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

Nia the Manifester

Born and raised in Brooklyn, NY, Nia Simone’s story is deeply rooted in her love for music and a fierce determination to overcome obstacles. Growing up surrounded by the sounds of her parents’ in-house recording studio, Nia found her passion for music at an early age. Inspired by her mom’s melodic voice and her dad’s lyrical genius, she began crafting her own songs, infusing them with affirmations to manifest her dreams into reality.

Intuition’s Calling

When Nia stumbled across the VERSIONS application via BandLab while in Arizona, it felt like destiny knocking. The program’s description resonated deeply, prompting her to apply without hesitation.

Reflecting on her decision to apply, Nia recalls, “I didn’t even have to second guess it. I found myself crying as the application questions were so profound they made me reflect on who I was and what I stand for. And that’s when I knew I was meant to be part of this program.”

VERSIONS aims to support and amplify the stories and experiences of those who have lived through prejudice to build intercultural awareness. Having faced her share of challenges, including the harsh realities of racism living as a Black woman in America, Nia wanted to be part of this mission. The application questions prompted her to reflect on these experiences, sparking a long-harboured desire to make positive change. VERSIONS offered her both the opportunity and support to turn that desire into action.

“I knew I was going to be a Fellow. Something in the back of my mind told me so.”

A Life-Saving Opportunity

Nia’s life has been marked by adversity—her parents’ passing, her stepfather’s incarceration, and her experience with homelessness, which she struggled with on and off throughout her fellowship year. Despite her desire to make change, opportunities and tools were scarce. In creating VERSIONS, co-founders Mel Larkin and D’Ari Lisle recognized the need for support in the face of life’s challenges and made it a priority to provide a nurturing environment for their Fellows. They worked to ensure VERSIONS had a low barrier to entry, ensuring this opportunity was available to promising youth who didn’t have the academic or professional requirements that most Fellowships require.

“It wasn’t until the VERSIONS Fellowship that I had support—and where I felt understood,” Nia says.

At the beginning of the Fellowship, Nia faced struggles outside of the program that made it difficult to continue. Having recently moved back to New York, she found herself homeless, living in a crowded house with 14 other family members. Even though she recognized the opportunities the Fellowship presented, she worried she would have to quit.

“There were times I felt like giving up on the program—quitting. Not because I wanted to, but because I didn’t feel good enough inside and I was struggling with factors outside of the program.”

Before making the decision to pull out, Nia turned to program co-founders Mel and D’Ari.

Central to the VERSIONS Fellowship is a commitment to supporting the mental and emotional well-being of its Fellows. Changing the world is only an option if one feels safe enough to step into their power. Nia says the Darkspark team showed her a level of love and care she hadn’t experienced before.

“They were very patient with me,” she says. “They would instill confidence in me, remind me of who I was even when I couldn’t remember, and they saved my life many, many times. I am very grateful for that.”

The Best Things Take Work

Nia was glad to be able to continue with VERSIONS, but it wasn’t without its challenges. The VERSIONS Youth Fellowship is designed to push participants to reach their potential—particularly as leaders. To achieve this, each fellow is tasked with designing and implementing their very own social impact project in their community.

For Nia’s project, she organized a food drive to support the Urban Resource Institute, a local domestic violence shelter for women and children, which she stayed in while unhoused.

“The social impact project was intimidating. The thought of putting together a project where I had to design and lead it was scary. But the team helped me see that I could do it. And I did.”

Big Fellowship Takeaways

The Fellowship has also played a pivotal role in helping Nia’s creative growth. “I’m more confident in my creative skills. I trust in my voice more. I feel like my music has evolved, technically and emotionally.” Through various workshops with industry experts, Nia learned the hard and soft skills necessary to create and produce powerful music.

Other VERSIONS workshops emphasized personal growth and resiliency. Ensuring youth are confident in themselves is the first step to encouraging them to take action. Nia says this confidence has also extended to daily interactions, helping her to communicate better.

“I’ve learned to ask for what I need and that my opinion is valid. I’ve also learned to have more compassion.”

What’s Next?

Nia says graduating from the Fellowship wasn’t just a finish line but a starting place for the next chapter. “It was a stepping stone, a very challenging stepping stone where you had to grow and stretch. But to reach results, I knew I had to get uncomfortable and do things I was scared of.”

The Fellowship is designed to help participants reach their potential creatively, personally, and within their communities. Fellows are provided with the tools and opportunities to succeed, but it’s up to them to take what they’ve learned and apply it to their life outside the Fellowship.

“I’m excited to continue to grow,” Nia says. “I want to become more. I like the feeling of being successful and accomplishing something meaningful, so I’m going to continue to seek opportunities to do that.”

A note to Future Applicants/Fellows

The Fellowship offers participants an opportunity to pursue their greatest artistic and change-making dreams. Nia hopes

that future applicants and Fellows aren’t afraid to dream big, stay curious, ask questions and immerse themselves in all the Fellowship has to offer.

“Dream big. This Fellowship is a commitment, but it pays off.”

What’s Next?

Now that she’s graduated from the Fellowship, Nia is excited to continue to make music that speaks to issues she’s passionate about. “I feel like music helps people to make better decisions. Lyrics have that power.”

Nia has since moved into her own apartment, where she is determined to find ways to use her newfound

artistic and leadership skills to inspire others. Her story is a testament to the potential that lies inside all youth. With the right support, tools, and opportunities, youth can create meaningful change not just in their own lives but in their communities, too.