows article series (dubbed the SMG Impact Fellows Mix Tape Series).

• SMG Impact Fellows Mix Tape: Madi’s Intro
• SMG Impact Fellows Mix Tape: Jacob’s Interlude
• SMG Impact Fellows Mix Tape: Jocelyn’s Remix
• SMG Impact Fellows Mix Tape: Laura’s Reprise
• SMG Impact Fellows Mix Tape: Morganne’s Outro 

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Kevin Foo, General Manager of Sony Music Taiwan, comments on the award and how music is evolving in Taiwan—and across the globe.

This week, Sony Music Taiwan has been named one of HR Asia’s Best Companies to Work For In Asia 2021, following responses from over 22,500 employees across 292 companies in the country.

Play the video below to watch part of the 2021 winners ceremony, and see Kevin Foo, General Manager of Sony Music Taiwan, accept the award on behalf of the company.

We sat down with Kevin Foo to learn more about what makes the company such a great place to work for employees, and to discuss how Sony Music Taiwan broke through to be the first entertainment/music company featured on this list in the Award’s history.

Q: How long have you been with Sony Music Taiwan, and what made you want to join the team originally? 
“I have been with Sony Music Taiwan for two years. Previously, I ran my own indie label and production company out of Singapore, and when those entities were acquired, I was given the opportunity to broaden my scope and work with the amazing Sony Music Taiwan team.

“Being able to work in an exciting market like Taiwan with the amazing artists and talents that have given the world some of the biggest Asian hits over the last three decades, and under the executive leadership of Shridhar Subramaniam, Andrew Chan and Andrew Smith, were all key to saying yes to this role.”

Q: Being a General Manager in the music industry can look different company to company. Could you describe your role as Sony Music Taiwan’s General Manager? 
“I am very blessed to be in the music industry, which is filled with people who are passionate about artists and music. My role at  Sony Music Taiwan is about facilitating change as the music environment and consumer habits shift; and adapting to the ever-changing landscape of music production, artist development, music marketing and music consumption.

“The different trending platforms, the way people discover music, the way people engage with artists have been constantly changing over the last two decades, and change is happening at a faster rate now than ever before. As such, I aim to set relevant goals and targets and encourage innovation across different departments.

“Most importantly, my role is to do all of this while remembering that we deal with such a precious cultural commodity: our artists and their music. Which has the ability to entertain, change lives, impact people and illicit emotional responses in the most profound ways.”

Q: Could you name one or two recent proud moments for Sony Music Taiwan? 
“I joined Sony Music Taiwan at the point when the company had just licensed out the physical business, and with that I knew that I needed to make the digital business our primary focus. So, it was an amazing testament to the team when we moved from being third place in digital market share in Taiwan in 2018, to first place in digital market share by the end of 2019.

“I am very proud of the team for getting to that position within a year, and maintaining the number one position in digital market share in Taiwan every quarter since.”

Q: What are a few things coming up for Sony Music Taiwan that you’re excited about? 
“I am excited about the team’s continued efforts with developing amazing emerging talent from Taiwan, as well as the team’s effort to grow the footprint of our repertoire, not just domestically, but across the region as well. Eric Chou, Weibird, Vivian Hsu and J.Sheon are all names that continue to grow their audiences in Taiwan and beyond, thanks to the passion and industrious work from different teams across the business.

“I am also grateful for the challenge and trust that Andrew Chan, our Managing Director of Greater China, has given me to spearhead the expansion of C-Pop—across the Greater China region and beyond. We are looking forward to more amazing collaborations between some of our key priority artists and artists from other parts of the world. “The world of music is truly becoming a smaller place—the next global superstar potentially coming up from anywhere—and I am excited to witness the next superstar come out of Sony Music Taiwan.”

Q: How does your work on social justice and social responsibility play a part in the work culture there?
“First and foremost, our social justice work is part of our DNA and it is crucial to fulfilling our responsibilities as citizens of the world.

“Growing up in Singapore, in a multi-ethnic, multi-religious and culturally diverse society, made me mindful and sensitive to issues that can result from imbalances and a lack of diversity. When I moved to Taiwan, I felt that the Sony Music Taiwan company was already in a strong position regarding diversity and inclusion. But I also saw opportunity to do more, expanding our impact on diversity and inclusion both through the work of our artists and also through volunteering and support we provide as a company.

