In this exclusive Q&A session, get to know Adiana Perez, the vibrant and talented intern and producer of the "Giving While Black" podcast, as she shares her journey, her passion for music, and her commitment to making a positive impact. Adiana sat down with Barron J. Damon, the host of Giving While Black, to discuss her perspective on philanthropy and more.
Q1: Can you introduce yourself and tell us a bit about your background?
Adi: Of course! My name is Adiana, but everyone calls me Adi for short. I'm 21 years old, born and raised in Durham, North Carolina. I graduated from high school in 2019, and I'm currently on the verge of heading to college, finally.
Q2: I understand that you've been singing since before you could talk. Can you share more about your musical journey and the role it plays in your life?
Adi: Music has always been a part of my life. My mother used to say that I started singing before I could even talk, so it's like I was humming out of the womb. I owe my love for singing to my grandad, who passed down the gift of song to me. I find singing incredibly powerful and a way to express myself, and it's a passion that I carry with me every day.
Q3: Do you have a favorite song that you love to sing, and what makes it special to you?
Adi: One song that's always on my mind and close to my heart is "Feeling Good," originally written by Nina Simone. Some people might know the Michael Bublé version. This song is incredibly powerful, and it allows me to showcase my vocal range while telling a beautiful story. Singing it makes me feel amazing, and I hope to share it with the world someday.
Q4: We share a connection through our grandfathers, who were both passionate singers. Can you tell us more about this shared love for music and what it means to you?
Adi: It's incredible how music can connect people across generations. Barron's grandfather sang in a group called the Dixie Hummingbirds, and my grandad also loved to sing. This shared love for music has brought us together and is a beautiful reminder of how powerful music can be in creating bonds and memories.
Q5: You've recently joined the "Giving While Black" podcast as an intern and producer. Can you describe your role and what you hope to achieve through it?
Adi: In my role as an intern and producer, I see myself as a behind-the-scenes assistant. My goal is to support Barron in every way possible, from brainstorming podcast ideas to identifying potential guests who can share their stories of philanthropy and social impact. I'm excited to learn from Barron and help bring meaningful content to our audience.
Q6: What inspired you to choose this role with the "Giving While Black" podcast, and how does it align with your personal values and aspirations?
Adi: My journey has been about finding my true calling and purpose. I've always felt a deep desire to give back to people, but I wasn't sure where to start. When the opportunity to join the podcast came along, I couldn't resist. It aligns perfectly with my passion for making a difference and helping others. It feels like the path I was meant to be on.
Q7: Could you share a transformative experience or moment that solidified your commitment to philanthropy and making a positive impact?
Adi: In 2016, I went on a mission trip to Tijuana, Mexico, organized by my church. Despite not speaking Spanish, I was able to connect with people through music and faith. We were able to bring shelter, food, and even build houses and a church. It was a life-changing experience that showed me the power of giving back and the impact it can have on people's lives.
Q8: What are your long-term aspirations in the field of philanthropy, and how do you see yourself making a difference?
Adi: My long-term goal is to continue giving back to those in need and making a positive impact on the world. I hope to build relationships with people from all over the world and collaborate on projects that bring about positive change. My mission is to uplift, amplify, and celebrate the incredible work of philanthropists, especially those in the Black community.
In Adiana, the "Giving While Black" podcast has found not just an intern and producer but a passionate advocate for making the world a better place. With her dedication to philanthropy and her unwavering commitment to giving back, Adi is poised to become a force for good, leaving a lasting impact on the hearts of listeners and inspiring future philanthropists.
To hear the work that Adi has produced for the Giving While Black podcast series, please visit us here. Explore the podcast series for in-depth conversations with Black people and people of color who are actively contributing to their local communities, both nationally and globally.
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