Our Team.

MIA VAN ALLEN
Founder

Hi, I’m Mia! I am a music evangelist. I believe in the absolute power of music to soothe, inspire and create space for people to remember. Music moves people. Throughout college, I have had the opportunity and privilege to work with firms handling all aspects of music production, promotion, and media management. The work that goes on in these fields, and many more, is what sets the stage for getting incredible music out to you!

Carla Hendershot
Co-Founder

Hi, I'm Carla! I am a co-founder of the Color of Music Collective. Mia Van Allen and I interned together in 2018, and in spring 2020 she approached me with the idea to launch the collective. I have been humbled by the response and growth we have seen and am so proud of our work to advocate for the LGBTQIA+ and POC communities. I am now the financial director and writing team lead for COMC. I have worked in the music industry for several years in finance and marketing.

MARCELLA DESHARNAIS
Executive Director

Hi, I'm Marcella! Yes, as in the music festival. I'm a recent Syracuse University graduate hailing from the Northern New Jersey area. I'm passionate about helping music tell its story through data, connecting bands to brands, and doing my part to make the music business a safe space for women, and the LGBTQ+ and BIPOC communities. I'm thankful for the COMC for having me on their Digital Analytics team to do just that!

Connect:
@celladesh

ANGELA PENA
Head of PArtnerships & Innovation

Hi, I’m Angela. My favorite thing about music is its power to connect people, so here I am trying to make a career of it! As a recent Chapman University graduate, I have experience across the entertainment industry, including marketing, international negotiations, PR, and talent management. I also had the privilege to spend my summer learning from music executives as a mentee with She Is The Music, selected from 600+ worldwide applicants. I strive to work with artists and organizations that understand their influence and care about having a social impact, just like the wonderful community I found at COMC!

Connect:
a@angelape.cp

Mia Magdaraog
She/Her/Hers

Hi, I’m Mia! I am a teenage musician and Instagram enthusiast, aspiring to inspire other young creatives like me to do what they love! I'm always looking for new music, so I'm stoked to be able to design and share content for Color of Music Collective for our followers. Music has impacted my life in so many ways, shaping my music taste, connecting me to my closest friends, and bonding with my parents over the songs I was raised listening to. If you don't know where to find me, check the nearest concert venue!

Connect:
@mialorelei

Paula Gavilanes
She/Her/Hers

Hi, I´m Paula! I´m an Ecuadorian Graphic Designer, Artist & Creative Director graduate from Universidad del Azuay. I look forward to inspiring people through every piece created to become the beginning of a lifetime journey.

As a remote Latina woman, Color of Music Collective has represented a life-changing experience, holding a mission I´m grateful to be part of.

Connect:
@thepaulamarie
LinkedIn
Portfolio

Talia Cordova
She/Her/Hers

Hi, I’m Talia! I’m a visual artist from Portland, Oregon who is passionate about intersectional social justice movements. I believe art has a unique capacity to communicate the necessity of equity and liberation in every sphere of society, and that is is crucial to provide everyone space to amplify their voice and ideas within creative communities. At Color of Music Collective I’m thrilled to contribute to this mission as a graphic designer. I also enjoy other creative outlets, especially painting, drawing, photography, and cooking.

Kelsie Donato
She/Her/Hers

Hi everyone! My name is Kelsie and I’m one of the Graphics volunteers for COMC. I graduated from U.C. Irvine with a B.A. in Art and double minors in Art History and Digital Arts. My dream career is to be a Creative Director, but I am also exploring and expanding my career options. I joined COMC to further enhance my art and design skills, network with like-minded and inspiring individuals, and learn more about the music industry. I love discovering new artists and music as well as listening to any artists from 88RISING/Paradise Rising, P-Lo, Daniel Caesar, Griff, Lauv, and so many others from a variety of genres and artistic styles.

Connect:
@heykelsiee
LinkedIn
Portfolio

Kerri DeLisi
She/Her/Hers

Hi, I’m Kerri! I’m a creative designer from Long Island, New York with a BFA in Graphic Design from Adelphi University. I have a passion for art, music, and entertainment and am grateful to be on a career path that combines all of the things I love! I am so excited to be a part of the graphics team for Color of Music Collective and to be playing a small role in changing the music industry for the better.

Connect:
@kerridelisicreative

Joshua Diaz
he/Him/His

Josh Diaz is a Marketing graduate from Chico State and currently lives in Chico. Josh's goal is to eventually find a creative/digital marketing position in the music industry. Josh loves music, some of his favorite artists include Frank Ocean, Daft Punk, Hether, SZA, Prince, and many more. He's always down to talk about music!

