AIMP LA Chapter Awards 2nd Annual ‘Linda Komorsky Liker AIMP Scholarship’ to Rising Cal Poly Pomona Senior
 

May 21, 2021 – The Los Angeles Chapter of the Association of Independent Music Publishers (AIMP) presented its second annual Linda Komorsky Liker AIMP Scholarship to Justine Hawelu on May 20th during the latest installment of the AIMP’s weekly webinar series — “All About NFTs.” Hawelu, who is entering her senior year at Cal Poly Pomona pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Music (with an emphasis in Music Industry Studies) and minoring in Marketing Management, will be awarded $5,000 to help her continue her education.

The Scholarship Committee — Barbie Quinn, BMI and AIMP LA Chapter Secretary; Eric Polin, Universal Pictures and AIMP LA Chapter Board Member; Kathy Spanberger, peermusic and former AIMP LA Chapter President; and Liz Redwing, AIMP Administrative Director — reviewed many qualified applicants and recommended Hawelu, who was unanimously confirmed by the AIMP LA Chapter Board of Directors. 

Justine Hawelu
 

“I am extremely honored to receive this incredible scholarship from the AIMP,” said Hawelu. “This award will be incredibly helpful as I continue my education at Cal Poly Pomona, embrace this ever-evolving industry, and work toward inspiring other women like Linda Komorsky Liker inspired me.” 

Hawelu is currently interning at a virtual music venue called The Den as their Floor Director. She was also named the 2021 recipient of the NAMM President’s Innovation Award and participated as a panelist at NextGen (NAMM) and Vibe Movement during her time at Cal Poly Pomona. 

“The AIMP is proud to announce Justine Hawelu as the recipient of the Linda Komorsky Liker AIMP Scholarship,” said Teri Nelson Carpenter, Los Angeles Chapter President of the AIMP, as well as President and CEO of Reel Muzik Werks, LLC. “Justine’s academic achievements, as well as her work outside the classroom, are inspiring. She is a shining example of the type of person we strive to honor each year with this award.

Barbie Quinn, Scholarship Committee Chairperson, added, “Since we began the AIMP Scholarship program two years ago, we’ve had the pleasure of choosing a deserving student from an abundance of qualified candidates that have applied. The future of the music business and independent music publishing is truly bright thanks to individuals like Justine.”

In addition to Hawelu’s scholarship presentation, the May 20th “All About NFTs” webinar featured a conversation with panelists Alexandra Damsker (Attorney), and Kay Hanley (Co-Executive Director, SONA). They discussed smart contracts vs. underlying rights contracts, the technology of tokens, and rights issues and concerns for music rights-holders interested in selling music copyrights as NFTs. The panel was moderated by Abby North (Principal, North Music Group, AIMP LA Chapter Board Member). 

To become an AIMP member or check your membership status, visit www.aimp.org/register. Future webinars will be announced at www.aimp.org/events.
 

About Linda Komorsky Liker
Linda Komorsky Liker was a highly respected music publishing executive and adviser who is best known for handling the administration of Steve Miller’s music catalog. In 1982, she founded International Music Services and served as its President for five years. She went on to become President of the USA Branch of EG Music, SVP of International Acquisitions and Marketing at BMG Music Publishing, SVP of Business Affairs at TouchTunes, and SVP and General Manager at Dimensional Music Publishing. Along the way she worked with a variety of artists and songwriters, including Miller, Sting, Graham Nash, Jennifer Warnes, Michael McDonald, Randy Newman, Danny Elfman, and Harold Faltermeyer. Komorsky Liker was also a member of several professional organizations, serving as President of the AIMP and Secretary of the California Copyright Conference. She passed away in October 2014 after a traffic accident.
 

About AIMP
The Association of Independent Music Publishers (AIMP) was formed in 1977 and has local chapters in Los Angeles, New York, and Nashville. The organization’s primary focus is to educate and inform music publishers about the most current industry trends and practices by providing a forum for the discussion of the issues and problems confronting the music publishing industry. The opportunity to exchange ideas and opinions with others on issues of mutual concern is fostered by the atmosphere at the AIMP’s monthly meetings, forums, and workshops, the videos of which can be seen (along with more general info on the organization) at www.aimp.org.
 

AIMP Media Contact
Laurie Jakobsen, Jaybird Communications — laurie@jaybirdcom.com, 646.484.6764 
Bill Greenwood, Jaybird Communications – bill@jaybirdcom.com, 609.221.2374