“For example, our tie-up with the National Taitung University in rural Taitung gave us an opportunity to work with students from diverse and disadvantaged backgrounds. Over 12 months, students majoring in music benefitted from a series of mentoring and hands-on workshops from our employees and artists to help build the skills needed for a career in music. At the end of the course, we also offered internship placements to students from diverse and disadvantaged backgrounds.

“This helped to expand our employees understanding, sense of community and cultural impact beyond just the company’s business goals.”

Q: According to HR Asia, the awards this year emphasize “a story of resilience, strength, empathy and care of the companies to their employees amidst the pandemic.”  Can you speak a little bit about how Sony Music Taiwan cared, and continues to care, for employees during a global pandemic? 
“Sony Music Taiwan reacted quickly to news of the pandemic, and implemented protocols like social distancing, temperature taking and mask wearing from the very onset of the pandemic. We also ensured that employees were able to move to a 100% work from home set-up, so they could focus on the health and well-being of themselves and their families.

“Our employee’s mental health has been my main focus this past year, which is why we made available weekly meditation sessions as well as ‘virtual tea sessions’ where one-to-one catch-up chats could be arranged with senior managers in the company.

“Most importantly, we also used the opportunity to work closely with the HR Learning & Development team to provide a variety of online upskilling courses to ensure employees had opportunities to further their knowledge and expand on their skillsets from home.”

Q: In your opinion, what do you think makes Sony Music Taiwan one of the best companies to work for in Asia? 
“I think a work environment where employees can feel like they believe in the company’s vision and goals, where their ideas are heard and their efforts appreciated, where their collective efforts move the needle, and where every individual is valued and the work they do is relevant and impactful, is truly a work environment that one aspires to be in. I believe the team in Sony Music Taiwan has managed to create an environment like this, and I feel for that reason, it is one of the best companies to work for here in Asia.”

Q: Considering that this is the first time in the Award’s history that an entertainment or music company in Taiwan has received this award, do you think that adds to the significance of this award?  
“I believe so! I think the music industry is an extremely fun and exciting industry to be in. However it is also fraught in its share of challenges and stereotypes. I think this award is affirmation that Sony Music Taiwan is an equitable employer, even when compared with companies across other industries, and Sony Music Taiwan is an organization that continues to adapt and evolve with the changes in the ever-changing music, entertainment, digital and social responsibility spaces.”

Read More From Inside Sony Music:
How Sony Music Is Supporting Global Social Justice Today
A Conversation With Towalame Austin, Sony Music Group’s Executive Vice President of Philanthropy and Social Impact
Watch: Lean in Live With Tiffany R. Warren

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HR news outlet HRD Connect spoke in-depth to the Co-Chairs of Sony Music UK’s Social Justice Fund — Damaris Rex Taylor, Dorothy Hui, and Charlotte Edgeworth — about how our UK company seeks to support social justice in the country, sharing progress and initiatives since the fund’s launch in June 2020.

The article outlines that the fund has so far contributed around $25 million to more than 300 organisations championing anti-racist initiatives, and explores how Sony Music UK found new ways to support charity partners’ work during lockdown. 

Charlotte Edgeworth, Sony Music’s Director of D&I and Social Impact, says “Like any new entity, we are learning and developing as we go along. We look for charities doing great work in our key areas and work with them to identify how we can maximise our impact.” 

Whilst the piece recognises that it’s still early days, it notes that the incredible work the Social Justice Fund partners are doing is already being seen and that Sony Music UK will continue to help address stereotypes and injustices faced by communities of colour.

Click here to read the full article on HRD Connect.

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This Pride month and year-round, Sony Music Group (SMG) is a proud advocate for LGBTQ+ equality, visibility, and rights — at our company and across the globe. Through our Global Social Justice Fund, SMG intentionally supports grassroots organizations focused on addressing localized issues and promoting racial and LGBTQ+ equality around the world. These grassroots organizations work at a community-level to identify challenges and help develop and implement sustainable solutions.