Connect:
@unpinata
LinkedIn
Portfolio

Maddi Deckard
She/Her/Hers

Maddi Deckard is a freelance audio professional based in Southern California. She works in the entertainment industry as an assistant, technician, and designer. Her work ranges from live performances to recording and digital media content creation. She looks forward to continuing her work with COMC as the A/V Lead for the Production & Technology Team.

Connect:
Portfolio
LinkedIn

Laurel Ardner
She/Her/Hers

Hi, I’m Laurel! I have a degree in Music Technology with a specification in Voice from Florida Atlantic University. Acappella and leadership are my passions. I have worked as an Audio Visual Assistant, Live Sound Engineer, Music Producer, and Mixing Engineer. I am a queer Asian woman and have dedicated my life to music. I love the COMC because their mission aligns perfectly with the intersectionality of who I am.

Connect:
@laurelardnerofficial
LinkedIn

Carly Eaton
She/Her/Hers

My name is Carly and I've been with COMC since July of 2020 on the writing & social media teams. As a recent graduate of Syracuse University with a masters in Audio Arts, I'm currently pursuing my career in music business. As a woman working in a male dominated industry, having a community of like-minded individuals dedicated to advancing marginalized voices has been amazing. I'm passionate about uplifting the voices of those who for too long have not had a seat at the table, and COMC has been a leader in this change that is long overdue.

Connect:
@carlyeeaton

Gayun Cannon
She/Her/Hers

Hello! My name is Gayun Cannon and I am from Chicago currently studying at DePaul University as a Performing Arts Management Major! I am a multi-instrumentalist and a singer and I create my own music on the side and am on all streaming platforms! I am very passionate about music and as a Black and Asian woman and part of the LGBTQ+ community, the Color of Music Collective is perfect for me because it takes me one step closer to my dream by giving me an insight and experience on what it is like being in the music industry and I am so excited!

Connect:
@gayuncannon
LinkedIn
Portfolio

Andrew Tran
He/Him/His

Hi, I'm Andrew! I'm a recent marketing graduate from Cal State Fullerton with the hopes of working as a marketer in the music and entertainment industry. Much of what I do revolves around music whether it be writing articles, doing band promotion, being a college radio host, or volunteering at COMC and Diversify the Stage. In my free time, I enjoy writing and performing music with my band, playing video games, and going to concerts. As a queer Asian-American myself, being able to support aspiring BIPOC and LGBTQ+ professionals is something I always strive to do.

Connect:
@tranandrew20
LinkedIn
Portfolio

Marissa Mah
She/Her/Hers

Marissa is a graduating senior at UCLA studying geography and music industry hailing from snowy Canada. She hopes someday to go into music marketing, creating happy and special moments for fans and artists worldwide. She’s learned an incredible amount from her amazing peers at Color of Music Collective and is excited to see the collective grow and help others like her.

Connect:
LinkedIn
Portfolio

Yvonne Luu
She/Her/Hers

Hi there! I’m Yvonne. As an Asian-American, I know how inspiring it can be to finally see yourself in spaces you’re traditionally underrepresented in—this is why I’m incredibly proud to work with COMC to help uplift BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ voices in the music industry.

My teenage years were dedicated to boy bands, and as I got older, I found myself naturally observing how event staff ran activations, tours, and festivals. A light bulb moment later, I realized I could also play a role in creating memorable experiences for artists and their superfans one day. I’m excited to build a career that combines my fandom expertise and experiential marketing skills together!

Some fun facts: I’m a San Diego native, Taurus, and will almost always say yes when invited to any concert. Bastille, Twenty One Pilots, LIGHTS, The Killers, and—yep, you guessed it—boy bands dominate my Spotify.

Connect:
@yvonne.luu
LinkedIn
Portfolio

Jen Jordan
She/Her/Hers

Jen is a sophomore Music Industry major at Syracuse University from the Greater Philadelphia area. A big concert enthusiast, she hopes to work in the live music scene post-graduation helping artists have the best performance experience they can. Jen is so excited to be working with the Color of Music Collective and supporting their important cause!

Connect:
@jen_jordanx
LinkedIn

Jonah Wolf
He/Him/His

Hey there, I'm Jonah! I'm a 4th year Business Econ student at UCSD and a member of the Outreach Committee. I'm an artist, producer, and the co-founder of HOUSEMONEY which is a creative collective I started with my friend dedicated to leaving our mark on the world with help from a global clientele. Music is more than the soundtrack to my life, it's something I love to delve into and appreciate. I'm not a genre snob and I love to get to know new artists. Aside from music making, I like to take walks and watch cooking videos.

