Coachella, one of the largest music and arts festivals in the world, has long been known for its diverse, star-studded lineups. With artists like Missy Elliot, Lady Gaga, and Ed Sheeran, Coachella consistently sets the bar for live events, attracting music lovers from around the globe. However, this year wasn’t just another weekend of incredible music and jaw-dropping performances and art. No, the real magic happened backstage—behind the scenes where 13 remarkable BIPOC disabled professionals participated in Coachella’s Accessible+ Pathfinder Program, taking a step in what promises to be a groundbreaking journey in the live events industry. We’re talking about a space where access and inclusion weren’t afterthoughts, but the focus. This year, A+ was more than a community program; it was a revolution in accessibility, representation, and empowerment.
The Power of Representation: A+ Pathfinders Program at Coachella
This year’s A+ cohort brought a vibrant mix of fresh faces and seasoned professionals, each with their unique story and passion for making their mark in the live events space. Some were newer to the industry and used this opportunity to explore how they could break into the scene, while others, like Trisha Fey, a professional dancer from LA, and Matt Maxey, the ASL performer who further blew up during Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl performance this past February, leveraged the program as a pivotal career stepping stone.
In the words of Matt Maxey: “Being here at Coachella, getting behind-the-scenes access, and being able to connect with so many talented people has been a game changer.”
Trisha, who’s spent her career in the entertainment industry, reflected on the power of seeing people who look like her in positions of power: “It’s one thing to be in the industry, but it’s another to be surrounded by folks who understand your experience. This program is not just about career growth—it’s about seeing yourself in spaces that you never thought possible.”
The magic of A+ is that it doesn’t just fill the gaps—it creates new ones. By bringing BIPOC disabled professionals into Coachella’s vast production world, we’re changing the landscape for future generations to come.
20+ Departments, Endless Possibilities: The Mentorship Experience
Over 20 departments participated as mentors and hosted job-shadowing sites across Coachella, offering our A+ participants unparalleled exposure to the live events industry. From Marketing to ADA, Innovation/Tech, Artist Relations, Catering, and Operations, there was no shortage of learning opportunities. These departments weren’t just offering “shadowing”—they were offering insights, connections, and wisdom that will stick with these participants throughout their careers.
Each day, participants got a front-row seat to the massive work that goes into making Coachella a world-class event. Whether it was watching the logistics teams prepare the grounds, learning from the marketing department about how Coachella shapes its global brand, or understanding how the ADA team ensures the festival is accessible to everyone—each mentor gave these participants tools and insights they couldn’t get anywhere else.
*Interview cred: Elroy “EJ” Johnson IV
Core Values of A+: Building a Legacy of Access and Representation
What makes A+ truly special? It’s rooted in the belief that everyone deserves access, and more importantly, everyone deserves to thrive. This post by A+ alum and professional interpreter, Rodney Lebon, perfectly captures the reason for our mission:
We cannot expect change in spaces where the system has been built to exclude us. We have to be the ones to break down those doors. That’s what A+ is about—creating spaces for us because we belong.
A+ is more than mentorship; it’s a radical act of creating the spaces we deserve. It’s about ensuring that BIPOC disabled professionals aren’t just allowed into the room, but that the room is made better because they’re in it. It’s about creating opportunities for all—not just those with visible disabilities, but also those with invisible disabilities, and allowing them to see themselves in a live events industry that has so often been inaccessible.
Making Waves, Building Futures
The success of this year’s A+ program at Coachella goes beyond a weekend festival experience. It’s about paving the way for future leaders, connecting them with mentors who can open doors, and helping them develop a blueprint for their careers. Ignite’s role as A+’s Impact Producers is to manage and create career opportunities for our participants. From recruiting mentors and participants with intentionality to carefully matching them based on their goals and career aspirations, every step of the process is designed to create a meaningful and impactful experience.
It’s important to know that this accomplishment wouldn’t have been possible without incredible partners who are dedicated to making this program happen every year. A special shoutout goes to Sabeerah Najee, co-founder of A+, whose dedication to this program as the A+ Concept Producer has been vital in shaping the vision and ensuring we continue breaking new ground. Kieron Sampson from Better in Person, LLC has been the mastermind behind our operations and logistics as the Program Producer, ensuring everything runs smoothly. Pro Bono ASL, a Black-owned agency based in LA, has provided exceptional ASL interpreters to help create an accessible experience for all. And none other than Jen White Johnson, our brilliant Merch Designer, who helped bring the program’s visuals and identity to life.
We’re so proud of how our efforts have continued to make real impact, and we’re just getting started. With the strength of this amazing team, we’re creating a future where accessibility, opportunity, and representation are the norm at every live event.
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About Accessible+: A+ is an immersion opportunity for BIPOC professionals with disabilities to experience the Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival, build community and learn about opportunities in the live event industry. The program is designed for experienced and entry level talent, production crew, and artist who are interested in the live events industry. Participants receive mentorship, guidance, and exclusive access to support their career endeavors. Our mission is to amplify the intersectionality of BIPOC people with disabilities by celebrating disability joy, collective care, and creating a path to a new festival experience
About Ignite by Keri Gray: Ignite specializes in advancing discussions and strategies around intersectionality, disability, and racial justice within workplaces and communities. Keri works with a variety of clients, from non-profits to corporate entities and educational institutions, providing them with the tools and insights needed to foster inclusive cultures and policies. She offers a robust suite of services designed to foster meaningful change and enhance community and organizational wellbeing.
