WGI is proud to announce the 2023 winners of the I AM WGI: Emerging Voices Award!
Chris Washington aims to give a larger voice to underrepresented members of the indoor marching arts community. As a music educator, Chris has experienced many different sides of the marching arts. From Band Director to drum major, color guard performer, and community leader, Chris hopes to use his range of experiences to create a mentorship program within his local circuit.
Luz Riviera is a student at Arizona University pursuing a degree in English Literature. They march with FeniX Independent and have a passion for aiding LGBTQ+ youth in the color guard community. They plan to use the funds to continue their education and bring national awareness to the issues revolving around LGBTQ+ youth and create the resources to help them.
As part of the Emerging Voices Award, Chris and Luz will be among the second class of individuals inducted into the I AM WGI: Future Leaders Program, a comprehensive mentorship and leadership opportunity for highly qualified people from the performer ranks of WGI.
From all of us at WGI—Congratulations to Chris and Luz! We look forward to working with you both to shape the future of the indoor marching arts!
The I AM WGI: Emerging Voices Award is a community-funded monetary award that provides an opportunity for outstanding minority performers with significant financial need to reach their highest potential. The Award is geared to those individuals who show promise to be a beacon for positive change in their communities and WGI.
Funding for this Award comes directly from leaders, families, educators, supporters, and fans of WGI who all share a vested interest in supporting highly qualified individuals from historically underrepresented populations.
Learn more about the Emerging Voices Award at wgi.org/emergingvoices.