In recognition of PRIDE month, SMG sat down with some of the organizations we’ve supported through the Global Social Justice Fund to learn more about how they’re uplifting and advancing LGBTQ+ communities

Black & Pink is on a mission to end anti-LGBTQIA2S+ violence, medical racism, and eradicate all carceral systems. Uniting LGBTQIA2S+ prisoners and “free world” allies, the organization works toward abolishing the criminal punishment system. Black & Pink shared some of the unconscionable stats motivating their work: People living with HIV are five to seven times more likely to be incarcerated than the general population, and 85% of LGBTQ+ people experience solitary confinement. Black & Pink gives current and formerly incarcerated people access to resources they need to be healthy, safe, and happy within their communities. 

Sony Music Group is also proud to partner with the Transgender Law Center (TLC). TLC shared information and data about ongoing attacks, harassment, and discrimination faced by the global trans community—with Black and Brown trans people facing a disproportionate violence — in addition to inadequate  access to basic necessities. Most recently, TLC conducted a report on the Roots of Anti-Trans Violence to identify the root causes of anti-trans violence and found institutions – such as the government, ICE, the police – trap trans people into a life where they are vulnerable to homicide. These are systemic and institutional issues. Understanding that trans leaders and their communities know their own needs, TLC offers trans individuals leadership development, narrative change, and movement building programs, alongside cutting-edge litigation, and advocacy strategies. 

David Johns from the National Black Justice Coalition (NBJC) shared how the organization focuses on federal policy to strive for racial equity and LGBTQ+ equality. Since 2003, NBJC has been dedicated to ending racism, homophobia, and LGBTQ+/SGL(same gender loving) bias and stigma. NBJC supports Black individuals, families, and communities; calls for change in conversations with political leaders; and supports peaceful protests for equal rights and opportunities for building collective power—all helping to usher in a new era of awareness and opportunity in the global movement for Black lives. 

The Ally Coalition (TAC), founded by Jack Antonoff and fashion designer Rachel Antonoff, is committed to bettering the lives of LGBTQ youth. TAC empowers the creative community and fans worldwide to be engaged allies. During tours with high profile musicians, through social media campaigns, and via collaborative partnerships, TAC supports and champions organizations serving LGBTQ youth around the world. TAC tells SMG, its unique connection to the entertainment industry is a force for change . The organization works with artists to meaningfully engage fans and raise awareness about the systemic inequalities LGBTQ youth face. 

The Marsha P. Johnson Institute (MPJI) is a Black and transgender-led organization that honors PRIDE all day, every day and aims to continue Marsha P. Johnson’s legacy on behalf of Black trans people. According to MPJI, the organization was founded in response to the murders of Black trans women and women of color, and since then, it has organized and advocated to protect and defend the human rights of Black transgender people. MPJI tells us a core part of their work is the intentional community they’ve created for healing and developing transformative leadership. The organization  also highlights how Black trans women and women of color are often excluded from social justice spaces.

SMG also supports with The Audre Lorde Project (ALP), a New York City area community organizing center for lesbian, gay, bisexual, two-spirit, trans, and gender non-conforming people of color. ALP mobilizes for social and economic justice across a variety of communities, creating unified strategies to address the issues those communities face.

SMG also partners with and supports GLAAD and their mission to rewrite the script for LGBTQ acceptance. As a dynamic media force, GLAAD tackles tough issues to shape the narrative and provoke dialogue that leads to cultural change. GLAAD’s Southern Stories initiative is just one example of how their organization is promoting and ensuring fair, accurate, and inclusive representation of individuals and events across mediums. According to GLAAD, Southern Stories sheds light on the stories of LGBTQ people and their allies in the South, raising awareness about their unique experiences.

Out in Tech helps the LGBTQ+ tech community advance careers, grow networks, and use tech to effect social change. Since 2017, over 500 LGBTQ+ youth graduated from Out in Tech U’s eight-week mentorship program. As of this spring, 38% of Out in Tech graduates identify as transgender or non-binary, and 62% are people of color, reflecting the organizations efforts to offer the most underestimated LGBTQ+ people concrete pathways to thrive in tech. 

Last but not least, SMG supports the Point Foundation, whose mission is to help LGBTQ students reach their full potential as leaders through scholarship funding, mentorship, leadership development, and community service training. The Point Foundation is the largest organization in the country granting merit scholarships for LGBTQ students.

We want to deeply thank our community partners for the work they continue to do for LGBTQ+ people — we couldn’t be prouder to support their missions.

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Sony Music Group is proud to honor and recognize Juneteenth, known to many in the United States as “Freedom Day”. Celebrated by Black Americans for over 150 years, the Juneteenth holiday commemorates the emancipation of America’s last enslaved people on June 19, 1865. 

