Championing Diversity from Concerts to Classrooms: Meet Javier Simons, Professional MBA Student

Describe your career journey including your current role and company.

Originally from Panama, I moved to Texas in 2001 to pursue a career in music and entertainment. I started as a talent buyer and promoter for venues in Houston, Dallas and Austin. Later, I joined the Benedetti Group, the largest LGBTQIA+ agency in the world at the time, as a regional booking agent. In this role, I oversaw the growth and development of markets in the Western U.S., Latin America, Mexico and Spain, building close relationships with music icons like Aqua, LeAnn Rimes, Deborah Cox, Camila Cabello, Trixie Mattel and RuPaul.

Currently, I am the president and founder of KOQ Agency, a boutique entertainment agency focused on booking, touring and promoting Queer and Ally music acts. KOQ Agency was selected for the 2024 OwlSpark cohort and earned me a nomination for EY's 2024 Entrepreneur of the Year Award. 

Tell us more about your agency and why you founded it. 

KOQ Agency curates global touring experiences for Queer and Ally artists in the drag, music and entertainment industries. We focus on understanding each artist’s unique brand, their impact and their social responsibility. Our goal is to connect fans with their favorite performers, no matter where they are. We are currently wrapping up a national pride tour across the country. 

What motivated you to join Out & Allied?

I wanted to amplify the visibility of my community and initiate discussions on campus that are underrepresented, particularly those about diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) and LGBTQIA+ rights. I aim to challenge people's comfort zones, pushing them to think more deeply and empathetically.

What role do you currently play in the club, and what initiatives are you most proud of?

I served as the first-year representative for the PMBAs and currently sit on the board, providing guidance and support for our club's initiatives. 

One standout event was our TRANS:Parency conversation. This initiative educates MBA students on fair hiring practices and supports our transgender community members in professional settings. 

How has the PMBA program impacted your personal and professional journey?

Attending Rice fulfilled a lifelong dream for me. Returning to graduate school was a significant and scary step, and being accepted into my top-choice school was a moment of immense pride. The friendships I've made here are like family, and the experiences are so grand I can't put them into words. Walking these halls has been a privilege, allowing me to grow personally while contributing positively to our community. 

My passions lie in music and business. Perhaps it sounds corny, but I'm pursuing my dream career — using music to uplift and enrich diverse communities.

Javier Simons is a Professional MBA student in the Class of 2025.