2024 Emerging Voices Award Recipients Announced

2024 Emerging Voices Award Recipients Announced

WGI is proud to announce the 2024 winners of the I AM WGI: Emerging Voices Award!

Olivia Starnes

Olivia Starnes plans to be a leader and advocate for those who are underrepresented in the marching arts. She plans to use the awarded funds to continue her marching arts education and be an active representation of diversity in the indoor marching arts community.

Sade Taylor

Sade Taylor is currently studying to be an elementary teacher, and she believes that it is essential to advocate for minority representation both in and outside of the marching arts. The awarded funds will be used to further her education so she can be a driving force in the life of her students. 

As part of the Emerging Voices Award, Sade and Olivia will be among the third 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 Sade and Olivia! 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.