Below, learn more about the legacy of Juneteenth, its significance to American culture and ways to celebrate.

Listen & Learn
Louder Than a Riot – NPR podcast
Juneteenth Conversations – University of Indianapolis podcast
1619 Project – New York Times podcast
Understanding Juneteenth – WXPN and The African American Museum in Philadelphia podcast
This is Why Juneteenth is Important for America – The Root video
The Historical Legacy of Juneteenth – Google and the Smithsonian NMAAHC virtual multimedia exhibition
So You Want to Learn About Juneteenth? – The New York Times article

Celebrate
Juneteenth Block Party: Join SMG’s Global Social Justice Fund partner, National Museum of African American Music, for a free, family-friendly outdoor event in Nashville.

East NY’s 12th annual Juneteenth Festival: Enjoy live performances, music, and food this weekend from Friday to Sunday either virtually or in-person.

West Philadelphia’s Annual Juneteenth Festival: The Philadelphia Juneteenth celebration includes a Freedom Day March, a rally program, an exhibit and vendor fair, a self-guided culture tour and more.

Port of Los Angeles: Watch a special Juneteenth fireworks celebration in person or online.

The Annual Music City Freedom Festival: For a family-centric experience, attend Nashville’s Juneteenth Celebration, set to have local food trucks, local vendors to shop from, live bands performing and a live DJ.

Virtual Programming: Celebrate Resilience with the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History & Culture’s digital resources and exhibits.

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In March 2020, Neon Hum Media, in partnership with SME, launched its free Editors’ Bootcamp, created for aspiring podcast editors from underrepresented groups. Led by Executive Editor Catherine Saint Louis, the 8-week course was designed to provide a new and unique opportunity for Black and Native American storytellers, people of color, the LGBTQ+ community and Latinx people. From over 250 applications, 8 aspiring editors were selected to participate in the Bootcamp, learning from leaders across the podcast industry. With the course’s conclusion, one participant, Stephanie Serrano, was offered a staff editor position at Neon Hum. 

Stephanie, who begins her new role as Associate Editor on June 21, joined Catherine Saint Louis to discuss her experience working in audio, the lasting impact of the Bootcamp and her visions for her future work as an editor: 

Catherine Saint Louis: Our inaugural Editors’ Bootcamp happened during a pandemic, so our classes were on Zoom. Eight participants, myself and co-teachers like Emanuele Berry from This American Life and Annie Aviles from Vice met twice a week. That meant anyone in the U.S. could participate – not just folks in L.A. or Brooklyn. Where do you hail from? 
Stephanie: I’m from Reno, Nevada. I was born and raised here and went to the University of Nevada, Reno. When I saw the Bootcamp opportunity, my first thought was this is going to be amazing because participants will have the chance to be around people they would have otherwise never met. I figured let me take this shot. And if I miss OK, but if not, I could hit this three pointer and change the game. 

CSL: You not only got into Bootcamp, you’re Neon Hum’s new associate editor. You’ll be going to table reads, helping outline podcasts, give notes on scripts and scratches. What are you most excited about?
Stephanie: I’m so excited to dive deep into brainstorming and structuring stories. I can’t wait to work with talented people who inspire me and who I can inspire back in order to produce the best work possible.  I can already feel that Neon Hum’s culture is a supportive one so I know I’ll have the opportunity to grow. All of it is super exciting. It’s a dream to be in a space like this where everyone on the team is rooting for one another. 

CSL: Part of what drew me to being a story editor was not having to leave parts of myself at the door. What parts of yourself are looking forward to bringing to your work at Neon Hum? 
Stephanie: I’m a Latina. And I always say I’m not biracial but I’m definitely bicultural. I was raised in a traditional Spanish-speaking Mexican home and grew up influenced by America’s culture. It’ll be important to bring the perspective of a hardworking first-generation person into our storytelling. I’m bilingual and there’s nothing like being able to connect with someone in their native language where they feel most comfortable. It’s powerful.

CSL: Before Bootcamp, what was standing in the way of you becoming an editor?
Stephanie: This is the first time I found the confidence to say, Oh, I can be an editor. I came into Bootcamp very vulnerable, asking myself, Did I have the skills to actually make this happen? I guess what was standing in my way was the industry itself. So many people told me that you have to earn your stripes before you can be an editor. People say you have to be a reporter for this amount of years before you can even think about being an editor, or you have to be dedicated for this amount of years to even be in a leadership role. Because of Bootcamp, now I realize I do have all of these skills. 