Connect:
@howtobejwolf
LinkedIn
Portfolio

Ruth Bekele
She/Her/Hers

Hi, I’m Ruth! I'm 21 years old, and I'm from the Philadelphia area. I'm currently a student at New York University in the Music Business program and I'm really passionate about live events/concerts and all things music! Some of my favorite artists are Harry Styles, James Bay, Jon Bellion, and so many more. I'm so grateful to be a part of the amazing Color of Music Collective community and I can't wait to watch it continue to grow!

Connect:
@ruthbekele
LinkedIn

Alicia Frazier
She/Her/Hers

Hi everyone! My name is Alicia Frazier and I am a recent graduate from Purdue University where I studied Communications and African American Studies. I have the aspirations of working in the music industry as an A&R/Artist Manager as I really enjoy discovering new music from R&B, neo-soul, and hip-hop/rap artists. As a Chicagoland native, I am a huge fan of artists like G Herbo, but I also enjoy music from Moneybagg Yo, Jhene Aiko, and SiR.

I am volunteering with COMC because the organization’s mission is closely related to my mission as an industry professional – inspire more people of color to pursue a career in the music industry, especially those from the Chicagoland area. I am excited to work with the outreach team and connect with likeminded people!

Connect:
@aliciakaylaa
LinkedIn
Portfolio

Lauren Holcomb
She/Her/Hers

Hi, my name is Lauren Holcomb and I am a student at Chapman University with a major in Business Administration and minor in Psychology. Being born and raised in Southern California has always exposed me to various scenes of music, art, and self-expression, which has prompted my interest in the entertainment industry! I always want to uplift creative voices, and I feel so lucky to be able to help in outreach for Color of Music Collective! Besides working on school and volunteering, I enjoy listening to music, learning how to sew, and embroidery!

Connect:
@lauren.holcombb
LinkedIn

Alana Aquino
She/Her/Hers

Alana Aquino is a senior at USC studying Music Industry and Songwriting. Her mission is to uplift authentic art in any way she can, whether it be through A&R, artist management/development, touring, or marketing. Alana is an advocate for Asian representation and mental wellness in the entertainment industry. She emphasizes taking initiative by participating in mentorship programs with companies like WMG and Diversify the Stage; by being active in organizations such as USC Troy Philippines, GrammyU, The Women’s Network USC, USC Thornton Student Ambassadors; and by serving as the Co-lead of Outreach at the Color of Music Collective.

Connect:
@alanacaquino
LinkedIn

Eli Gordon
He/Him/His

Hi, I’m Eli! I am a Sophomore at the University of Michigan studying Sociology with a focus in Law, Justice, and Social Change. I volunteer for the Community Outreach Team at COMCo. I was born and raised in San Jose, California and currently live in Ann Arbor, Michigan, where I am deeply involved in the music scene on and off campus. As a queer Jewish musician/artist, I am extremely interested in intersectionality and social justice. I hope to attend law school to become an entertainment lawyer to legally represent artists from underrepresented and marginalized communities.

Connect:
@e.hunt.g
LinkedIn

Zaynab Alhakawati
She/Her/Hers

Hello, I'm Zaynab! I am one of the outreach leads for Color of Music Collective! I am a recent Cal State Fullerton graduate and really passionate about the music industry so I feel grateful to be a part of the COMC team! I love live events and hope to work in the realm of events or marketing!

Connect:
@zaynnnab
LinkedIn
Portfolio

Sanjana Srivastava
She/Her/Hers

Hi, I'm Sanjana! I am a sociology major studying at California State University, Long Beach. I joined the Color of Music Collective to address the lack of representation in the music industry by advocating for the inclusion of people of color and LGBTQ+ folks. By breaking barriers, I hope young South Asians like me can grow up to see themselves being represented in the field. With my passion for diversity and music, I aspire to work in the music industry by developing artists and strengthening their connection with fans.

Connect:
@sanjanasriv

Naomi Hyman
She/Her/Hers

Naomi Hyman is a member of the Community Outreach Committee and a writer for the blog. She attended the University of Southern California and graduated in 2020.

Before working at Capitol, Naomi interned at: Atlantic Records, Sony Music Sync Shop, Universal Music Publishing Group, Live Nation, and Fender.

She has a love of artist development and storytelling, mentorship, listening to anything alternative R&B, going to music festivals (outside of COVID), and drinking way too much tea for any 5’2 human.

