Today we’d like to introduce you to Kim Ortiz
Kim, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My story is a journey of tenacity, passion and an undying determination to do great work. I’ve been in the music industry for 11 years working in various facets including artist management, consulting, and more recently publishing. About 10 years ago, I had a vision to create an organization dedicated to serving Nashville teens with after-school and summer programming across various content areas such as culinary arts, songwriting, filmmaking, entrepreneurship, vocational training and STEM. In June of 2024 I founded The L.O.V.E. Academy (Leadership. Opportunity. Vision. Empowerment) alongside Co-founder, Kirsten Albritton. We are a fiscally sponsored project of the Arts and Business Council of Greater Nashville. I couldn’t be more thrilled to launch this program with a phenomenal group of visionaries who serve on our board (Eboné Merrimon -Vice-President, Josh Wesley -Treasurer, and Thalia Ewing – Programming Chair). I’ve accomplished so much in my career, but there is no work that is more fulfilling than preparing the next generation for adulthood and life. I truly believe that God planted this seed in my heart and it’s been an honor to water it and watch it bloom.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It’s been a bumpy road, but I tend to look at it as approaching speed bumps; they aren’t meant to deter me or put me off course, but rather slow me down and force to me refocus on the path ahead. I knew from a very young age that I wanted to combine philanthropy with art and entertainment. It’s been a lot of “Nos” and at times, chasing windmills. I’m a dreamer, which means I sometimes become captive to my own ambitions. But, when I shifted my perspective and surrendered to the will of God and the passion inside of my heart, I was able to be more intentional about executing my ideas and navigating the adversity that inevitably comes with life and entrepreneurship.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
The L.O.V.E. Academy (Leadership, Opportunity, Vision, and Empowerment) is a fiscally sponsored project of the Arts & Business Council of Greater Nashville (a nonprofit organization) that serves Nashville high school teens (grades 9-12) with after-school and summer programming across various content areas such as culinary arts, songwriting and recording, film/content production, vocational training, communications, entrepreneurship, and STEM. Our goal is to encourage teens to reach their full potential and develop life skills that will enable them to be self-sufficient, empowered, and thoughtful leaders in their professional and personal lives beyond high school.
Our mission is to equip teens with supplemental education and exposure to an array of career opportunities through uniquely tailored after-school and summer programming, led by highly skilled professionals.
What sets us a part from other youth programs is our dedication to serving teens ages 14-18. Our vision is to narrow the wealth gap for teens with financial, physical, and environmental hardships by offering paid apprenticeships, internships, and certifications – leading to a more independent and financially stable future. In turn, it is our long-term goal to reduce teenage dropout rates while also lowering the likelihood of truancy and juvenile delinquency within Davidson County.
Additionally, our mission is to meet teens with compassion, offer a sense of belonging, and create a safe, welcoming space where they can heal, grow, and uncover their true potential.
This summer, we are excited to host our Summer Empowerment Camp beginning June 2, 2025. To register, please visit www.loveacademynashville.org.
We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
I think success is measured by the will in our hearts combined with the strength, courage, integrity, and drive to convert that will into a tangible outcome. It’s not about how many times we’ve been knocked down or failed but rather our ability to adapt and overcome until every last no becomes one yes.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.loveacademynashville.org
- Instagram: @loveacademynash
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/loveacademynashville
