The stage is calling Sophia Alfa who dreams of being a performing artist — one who sells out concerts globally! But, this Paliwal Club of 100 Music Scholars Fund winner is also a seriously accomplished student, too, finishing out her senior year at Hawaii Pacific University, where she is dual-majoring in Finance and International Studies.

What is your professional dream?

I want to be a performing artist, selling out concerts globally

What does being in the Paliwal Club of 100 mean to you? 

I feel blessed, I did not expect this. As a student pursuing her career, the expenses add up. I am financially supporting myself.

Women are underrepresented in the S.T.E.A.M. (science, tech, arts or math) fields and music industry. How can we change this? 

I believe that creating a community of women that believe in one another and rely on teamwork rather than competing with one another is critical.

What are some of the challenges you have faced along the way?

I have really been challenged by not being taken seriously and also feeling under-appreciated — even in professional settings.

How will this grant from the 1,000 Dreams Fund help you reach your goals?

It will help me produce my debut album and create promotional content, as well, which is something I’ve needed for more than six months now.