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

Daisy

Daisy, a Mexican-American artist and social activist in Arizona, grew up in a household where she was surrounded by a musical family. Her grandfather was a musician, her mother had a passion for singing, and music filled her house daily. Daisy’s early exposure to a range of musical influences laid the foundation for her future as a singer-songwriter. While she primarily gravitates towards R&B and soul, she loves experimenting across genres, never allowing herself to be confined by musical boundaries. Interestingly, Daisy had no formal musical training until she joined VERSIONS Youth Fellowship, a program that influenced her musical journey.

In addition to her deep-rooted love for music, Daisy pursued a degree in public policy with a concentration in criminology, law and policy. She currently works for the state, integrating her passion for public interest and social justice into her professional life. Daisy’s dual interest in music and social change eventually led her to a transformative experience with VERSIONS.

Discovering VERSIONS

For Daisy, VERSIONS was a perfect opportunity to merge two of her passions. “For me, VERSIONS was a really unique opportunity to see two of my passions merge because my educational background is in law and policy and public interest. But I have always gravitated towards music in some way throughout my life.”

Daisy was actively involved in her community long before joining VERSIONS. She organized and volunteered with local non-profits. Applying for VERSIONS felt like a natural step, even though she didn’t expect to be selected.

Daisy approached VERSIONS with excitement and hope. “I hoped to be surrounded by an inspiring, humbling, and down-to-earth fellowship cohort. I was also hoping for a safe space for us all to grow, evolve and be vulnerable in our crafts. And that’s exactly what happened.” VERSIONS exceeded her expectations with its knowledgeable insights into songwriting, technique, and the music industry.

Dreams Coming True

One of Daisy’s most memorable experiences was the Saturday morning sessions. “I loved being surrounded by everyone. They were so supportive. I built real friendships and a co

mmunity.” Another unforgettable moment was meeting Sean Paul over Zoom. However, the most impactful experience was recording her song in a professional studio for the first time. “That was just kind of like a dream come true. It all happened so fast, and I’m forever grateful that VERSIONS opened doors for me.”

Harnessing Music

VERSIONS elevated Daisy’s creative journey by providing her with the knowledge and resources to advance her music. “When you’re given the tools to make whatever rhythm or song you have in your head come to real life, it’s just another level of liberation that I can’t really describe.” Additionally, VERSIONS helped Daisy become a more well-rounded individual. “It helped all of us build cultural, social, and political perspectives through a global lens. It made me more willing to understand and more patient.”

Daisy’s Social Impact Project

As part of the Fellowship, each Fellow is guided in designing and implementing a social impact project in their communities. Daisy’s project involved collaborating with Backpacks for Kids, a local non-profit. S

he designed mental health fliers and helped pack backpacks with essential supplies. They distributed 75 backpacks and provided 100 meals to an unsheltered community, in addition to mental health resources. Initially nervous about the reception of her fliers, Daisy received positive feedback and was thrilled to have made an impact. “VERSIONS taught me to shoot my shot.”

Daisy is passionate about mental health, having personally experienced its challenges and witnessed her family’s struggles. “Mental health dictates how we connect with one another and ourselves. It could literally make or break someone’s day. Having that basic understanding of mental health is so important.” She also emphasizes the importance of kindness, as we never know what others are dealing with.

Linking Music and Social Change

VERSIONS elevated Daisy’s passion for public service to a global perspective. “VERSIONS made me realize just how interconnected we all really are. That perspective fosters community and gives me more hope for peace despite the current atrocities in the world.”

Daisy also believes in the power of art as a catalyst for social change. “I am a firm believer that the pen is mightier than the sword. Music and other art forms are revolutionary to social change, and any form of art can make a political or social statement.”

The VERSIONS Youth Fellowship

As she settled into her musical talents, not only did opportunities to perform become abundant but so did opportunities to merge music and social change. When Jheanelle came across the VERSIONS, she was enticed by the merging of art, social change, and mental health advocacy.

“It was like the Fellowship was tailor-made for me,” she recalls. “I’d been working on making meaningful music, and suddenly, I had this chance to do it formally and with support.”

When she was admitted as one of the 27 Fellows, she couldn’t wait to start. “It felt like the start of something really big. Something bigger than me.”

Advice to Future Applicants and Fellows

Daisy encourages future applicants and Fellows to believe in themselves. “Dare to believe in yourself because you never know how your life can inspire someone else. Dare to dream your wildest dreams. It is impossible to regret joining the VERSIONS Fellowship. Stay rooted in uplifting the community around the world and local to you as well. Keep a kind heart and an open mind.”

What’s Next

Daisy envisions a future where she continues to blend social change and creative projects. She currently works in public interest and advocates for humanitarian aid globally. “I just hope that I can inspire people to do the same through my music and other areas of my art as well. Because one person can’t build a community alone; we all have to support one another.”

A Life Changed

Daisy says VERSIONS changed her life. “I’m more confident in my artistry because of VERSIONS. I know myself a little more as an artist now. I have a clearer idea of where I stand and what kind of art I want to share with the world.”