We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Kim Ortiz a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Kim, thanks for joining us today. Day to day the world can seem like a tough place, but there’s also so much kindness in the world and we think talking about that kindness helps spread it and make the world a nicer, kinder place. Can you share a story of a time when someone did something really kind for you?

It’s hard to choose just one act of kindness that’s shaped my life, but there’s a common thread among them all, people who made me believe my dreams weren’t too big. One that stands out is my ninth-grade English teacher, Mrs. Richott. She noticed my love for poetry and told me I was ready for her honors English class. I resisted, mostly because my friends were in her regular class during my lunch period, but she saw something I didn’t.

She even wrote a note to my parents, urging them to move me up, and the next week, I was in her honors English period. At first, I was upset about losing lunch with my friends, but soon I realized I’d gained much more. I was finally being challenged, learning to adapt, and discovering more advanced literature.

Mrs. Richott’s belief in me taught me early on the power of someone seeing your potential, even before you do. Her small act of kindness helped me build confidence, flexibility, and a lifelong drive to keep stretching beyond what feels comfortable.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’m the Co-founder and Executive Director of The L.O.V.E. Academy, a fiscally sponsored project of the Arts and Business Council that serves youth ages 13–17 through programs in arts and skilled trades, financial literacy, and career readiness. Alongside that, I work as a licensing manager for a boutique publishing administration company and have spent over a decade in the music industry.

People often ask how I balance a full-time job with running an organization, and for me, it always comes down to three guiding principles: faith, time management, and passion.

I moved to Tennessee twelve years ago to attend Middle Tennessee State University, where I earned my degree in Music Business, followed by a Master of Arts in Global Entertainment from Berklee College of Music. Finding my footing in the industry wasn’t easy, but every challenge led me closer to where I am today.

Even as I built my career in music, I felt a pull to do something more, something that blended my love for music, philanthropy, and youth empowerment. That spark came from my ninth-grade English teacher, who believed in me long before I believed in myself. Her simple act of kindness changed the course of my life and inspired me to pour into young people the way she poured into me.

When the pandemic hit, it gave me space to pause and refocus. After being laid off from my job in L.A. in 2020, I moved back to Nashville and began laying the groundwork for what would become the L.O.V.E. Academy alongside my sister and Co-founder, Kirsten with the help of our amazing board of directors.

We launched our pilot summer empowerment camp in June 2025, and since then, we’ve watched our students grow in confidence, creativity, and purpose. One of our proudest moments came when our youth band, LOVE United, opened for Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit at the Ryman this fall. Seeing our students take that stage reminded me exactly why we started this journey—to create access, opportunity, and unforgettable moments that help shape the next generation.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

I love this question because while it’s complex, the answer for me is simple—kindness and follow-through. Every room I’ve entered, every table I’ve been invited to, and every opportunity I’ve received has come from leading with kindness. It might not always close the deal, but it always builds genuine connections and those connections are what open doors.

Once you’re in the room, it’s all about follow-through. Do what you say you’ll do. That consistency builds trust and credibility. I didn’t go to school to be a business owner; I went to school to be a music executive. So, stepping into the nonprofit world came with a steep learning curve. But I’ve learned that people want to work with those who are sincere, authentic, and dependable.

When others see that you mean what you say and that you’ll show up every time, your name starts traveling into rooms long before you do. That’s been my experience, and I don’t take it for granted. I’m incredibly grateful and blessed for the reputation I’ve built and the partnerships we’ve formed with organizations equally committed to uplifting our communities.

We’d love to hear about how you met your business partner.

I’ve had the privilege of knowing my Co-founder, Kirsten Albritton, my entire life as she’s my sister! Kirsten is one of the most talented and passionate people I know, and yes, I may be biased, but her experience and accomplishments speak for themselves. She’s a lifelong educator with over 12 years in the field and currently serves as the Director of C.A.P.E., Meharry’s adult education program.

We come from a family of educators, so when we decided to bring the L.O.V.E. Academy to life, I leaned heavily on her expertise in the classroom; everything from lesson planning and curriculum development to professional growth for teachers. While my background is in music, L.O.V.E. Academy is, at its core, an organization focused on education and access.

Our shared vision is to empower the next generation of leaders and continue expanding our reach to more cities, creating even greater opportunities for youth to learn, grow, and thrive.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.loveacademynashville.org
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/loveacademynash
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Love-Academy-Nashville-61576154202169/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-l-o-v-e-academy

Image Credits

Austin Sena
Jackie Marks
Kim Ortiz