Connect:
@naomisara97
LinkedIn

Miriam Koch
She/Her/Hers

Hi, I'm Miriam! Music has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember, from performing to studying it to working as an independent music supervisor. I've worked across the entertainment industry, in music, major film and television studios and labor unions. My ultimate goal is to help creative people stay creative, working behind the scenes to dot the 'i's and cross the 't's. I’m excited to be a part of the COMC team, working along side people who share my excitement for not only music, but also diversity and equity.

Connect:
@myriadofmiriam
LinkedIn

Abbey Martin
She/They

Hey! My name is Abbey. I am from Orange County California and I am 22 years old. I am currently working on my AA at Orange Coast College as I just finished completing my NYU x Billboard Music Essentials certification. My goal is to transfer into a 4 year program within this next year. My parents raised me right by exposing me to great music as long as I can remember. I love live music and I can’t wait to get back in it. I love promoting new artists. I have a huge appreciation for all things creative. Some of my fav artists include Mr. Harry Styles, Miley Cyrus, Billie Eilish, Led Zeppelin, The Neighbourhood, and The 1975!! I am so lucky to be a part of the outreach team at COMC.

Connect:
@abbeyymartinn

Lauren Brennan
She/Her/Hers

Hi, I’m Lauren! I am from outside of Boston and am sophomore at Syracuse University where I’m majoring in music industry and minoring in graphic design. I love connecting with others who share my passion for music and helping to create a more inclusive environment in the music industry. I hope to act as a project manager for a label in the future, or as another creative role, and can’t wait to get more involved with COMC!

Connect:
@laurenmbrennan

Casper Schadt
She/Her/Hers

I am a lifelong musician, businesswoman, mental health advocate, and recent graduate of Berklee College of Music’s Music Business program. Working with COMC has introduced me to some incredible people and I continue working with them because I’m a big believer in supporting women and people of color in this industry. I've spent most of my life on stage and now want to devote my career to helping artists articulate their identity and find their fans through marketing and brand partnerships. In my free time you can find me reading, experimenting with makeup, or listening to some of my favorite artists like Rina Sawayama, BTS, and my favorite album Act V by The Dear Hunter.

Connect:
LinkedIn

Gianna Cicchetti
She/Her/Hers

I am an Arts and Entertainment Management student at Pace University with a passion for working in music! I volunteer with COMC because I believe the collective is doing an amazing job of educating and uplifting underrepresented groups in an industry that still has progress to make regarding inclusivity. My goal is to hopefully work at a record label in A&R or marketing! Some of my favorite artists are Phoebe Bridgers, The Maine, Taylor Swift, and Wolf Alice.

Connect:
@_daniellespiegel
LinkedIn

Danielle Spiegel
She/Her/Hers

Ever since I was a little girl, music was the most important aspect of my life. Practicing my violin and fangirling over my favorite artists for hours on end has inspired me to pursue a music industry profession. I am now chasing this dream as a Music Industry major at Drexel University, where I am learning about all the intricacies of the music industry from some of the best in the business. Whether it be through artist management, marketing, or publicity, I am determined to fulfill my mission to support both artists and fans in my career.

Connect:
@_daniellespiegel
LinkedIn

Cova Perez Pelaez
She/Her/Hers

Hi I'm Cova! I'm currently a senior at the University of Michigan studying Nursing with a minor in Performing Arts Management and Entrepreneurship. I currently volunteer as part of the publicity team for COMC and I hope to one day go into the field of publicity or artist/talent relations. COMC has given me amazing opportunities to continue to pursue my passions while also being able to play a role in creating opportunities and advocating for BIPOC and LGBTQ+ individuals in the music industry.

Connect:
@Cova_Perez
LinkedIn
Portfolio

Cleome Barber
She/Her/Hers

Hi, I’m Cleome! I am so thrilled to be working with the Color of Music Collective to advocate for diversity, accessibility, and equal representation in the music industry! Beyond volunteering with the Collective, I am an A&R in the contemporary publishing division at Primary Wave Music. Throughout my career, I’ve been lucky enough to work with so many other amazing companies including Columbia Records, Spark Music Group, Mom+Pop Music, and Chromatic PR. I’m a lover of good chapstick, ordering delivery food, and all things disco. Please reach out with any inquiries, press or otherwise!

Connect:
@cleome.wav
LinkedIn

Mia Marquez
She/Her/Hers

Mia Marquez is a social media designer with a focus on digital strategy. She is a marketing major at the University of Florida and designs graphics and campaigns for student organizations and nonprofits. She also works as a freelance social media manager for independent musicians. Her passion is in digital music marketing and her goal is to help artists of color and diverse backgrounds share their stories and grow their following.

Connect:
@miamarqz
LinkedIn
Portfolio