New Hires: Welcome Reese + Aja!

We’re welcoming two new, amazing, and talented individuals to our full-time team at the Hive, and we’re excited for you to meet them both!

Reese and Aja are joining us as Experience Designers. Reese will lead our programming efforts and take over the Soundbox, while Aja will manage the Print Lab and Sewing Shed spaces. Read on to learn more about them both!

Reese 

Hometown: Las Vegas
Favorite Place(s) in Claremont: Folk Music Center and Iron & Kin
Something that fuels your creativity: Books, movies, and my friends

What brought you to the Hive (first as a student staffer) and why now?

I started working at the Hive as a Soundbox Engineer when I was a sophomore at Pomona because I wanted to be part of a community that made music together. Music has always been a part of my life, and being able to do that while meeting new people and becoming a part of their artistic process is what continues to bring me to the Hive every day!

What does programming/event planning, and all things sound-making matter to you?

Something I’ve noticed a lot lately during post-grad is the odd feeling of doing most daily things by myself, and most of those activities being tailored toward individuals rather than a group or community. I find that the Hive feels the opposite – every workshop I’ve been to or led has been thoughtful in its approach to bringing people together, whether through music or another medium. And, in general, I think we need more face-to-face interactions in the world!

What are you excited about as you enter this new role at the Hive?

I’m excited to learn how to be a mentor for student staff the most! The XDs, when I first started at the Hive, were such a positively impactful part of my time here, and I hope to follow in their footsteps.

Aja 

Hometown: Greenville, South Carolina
Favorite Place(s) in Claremont: Kazama Sushi in the Village
Something that fuels your creativity: Interacting with strangers

What brought you to the Hive? 

What drew me to the Hive was its welcoming atmosphere and the kind people who are committed to fostering a collaborative and creative space for students. I am excited to work in an arts education space that feels both approachable and accessible.

Why does making and creativity matter to you? 

I am a visual artist who has a practice of working in textiles, so creating art is a huge part of what brings me joy and purpose in life. My art has also made me feel closer to my family. A lot of my practice revolves around images from old family photo albums, which have helped me connect with my loved ones.

What are you excited about as you enter this new role at the Hive?

I am most excited to support students and community members in reaching their creative goals at the Hive. I hope to empower people to pursue fulfilling projects that will allow them to tap into their imaginative potential.

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by Salina Muñoz, Reese Rosebeck, + Aja Trice