The mission of the Well Dunn Foundation is to  provide inclusive and equitable experiences to socioeconomically diverse students who exhibit talent and passion that helps them realize their aspirations to work in the music and entertainment industry.  We do this by connecting them through educational forums (online and onsite), networking, mentorships with industry leaders and iconic internship scholarships to build out their skills and networking.

Well Dunn was founded in honor of Emily Dunn, a young professional in the entertainment industry, who exemplified the ethos of leadership: passion, integrity, confidence and deep engagement. Emily possessed a driving work ethic, which was nurtured through her volunteer and internship experiences in the production and operation side of the business. Well Dunn seeks out and rewards those who follow Emily’s successful, exceptional example by mentoring these future leaders, supporting their ambitions and providing scholarships, internships, and job placement assistance.

Emily Dunn, born November 1987, was raised in Atlanta, GA, and went to college at Washington University in St. Louis, MO. She had an early passion for the entertainment world. Emily found ways, beginning in high school, to ensure she worked in all facets of theatre – from acting to production to stage management. She wanted to learn it all. In 2005, her dreams coalesced when she attended her first Bonnaroo Festival. Emily found endless possibilities in the unique community that gathered at the various summer festivals held throughout the country. Not satisfied to merely participate, Emily, a dreamer, thrived on the energy it took to build these events, and enjoyed the finest details of establishing the signature characteristics that distinguish them. She began as an intern and volunteer at Bonnaroo among other national events, and in a few years became an indispensable component of the festival’s production machine. Emily worked each summer as a college student on festivals and participated in local college events and local venues. At the point of her tragic death in August 2011, shortly after college graduation, she was already a full-time employee with the Bonnaroo festival’s co-founder Superfly Presents. Her objectives each day were to help, learn and work with a group of people she admired in a world surrounded by the music she loved. As she gained experience it became very important to Emily that she share her knowledge to mentor others as they began their involvement with the festival industry. The rare combination of her indefatigable energy, intelligence and warm spirit made her a unique and gifted individual. She left her mark on everything she touched and positively impacted everyone with whom she came into contact.

As she always concluded, PEACE