CSL: As you know, I don’t think you need to wait for your first gray hair before you edit. I think people can build their editorial muscles and their story instincts. Editors aren’t born. They’re made. You’re an award-winning producer who has worked in public radio for years, have you ever had a person of color edit you? 
Stephanie: I have mentors who are people of color but professionally I’ve only been edited by a person of color once. 

CSL: How did you break into the audio industry?
Stephanie: I was introduced to audio through NPR’s Next Generation Radio Bootcamp, which is designated for aspiring journalists of color in college. Public radio’s very white and there aren’t enough people telling the stories of people of color who are people of color.

CSL: And we started this Bootcamp because there aren’t enough podcast editors, but definitely not enough editors from underrepresented backgrounds. The best part of Bootcamp for me was seeing how much each of you learned from each other. Learning requires little failures so you get what you don’t know. It’s vulnerable. It’s messy. What do you think you’ll always remember from these eight weeks of training?  
Stephanie: The people in this cohort, we’re all so individually incredible and coming together for this journey, I think humbled everyone. I was inspired by everyone. We had an eagerness to learn from each other and because we had such different perspectives and opinions. We led with vulnerability and I think that created respect for one another. We were eager to learn and I appreciated that because during a pandemic, during a time when things feel hopeless, it was nice to turn to a group who share similar aspirations to change the industry. 

**Funding for the bootcamp is made possible by Sony Music Entertainment, Neon Hum Media’s joint venture partner. To learn more about Sony Music’s commitment to supporting communities globally and locally, click here.

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In recognition of the one-year anniversary of Sony Music Group’s Global Social Justice Fund, the Company hosted a “Week of Action” employee education series that included live, virtual conversations to shine a light on the work of multiple philanthropic partners making an impact in the civic engagement, criminal justice reform and education space. The goal of the discussions? Reminding everyone of the importance of supporting racial initiatives and advocacy efforts to push for real change around the world.

So who joined us for these events?

On May 25, we were joined by a number of our global criminal justice reform partners to address the importance of reforming police practices, improving law enforcement accountability, as well as transforming our safety infrastructure to one of community investment and well-being. Together with the Advancement Project, Center for Policing Equity, the DOE Fund and Key4Life — moderated by Elliot Williams — SMG employees were given the opportunity to listen to a lively and impassioned discussion surrounding local policies and issues that disproportionately impact Black communities and other communities of color.

The following week, to kick off Black Music Month on June 1, we hosted our international education partners including Fondo Gudalupe Musalem (Mexico), Turning Tables (Germany), Small Green Shoots (UK), WOMB (Africa) and Young Urbans Arts Foundation (UK) to spotlight how their organizations are helping to build necessary infrastructure for music education. Led by Peter Zamora, the global conversation highlighted our partner’s educational initiatives designed to strengthen and build opportunities for under-resourced communities. From Mexico and Johannesburg, to Germany and the UK, our participants explained how their respective organizations are building curriculums, setting competencies, and training the next generation of young people to succeed in the next phase of their life.

24-hours later, on June 2, we held a fireside chat with our civic engagement, nonpartisan partners to reinforce the importance of voting and making a difference in communities across the U.S. Taking a page from our November 2020 campaign – Your Voice, Your Power, Your Vote – the discussion focused on educating and offering resources to empower voters to affect change by getting to the polls. With heavy-hitters including APIA Vote, Campaign Legal Center, National Black Justice Coalition, Rock the Vote and Voto Latino, brought together by Alaina Beverly, the conversation reinforced the need to stand up for democratic principles and ensure every eligible voter has the opportunity to make their voice heard. With law makers across the country pushing voter suppression bills that disproportionally affect vulnerable populations, it’s more important than ever to work with our partners to learn how to protect our rights.

And the conversations didn’t stop there. One hour later, to wrap up our “Week of Action” series — in collaboration with HUE — all employees were invited to a forum to commemorate a year since we paused the show for racial injustice and inequality.

A big thank you to the Philanthropy and Social Impact Office, our Global Social Justice Fund partners for their collaboration and participation, and to all of our colleagues who tuned in to learn more about our Company’s commitment to playing an active role in condemning intolerance and supporting calls for change and racial justice worldwide.

