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

Alright, Nicole thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?

Acoustics for Autism has become an iconic event in our area and watching it grow from one stage with 17 bands to 8 stages with 90 bands has been an amazing thing to experience.

Nicole, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

My name is Nicole Khoury. I’m a Judge in Toledo Municipal Court, the frontwoman of the Toledo based rock band, Arctic Clam, and the Founder of the Autism charity, Project iAm whose main annual event is Acoustics for Autism. Taking my love for music, and my passion for the community, I was able to create an organization that is truly unique. We’ve remained 100% volunteer based since our first event on March 9, 2008, and 15 years later are known for hosting the biggest free music event in the country, having distributed over $700,000 to families in our area living with Autism Spectrum Disorders.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

Helping others with my craft. Seeing children respond to music in a way that their parents have never seen before. Realizing that music is something that influences, and heals people all over the world.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

Being a judge, I am no longer able to “fundraise” or speak of anything that has to do with the solicitation of funds. Being the face and the front person for Project iAm had to take a back seat. I have had to adjust my role in my own organization to completely behind the scenes, which is very hard for me to do. Luckily, I have a husband who has been well versed in the organization and can do all the public work for the charity!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.acousticsforautism.com
• Instagram: acousticsforautism
• Facebook: projectiam