Breaking Down Barriers: Womens Representation in the Music Industry

Published: Jan. 30, 2024, 6 a.m.

If you\u2019re feeling stuck in your pursuit of success in the music industry despite all the hard work and effort you\u2019re putting in \u2014 you\u2019re not alone! Karla Ortiz, founder of Monark Entertainment, delves into her struggles and victories as a woman of color in the entertainment industry.\xa0

Early in her career, Ortiz shaped digital marketing campaigns for megastars like Mary J. Blige, Rihanna, and Nelly Furtado. Decades later, she founded Monark Entertainment, an agency focused on streaming and digital marketing, with a particular emphasis on supporting women of color. Ortiz shares her experiences as a female executive, addresses challenges women face in the music industry, and advocates for strategic team-building and selective engagement.\xa0

Her journey took an exciting turn when she became a professor at the Los Angeles College of Music. Ortiz\u2019s story is a testament to resilience, adaptability, and the boundless possibilities that lie ahead for women in music and entertainment.

Highlights\xa0

  • Ortiz gives tips to college students on how to mine LinkedIn and social media to find the type of internship you want.
  • Fun fact: Ortiz remembers her first cassette. Remember those? The song was \u201cLa Isla Bonita.\u201d Do you know the artist? \u2028
  • Witness Ortiz\u2019s pivotal shift from major music labels to entrepreneurship, a decision that reshaped her career.
  • Quiz: What are the four most essential platforms in the music industry? \u2028\u2028Gain valuable insights as Ortiz reflects on her journey as a female executive, sharing lessons learned on the challenging yet rewarding path of entrepreneurship.
  • Ortiz explains why she believes incubators for musicians are important and why they end up with a bigger cut of their work.\u2028\u2028
  • Ortiz shares her vision for the future of the music industry, predicting trends and possibilities.