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How Sony Music Partnered with the Alliance for Criminal Justice Reform to Advocate for Police Reform  

As part of the Alliance for Criminal Justice Reform (ACJR), Sony Music Entertainment participated in a virtual lobby day to push U.S. Senators to prioritize and pass meaningful police reform legislation in Congress, the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act (HR 1280). 

Sony Music supports racial justice initiatives at the federal and state level – and this is no exception. Alongside the broader music community, our advocacy efforts involve signing letters to policymakers, direct lobbying, and public support through press and social media.  

So, as a member of the ACJR, representatives from Sony Music took to Capitol Hill (virtually) last week, and continued those efforts today, to lobby U.S. Senators for the swift passage of the federal George Floyd Justice in Policing Act and address a wide range of issues to reform policing practices and improve law enforcement accountability.  

Additional members from the Alliance involved in the Lobby Day and Digital Day of Action included 35 citizen-activists, recording artists, professional athletes and alumni from the NFLPA, WNBPA, MLBPA and NHL, NBCA coaches, CEOs and other well-known public figures.  

The ACJR will continue to meet with lawmakers to discuss concerns over current public safety practices, advocating to strengthen accountability and transparency in cases of police misconduct. 

There are three main goals of this focused advocacy:  

• Drive Senate allies to actively push key negotiators and contact them to signal supportive engagement; 
• Ask Senate allies to reach out to colleagues across the aisle to keep building momentum and support for the issue; 
• Urge those Members who are not supporters of the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act to consider the importance of this historic opportunity and seize the chance to make meaningful federal change; 

The George Floyd Justice in Policing Act is the most significant and comprehensive federal bill on police policy to achieve any momentum in decades. After its passage in the U.S. House of Representatives, the bill is set for consideration by the U.S. Senate. Given the 50-50 partisan divide in the Senate, it will require significant momentum to pressure the Senate to pass it as well. 

Sony Music was proud to participate in the Congressional Lobby Day last week and continues to urge Congress to take action and pass this critically important legislation. Where there is no accountability or transparency, there can never be real justice. 

Discussing Sony Music Group’s Third Round of Disbursements from its Global Social Justice Fund

On June 5, 2020, Sony Music Group (SMG) announced the launch of a $100 million fund to build multi-year programs in support of social justice and anti-racist initiatives around the world.

“Racial injustice is a global issue that affects our artists, songwriters, our people and of course society at large,” said Rob Stringer, Chairman, Sony Music Group upon the announcement of the fund. “We stand against discrimination everywhere and we will take action accordingly with our community fully involved in effectively using these funds.”

The Global Social Justice Fund is distributing its third round of funding to a new cohort of local and national community organizations in countries around the world.

Sony Music Group’s Towalame Austin, Executive Vice President of Philanthropy and Social Impact, has been a driving force behind the Fund and took a beat for a quick conversation to share more about the Fund’s activities and what it means to SMG’s philanthropic mission.

Q: Before talking about this third round of disbursements, could you give a little background on what the Global Social Justice Fund is and what it means to Sony Music Group? 
The fund was launched in June 2020 and gave me, as a new member of SMG’s senior executive team, insight into the heart and soul of Sony Music. I was thrilled to see Sony become one of the first corporations to respond with such enormity to the social injustices that were happening and have been happening for years. The development of the fund also aligns with Sony’s overall commitment to contributing to people, society and the planet through all of the Company’s operations and social support programs.

For me, the Global Social Justice Fund is one way Sony Music shows hope and a strong commitment to fighting systemic racism. I’ve seen firsthand the way the Company has taken a firm stance on driving support through philanthropic efforts, both monetarily and by taking action through authentic partnerships and community involvement. Allocating the $100 million dollars was just the first step in saying enough is enough! When you’re a company like Sony Music, and your artists, songwriters and employees are living in communities facing injustices around the globe, there’s an obligation to take a stance to show that you are committed to this work for the long haul. This is a long term commitment.

