Scarlet Hernandez-Head of the #Freethinkers Program at RECPhilly

Instagram Handle : @scarletestelle

1.First concert you attended?

Fall Out Boy in 2007

2. What made you want to be in entertainment?

I knew I wanted to be in entertainment because after years of religiously going to concerts, I came the the realization I wanted to be a part of these artists lives and how they connect with the fans. Each concert I went to growing up were happy, memorable experiences and I knew I wanted to be a reason why these shows happen.

Although most of my concert experiences were great, I noticed a distinct lack of women, let alone women of color, working behind the scenes. I knew from then on I wanted to represent myself in the music industry.

3. Do you think women receive enough credit for their contributions to music?

I don't think women receive enough for their contributions in general, let alone music. For example, some of the most well known songs were written by women but sung by men who make this popular. These woman behind the booth and stage are critical to the success of the industry. From managers, performers, public relations, sound engineers and everything in between, women make the music industry tick but simply do not get enough credit for their contributions.

4. Do you think the #MeToo movement will help improve things for women in music?

I think the #MeToo movement will help improve things for women in the music industry as well as outside of music. The #MeToo movement has helped women connect and communicate on a topic rarely spoken about due to fear, regret, or even embarrassment. Social media has given a voice to the marginalized and thus spilled into the real world where women & allies can work together and make real changes.

5. What needs to be done to improve the communication between older and younger women?

Accessibility to mentor-ship is a huge asset to communication between generations. Understanding that not only can the younger woman catch the older women up to speed on new technologies, trends, and issues within the industry, the older woman can give insight, context, and history to why the industry is the way it is right now. There's a lot to learn from both angles if egos are put aside and social media is used the right way to connect.

6. Who is your model for entertainment and why?

I don't particularly have a role model in the entertainment, rather I'm continually inspired by the women of color in the industry I'm surrounded with everyday. It's up to us to pave the way to become role models for the ladies in music of tomorrow. We need to see ourselves as the necessary representation needed in music to thrive and be more inclusive. My role model is anyone who is proud of who they are, where they've come from, and what they're going to do.

7. Where do see the role of women in entertainment growing?

I see the role of women in entertainment growing exponentially and in a short amount of time. With the accessibility of the internet and new college offerings across the nation and world, we will see a boom in ladies taking the reigns in learning about sound engineering, production, management, marketing and so much more that makes this industry tick. This is no longer a boy's game dictated by a certain few gatekeepers, this is industry will be up for grabs to be in regardless of gender.