For Maya, the path to her future didn’t begin with certainty; it began with courage. Now a junior at Elmhurst University pursuing a degree in Music Business, she didn’t always envision herself in this field. In fact, her journey began at Waubonsee Community College, where she studied psychology, but something kept pulling her back to music.
“I decided to stop living in fear and pursue a career in music, which is truly at the heart of who I am,” she shared.
That decision to trust her instincts became a turning point. From working as a band hostess at a live music venue to immersing herself in the energy of live shows, Maya discovered not only her passion for music, but also her place within it. “When I imagine myself working with an artist I truly believe in… it feels meaningful and rewarding.”
That same willingness to take a chance led her to apply for an ACI Challenge Grant Scholarship despite her doubts. “I knew there was only one scholarship being offered. At first, I didn’t want to get my hopes up, but I took the chance—and I received it.” What followed was more than financial relief; it was a shift in mindset. “It felt like there was a shift in my thinking. I needed to stop limiting myself with my own beliefs.”
The impact of that shift has been immediate and profound. The scholarship helped ease financial pressures, allowing Maya to focus on her education and career goals, even as she navigated the realities of transitioning to commuter life. More importantly, it opened doors.
From attending the ACI Breakfast Forum this April to connecting with professionals in the field, she began to see herself in a new light.
One moment stands out: walking into a room full of experienced leaders and realizing she belonged there. “I was excited to learn and to take the next step in my own development. I felt proud of myself that I was able to be there.” That sense of belonging, so critical to student success, is exactly what education strives to create.
Maya is now focused on building a career in artist management and festival production, particularly within the electronic music scene. With her sights set on opportunities in and beyond Chicago, she is determined to continue growing, networking, and seeking new opportunities. “This scholarship has allowed me to concentrate on my career aspirations without worrying as much about finances. I plan to continue putting myself in the right rooms.”
Most recently, she has taken on the role of Assistant Liaison for Elmhurst’s Spring Playback, a fully student-run music festival. In this position, she serves as a key point of communication between the university and the performers, ensuring that artists, including the headliner and opening acts, have what they need and that the event runs smoothly.
Her message to those who make opportunities like this possible is simple, but powerful: “Thank you for letting my mind, and my family’s mind, be at ease for a little bit and helping take some of the financial burden off.”
Maya’s story is a reminder that when students are given support and when they choose to believe in themselves, possibilities expand. Through ACI, that belief becomes action, and that action becomes a future filled with purpose.