Q: What kind of work goes into establishing a fund like this?
We have a responsibility to be good stewards of this fund which means that we need be intentional and careful about how the fund is utilized. One hundred million dollars is a significant amount of money; you need to develop a strategic plan that will help you reach your goals and objectives. At the same time, we knew we wanted to begin making an impact in communities around the world immediately. So, we have really taken a grassroots approach. Each of our record labels and business divisions across the globe have created task forces that are fully engaged and have been instrumental as we aim to identify organizations that are proficiently serving their communities. You then must be diligent when executing and driving this strategy to reach your overall goals and objectives. 

Q: Are SMG’s donations truly global? 
Yes, this is a global fund in every sense of the word. Sony is a global company, and we understand that racism is a challenge everywhere. With this third round of giving, the Company will help impact local communities across Africa, Australia, Canada, Latin America, New Zealand, U.K. and the U.S. 

This expanded global reach furthers SMG’s vision to address social injustices around the world, in underserved and overlooked communities. We understand that racism may appear a little differently within various countries, and often the notion of racial inequities might challenge prevailing beliefs. For these reasons and more, our global teams are focused on supporting organizations that advocate for fairness across civil rights, gender and racial equality as well as poverty and economic injustice, education, voting rights and more. 

Q: When you announced the fund in 2020, you mentioned that it was launched with the full support of other Sony companies. What does that mean? Is the fund shared among Sony’s operating companies?
Absolutely. We work with our sister Sony companies to identify target organizations and partners to donate to also. We are aligned in our goals and objectives and are all working diligently to support community efforts that support our respective companies’ mission and values.

Q: How do you determine which organizations to donate to?
Our Sony Music Group Task Force Committees, across the entire company, are charged with identifying global organizations that are working on solutions around civic engagement, criminal justice reform, and education. While each one must be legally identified as a charitable organization in their country, the majority of organizations selected connect Sony Music Group to meaningful programming and allows the Company to make a real impact beyond the financial commitment we make. Whether it’s a grassroots organization in a local community or a global initiative spanning continents, we are committed and dedicated to supporting this work.

It’s important to note that support to these organizations are very different. Sony Music Group carefully evaluates the need each charity group is serving and considers the best way to partner with them. For those that can accept financial donations, we do that in every case. However, it can also mean in-kind donations for programs or lending our services, time and expertise to the organization.

For example, in the U.K., one of our grantees, Key 4 Life, partnered with us to develop a rehabilitation program to support young ex-offenders to build resilience and fast track their employment, through a powerful blend of music, football, equine therapy and mentorship.

In Brazil, our monetary donation to Fondo Guadalupe Musalem enabled them to award 158 high school scholarships and 51 university scholarships to young women from rural, indigenous and/or Afro-Mexican communities.

(Click here to read more about different ways organizations have put the Fund to use.)

Q: What factors go into deciding an organization’s eligibility?
As part of our rigorous submission process, each potential organization is thoroughly vetted with our internal legal and public policy teams to determine funding eligibility. This includes evaluating the financial health of the respective organization and determining the percentage the organization is spending directly on their programs and services as opposed to administrative costs. We confirm evidence of the charity’s commitment to accountability and transparency, as well as investigate the charity’s measurable results and impact over time. This particular step is crucial as it determines the charity’s ability to bring about long lasting and meaningful change in the lives of people and their communities.

While the above guidelines and review process are important, it’s also equally important that the organizations align with our Company’s mission and values and operate programs around our three core pillars for their communities: Civic Engagement, Criminal Justice Reform and Education. 

Additionally, we often collaborate with our current community partners on effective strategies, approaches, and additional organizations to be considered for support. These collaborations and partnership allow us to effectively service communities globally.

Q: How many charities will be funded in this latest, Round three, of the Fund’s donations?
This round of more than 90 organizations follows the Company’s previous two rounds of funding to community-based partners globally. In total, the SMG Global Social Justice Fund has contributed to more than 300 organizations worldwide.

Q: How is round three different than the two previous rounds of funding?
This round of funding is our most diverse and expansive yet. From the organizations selected, to the countries and regions that will be impacted, our Task Forces have done an incredible job sourcing organizations that are committed to addressing key issues and supporting developmental programs for vulnerable local communities.

More specifically, this round of funding will support charities focused on education, civic and community engagement programs, civil rights and social justice reform, youth advocacy, LGBTQ+ initiatives, cultural and historical institution preservation as well as mental health and wellness programs. Sony Music Group has a presence in more than 60 countries and this latest round gets us closer to serving all of those communities.

You can read more about Sony Music Group’s overall philanthropic efforts here.