The DC Music Summit is an award-winning 501(c)(3) Nonprofit organization that supports creatives and industry professionals in the arts and entertainment industry especially encouraging people of color and women. We support them by fostering a positive and inclusive environment for community engagement and networking, skills and professional development, promotion, and inspiration.
Here to Serve
CORE VALUES
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When we embrace diverse voices, we learn from each other, build trust, & create stronger, more innovative communities together.
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Manage & track satellite offices, ensuring consistent performance & streamlined operations everywhere.
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Mastery fuels confidence, deepens our impact, and keeps us growing & never stop learning!
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Art feeds the soul, so by caring for ourselves & our craft, we create music that heals, connects, and sustains both artist & community.
We aim to cultivate ideas, skills, and relationships that will empower attendees to shape and elevate their careers, and to address key challenges they face in meeting professional goals.
The Power Behind Us
DIOR ASHLEY BROWN
DC-based award-winning artist extraordinaire Dior Ashley Brown is a living legend.
She defines art through a wide lens of intersections and correlations, enabling her to balance the roles of Hip Hop Emcee, musician, actor, poet, playwright, activist, business owner, and more.
To maintain the soul of music, empower all people, especially Black women and girls.’
Creative Visionary
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Hip-Hop Polymath
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Community Architect
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Creative Visionary • Hip-Hop Polymath • Community Architect •
Dior is a woman on a mission—a dynamic force blending art, activism, and entrepreneurship to uplift communities. A multifaceted creator, she wears many hats: community builder, humanitarian, activist, entrepreneur, and musician, all rooted in her unwavering commitment to empowerment, especially for Black women and girls. A cornerstone of the DC creative scene and beyond, Dior doesn’t just participate—she transforms spaces.
Recognized by The Washington Post as the “Hip-Hop Polymath,” she merges culture and advocacy to spark movements and leave a lasting legacy of change. As the founder of the DC Music Summit, she’s engineered a premier platform uniting industry leaders, artists, and global brands to fuel the growth of the capital’s music ecosystem. More than a conference, it’s a catalyst for opportunity—proving that creativity, when harnessed with purpose, can reshape industries and lives.
THE SOUL OF DCMS
The music industry thrives on passion, hustle, and heart—and so do we. Our team is the driving force behind this mission, fueled by a shared dedication to the culture and the community. We’re a tight-knit collective of volunteers, partners, and seasoned professionals, each bringing unique expertise, relentless energy, and a deep belief in the work.
Our volunteer team and supporters make DCMS what it is, a community organization. Without volunteers, DCMS would not be able to conduct many of its programs, raise funds, or serve the DC music industry.
Whether you want to volunteer at one event, multiple events, or join one of our working groups we welcome you!
We are always in need of people. We also offer opportunities for high school seniors and college students to be Interns.
Ready to volunteer, inquire through the link below:
CURRENT MEMBERS
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Operations Volunteer
Althea joined the DCMS Team in 2020. She is a long-time DC resident who loves to volunteer and wants use her skills to help move DC Music Summit forward. Despite claims of being an introvert she thrives leading teams, working with groups, and developing and maintaining strong working relationships with people. She enjoys working within the collaborative DCMS environment and is willing to take on whatever projects are asked of her to benefit the Team.
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Outreach and Operations Volunteer
For nearly two decades, Steve has immersed himself in every aspect of
music management and marketing across the Washington Metropolitan region. Beyond music, Steve has several years of experience in transportation and hospitality and has been a visionary when it comes to connecting colleagues for mutually beneficial business ventures.
As a founding member of Verzatyle Entertainment, Steve guided and
assisted the careers of a potent cadre of Hip-Hop and R&B musicians
from varying social backgrounds. Within that sphere, Steve is adept at
assisting clients with media training, music marketing, A&R
capabilities, and financial guidance. Beyond those stated duties,
Steve has a deep appreciation for music and is an avid supporter of
the artists that hail from the Washington, D.C. area.
Steve is a native of Rockville, Md. -
Alexys Young is passionate about amplifying DC Music Summit’s voice on TikTok and bringing our mission to life through dynamic, creative content. As the driving force behind DCMS’s TikTok strategy, Alexys is focused on growing our presence on the app with engaging videos that highlight community stories, event insights, and the vibrant talent shaping the DMV music scene. Her goal is to connect with emerging artists and music lovers alike and spread our message.
A Virginia native with a deep love for Washington, DC’s creative energy, Alexys may not come from a traditional musical background, but her enthusiasm for music runs deep. She believes that music is a universal language that unites people, and she’s committed to celebrating that connection in everything she create
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Joy started volunteering with DCMS in 2026, after a fortuitous meeting with Dior in a local Philadelphia cafe. Joy grew up in California, but has lived on the East Coast for the last decade. She’s well-versed in male-dominated spaces across math, finance, and skydiving, and is passionate about gender equity.
She was inspired by the community and connection that DCMS has built in the last ten years, and is excited to continue expanding DCMS’ reach, with a focus on supporting equity.
DCMS PARTNERS
We are always seeking sponsorship, partners and advertisers for our events, including our annual summit, and connecting with interested parties for the future.
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Discounted rate for DCMS members.
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Join us at members-only events including concerts and educational training.
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Enjoy exclusive access to premium digital content.
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Receive access to tickets before the general public during special members-only pre-sales.
Your membership directly supports our artistic and educational programming, as well as our annual Summit. To thank you for making all of this possible, members receive exclusive benefits and discount, including:
Membership Partners
Community Partners
Our community partners open doors, not just for members, but for everyone. Through discounts available to all, they make much‑needed tools more affordable and accessible. This shared investment in access strengthens the fabric of our community, empowering individuals and uplifting us all.
Community Support is Everything + We Thank You!
Interested in being a sponsor, collaborative partner or advertiser?
We are always seeking sponsorship, partners and advertisers for our events, including our annual summit, and connecting with interested parties for the future.