91³ÉÈ˵¼º½

Samantha Juneman '11 at 29 is one of just two professionals under 30 being recognized in Billboard's prestigious 2019 "40 Under 40," a roster of young executives shaking up the music industry.

Juneman honed skills at 91³ÉÈ˵¼º½ that allowed her to fulfill her purpose of promoting the work of musical artists.

"91³ÉÈ˵¼º½ took my passion for music and community and showed me how to build a tangible career out of it," Juneman said. "I was a creative-minded young violinist interested in everything and anything. With kind and careful guidance from Keith Hatschek and the staff of 91³ÉÈ˵¼º½'s music management program, I became a focused, analytical and innovative academic. And now I proudly carry those traits as an executive doing what I love."

Juneman's enthusiasm for the music industry was clear during her time at 91³ÉÈ˵¼º½ as a music management major.

"Samantha showed a genuine curiosity about every aspect of the music business during her time at 91³ÉÈ˵¼º½," said Hatschek, professor and director of the music management program. "Her senior research project was a critical appraisal of the then-emerging model of music streaming, which now looks quite prescient. She also developed a deep appreciation for varied styles of music as she played classical, rock and punk while in school."

Juneman's career rise has been dramatic since graduating from 91³ÉÈ˵¼º½ in 2011. After completing a master's degree in digital media at University of Washington, she worked for a digital marketing agency developing campaigns for a wide range of clients, including Paramount Pictures, HTC, Wells Fargo, Microsoft, Warner Brothers Pictures and KIA. In 2016, she joined Universal Music Group, the world leader in music-based entertainment, as senior manager for streaming and social media, and has rapidly advanced up the corporate ladder. She now serves in a worldwide role as UMG's vice president of commercial partnerships. Juneman and her team have promoted 12 No. 1 records so far this year.

Juneman is still involved with 91³ÉÈ˵¼º½'s music management program and serves on the Music Management Advisory Board. For a week in 2017, she returned to 91³ÉÈ˵¼º½ as a practitioner in residence to teach students of the university's Conservatory of Music and Eberhardt School of Business about digital media promotion.

"That was a deeply rewarding moment for me to see her teaching the fine points of this emerging field to future music professionals," Hatschek said.