“You never know what kind of doors are going to be open for you when you take the risk.”

In this series, we’re highlighting our VERSIONS Alumni. You’ll learn about their transformative journeys with and through the VERSIONS Youth Fellowship. 

Cassy

Growing up, Cassandra Rivera (better known as Cassy Jade) remembers sitting in a trance, watching in awe as her brother made beats that resonated with her soul. He was the one who got her hooked on listening, but it was her sister who influenced her to write. The Rivera siblings would try to find ways to fill their time, and music was the perfect pastime. “We didn’t have phones or anything like that, so we wrote music and stories.”

Cassy and her family lived humbly in a low-income neighbourhood on the South side of Chicago, and it wasn’t easy. When Cassy daydreamed about her future, she would imagine a time when she didn’t have to suffer any longer. But Cassy was practical; she didn’t think music would be the golden ticket to escape her circumstances.

Despite her early fascination with music, Cassy turned her back on the creative industry, unable to see a path to success without already established connections. And how was a girl from the south side of Chicago supposed to make those connections? “I was looking for a career that was stable and had good money—science seemed like the way.”
But even though she seemed done with music, music wasn’t quite finished with her yet.

Rediscovering her Passion

In 2017, when she was a junior in high school, Cassy won a scholarship to an Arctic exhibition. It was on this trip that she met D’Ari Lisle and Mel Larkin, the co-founders of Darkspark.

While on the trip, Cassy was intrigued by the music workshops D’Ari had hosted. Cassy knew it was her time to make connections she never thought possible, feeling deep in her gut that if she didn’t chat with D’Ari, she would miss out on a life-changing opportunity. “I know if anything would come out of it, but I just knew I needed to establish a connection with him.”

But she did more than just introduce herself; she shook off her nerves and showcased her talent, which she’d been hiding for years. Cassy says D’Ari was incredibly encouraging, “He couldn’t believe I didn’t talk with him sooner because the trip was nearly over!”

With that trip and D’Ari’s words, Cassy’s passion was reignited. It was then Cassy realized she needed to welcome music back into her life.

The Start of Something New

It was years later that Cassy first heard of VERSIONS. When she saw the application form, she immediately knew she wanted to be part of it. She loved how it was designed to bring people from all over the world together, help establish connections, and build youth up.

But, there was lingering doubt nestled in the back of her mind. “I didn’t think I would get in.” The program was competitive, and it seemed like a long shot. It was only once she received news that she was selected as one of the 27 Fellows that she thought, “Damn, am I destined for this?”

She was excited about the program, but Cassy says it was more than that. “It felt like the first time that I was recognized for more than my lack of financial means—it was because of my talent that they wanted me. And my potential.”

When in VERSIONS…

The VERSIONS experience was more than Cassy could have imagined. “It was more than just music; it was social and collaborative, and it opened my eyes to bigger issues like how colonialism started and still impacts us today. I learned more than I ever could have imagined.”

VERSIONS takes a holistic approach to uplifting youth—while music is a pillar, it’s equally balanced with leadership, personal resilience and development, and education about colonial history.

Cassy says connecting with other youth around the world was one of the most memorable experiences. “I got to learn from Jamaican Fellows about their realities and how music is appreciated in their communities. And even exchanging stories with Fellows in Africa was mind-blowing.”

Change is Change, No Matter How Big or Small

As part of the VERSIONS Fellowship, each Fellow is tasked with designing and implementing a social impact project in their community. Cassy says she didn’t have the tools and resources to lead a project like this in the past, but VERSIONS helped set her up for success. “I was given the support and tools to both plan and execute the project. I was anxious beforehand, but after, I thought, wow, I can really do this.”

For Cassy’s social impact project, she collaborated with her old high school to create an original mural installation dedicated to combating Chicago violence. VERSIONS helped her learn to budget, apply for grants, and supported her through the process step by step. Cassy is grateful for the support

VERSIONS offered and for showing her she’s able to achieve scary things. “The support is huge. From the Fellows and the facilitators. There is always someone to support.”

Cassy says before the project, she believed change had to be big to be worth anything. “I realized change doesn’t have to be huge. It can still be meaningful even as a small step or project.”

Paying it Forward

Cassy says the Fellowship was a nudge in the direction she’s always wanted to go, but held herself back from. “I always knew I wanted to give back, but I didn’t know how. Through VERSIONS, I discovered that I want to help people live better lives.”

Cassy is looking forward to taking on more leadership opportunities in her community. “I’m excited to teach others how to become young leaders because it’s important. And it’s formed who I am today.”

A Note to Future Applicants and Fellows

Cassy says future applicants and Fellows should “absorb as much information as you can. It’s a lot, it’s worth it.” She also encourages them not to be shy; the group is authentic, encouraging, and supportive and “These are the people you get to be yourself around.” Each Fellow is hand-selected based on their passionate creativity and leadership skills and desire to combine the two.

Stronger than You Think

Cassy’s journey with music has been marked by moments of doubt, rediscovery, and, ultimately, triumph. With VERSIONS’s guidance, Cassy has embraced her passion for music and leveraged it as a tool for personal and social change.

“It’s cool talking about VERSIONS because people lean in closer; they want to learn more. And I got to experience it firsthand. People ask, ‘Wait, you did that?’ and I realize, yes, I did it. I’m capable of things like this!”