‘Paving the Way’ for Spotify’s NextGen Scholarship Recipients
Spotify is committed to amplifying the voices of underrepresented groups, and that starts with empowering the creators who will shape our industry’s future.
NextGen is Spotify’s ongoing program designed to infuse, activate, and grow podcast and creator culture on college campuses. Through our Creator Equity Fund (CEF), we’ve expanded NextGen to support historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) including Spelman College, Howard University, Hampton University, and now North Carolina A&T State University.
This year, the program has funded $50,000 in scholarships to students at North Carolina A&T State University interested in pursuing careers in audio media, including podcasting, storytelling, writing, sound engineering, and music. NextGen programming helps promote new and different voices, stories, and perspectives and provides students with the skills to pursue their dreams.
After a competitive selection process, we are excited to announce this year’s scholarship recipients: Armani Ross, Christén Davis, Chrysta Nichols, Emery Whipple, and Nicole Neal. Learn more about these talented students and their aspirations.
Armani Ross (she/her)
Junior, Mass Media Production Major
How can scholarships and learning opportunities like Spotify’s NextGen help HBCU students?
The scholarship opportunities pave the way for students to continue to network and learn—not only from professors but also from each other, especially at an HBCU like A&T. This school is filled with so many creative individuals and the learning opportunities help students expand and execute their ideas.
Who are some creators of color who inspire you, and if you could collaborate with any of them, who would you choose and why?
Ava DuVernay and Issa Rae. As a Black woman in film, they’ve both paved the way and have truly been an inspiration. I admire their filmmaking and storytelling of Black lives, whether it’s a documentary like Colin in Black and White or a film like Insecure. I would love to learn how they select shots or aesthetics—and why—to tell a compelling story and make it relatable to the audience.
What’s one thing you hope to achieve personally or professionally as a creator?
I’m still working on finding my “look” when it comes to producing and directing films. With time and learning from my mistakes, I hope that one day when people see a film of mine, they will know that it’s my work because it’s different from others.
What’s your favorite Spotify playlist?
The Legendary Labels playlist series.
What’s your favorite Spotify podcast?
What’s your favorite Spotify audiobook?
Christén Davis (she/her)
Junior, Multimedia Journalism Major
How can scholarships and learning opportunities like Spotify’s NextGen help HBCU students?
Opportunities like Spotify’s NextGen program help students in ways that go far beyond what words can measure, bringing passionate individuals from both underrepresented and economically disadvantaged backgrounds into the professional world. It’s a great blessing to have programs which provide resources for education and professional growth. It can often be what makes the difference in whether or not a student is able to graduate from a university.
Who are some creators of color who inspire you, and if you could collaborate with any of them, who would you choose and why?
Issa Rae and AMP (the YouTube creative group) inspire me the most, and I would enjoy collaborating with either of them. But if I had to choose ONE, I would pick Issa Rae, because I see myself in her work. She has created TV shows that make me feel seen and heard, not just as a Black woman, but as an awkward and slightly nerdy one, too. That kind of content is rare to find. Issa is truly an innovator.
What’s one thing you hope to achieve personally or professionally as a creator?
I hope to travel to countries where economic crises are prevalent to document those issues and raise awareness through the media. Internationally, populations of people are struggling to survive in their environments due to war, poverty, deadly hunger, and more. After my family and I faced food insecurity during the COVID-19 pandemic, I was motivated to work toward this philanthropic goal.
What’s your favorite Spotify playlist?
I love the playlist Chill Hits! Calm music and chill beats are definitely my kind of vibe.
What’s your favorite Spotify podcast?
Ted Talks Daily is my favorite Spotify podcast. There is something special about being able to strengthen yourself with knowledge by listening to experts.
What’s your favorite Spotify audiobook?
The Duke and I, by Julia Quinn. I love the Bridgerton love stories!
Chrysta Nichols (she/her)
Junior, Multimedia Journalism Major
How can scholarships and learning opportunities like Spotify’s NextGen help HBCU students?
As a journalism student deeply immersed in the realms of media and marketing, I see firsthand the transformative power of initiatives like Spotify’s NextGen scholarships for students attending HBCUs. These opportunities are not just about financial assistance; they symbolize a pathway to empowerment and representation within industries where diversity and inclusion are paramount. By offering support to HBCU students, companies like Spotify are not only investing in individual futures but also championing a broader narrative of equity and access.
Who are some creators of color who inspire you, and if you could collaborate with any of them, who would you choose and why?
Dearra Taylor, Isimeme Edeko, and Issa Rae are creators of color who embody authenticity and staying true to oneself, which I deeply resonate with. If I could collaborate with any of them, I would choose Isimeme Edeko. As someone who has personally struggled with confidence and representation as a dark-skinned Black woman as a young girl, Isimeme’s journey and the unapologetic celebration of her identity have been instrumental in helping me embrace my voice and create content that reflects my truth.
What’s one thing you hope to achieve personally or professionally as a creator?
One thing I hope to achieve personally and professionally as a creator is to have my content resonate with the masses and leave a lasting impact on individuals through digital media. Through my platform, The Resonate Effect, dedicated to amplifying and uplifting Black voices, I aim to not only entertain but also advocate for causes relevant to underrepresented communities. I aspire to use my voice and platform to bring awareness to important topics and inspire action in combating challenges faced by marginalized groups.
What’s your favorite Spotify playlist?
My favorite Spotify playlist is RapCaviar. Growing up in Atlanta has deeply influenced my passion for media and entertainment. RapCaviar not only features some of my favorite artists but also serves as a cultural hub, reflecting the vibrant energy and creativity of the Atlanta music scene. Whether I’m looking for new music to fuel my creativity or simply something to vibe to, RapCaviar never fails to deliver the perfect soundtrack for any moment.
What’s your favorite Spotify podcast?
My favorite Spotify podcast is The Mallory Bros Podcast. I’ve been a dedicated listener for years, having followed their YouTube channel for over five years now. The podcast offers a diverse range of perspectives on life, music, relationships, and various topics relevant to the Black community. It serves as a safe space for me to enjoy insightful discussions and engage with different viewpoints.
What’s your favorite Spotify audiobook?
My favorite Spotify audiobook is The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz. It holds a special place in my heart as it was the first audiobook I ever listened to. Diving into its wisdom and teachings marked the beginning of my journey to self-discovery and personal growth as a woman. It has added profound insights and practical guidance for living a fulfilling and authentic life which I live by.
Emery Whipple (she/her)
Freshman, Public Relations Major (Minor in Public Health)
How can scholarships and learning opportunities like Spotify’s NextGen help HBCU students?
As a young African American woman, I can confidently say that colleges and universities house the creative souls and brilliant minds that are vital to the success of our communities. We have the ideas and the brain power needed to change the world for generations to come. However, we are not always granted the opportunities, resources, and financial assistance necessary for our dreams to become our reality. These opportunities build a foundation for young Black students like me and create spaces for us to grow into our prospective career concentration.
Who are some creators of color who inspire you, and if you could collaborate with any of them, who would you choose and why?
My creator of choice is Tabitha Brown. Tab has been my “standard” for as long as my social impact journey began. She embodies so much grace, love, and positivity through media, which isn’t seen or appreciated as much as it should be. I believe that who she is, and what she stands for, brings so much peace to the world, especially the African American community.
What’s one thing you hope to achieve personally or professionally as a creator?
I’ve always seen the need for more diversity, equity, and inclusion in communities all around the world. My experiences with domestic and international community service projects and conversations with those who have been affected by the lack of diversity, equity, and inclusion in the medical, technical, and production industries helped me discover that my calling is to seek solutions to break these barriers.
What is your favorite Spotify playlist?
My favorite Spotify playlist is composed of old R&B songs featuring artists like: Aaliyah, 2Pac, Monica, and USHER
What’s your favorite Spotify podcast?
My absolute favorite Spotify podcast is In Totality with Megan Ashley.
What’s your favorite Spotify audiobook?
My favorite Spotify audiobook is The Darkened Light of Faith by Melvin L. Rogers.
Nicole Neal (she/her)
Sophomore, Mass Media Journalism Major
How can scholarships and learning opportunities like Spotify’s NextGen help HBCU students?
These opportunities can help HBCU students by providing financial help to students in need, and helping students learn more in the industries of music and content creation.
Who are some creators of color who inspire you, and if you could collaborate with any of them, who would you choose and why?
Issa Rae and Aliyah Simoné.
What’s one thing you hope to achieve personally or professionally as a creator?
I want to be able to make content in a consistent manner and still have amazing quality.
