Board of Directors
Our board is made up of committed professionals from various disciplines who share a passion for education and making a positive impact in the lives of teens. We strive to provide a safe and welcoming space for teens from all economic backgrounds to discover their true potential, learn new skills, and grow into their best selves.
Executive Board
Kim Ortiz
Co-Founder / President & Executive Director
Kim Ortiz is an author, entrepreneur and music executive with over a decade of experience in the recording industry. She is the founder of Prospective Media Management, a boutique artist services and consulting firm based in Nashville, TN.
Eboné Merrimon
Vice-President
Eboné is a media mogul, content creator, host, and radio personality on Nashville's Old School and R&B station, 92Q. She has successfully curated dynamic programming across 92Q, highlighting Nashville's eclectic and blooming local artists.
Kirsten Albritton
Co-Founder / Secretary
Kirsten is a highly experienced educational consultant, educator, and current director of Meharry's C.A.P.E. program. She brings a wealth of knowledge in educational policy, curriculum / instructional design, and advocacy.
Josh Wesley
Treasurer
Josh is an educator, musician, financial expert, community organizer, and activist who has a special knack for using music as a tool to educate people from all ages and backgrounds on politics and policies that greatly impact our youth and marginalized communities.
Dr. Adam Anthony
Education Chair
Dr. Adam Anthony is a leadership development strategist, educational consultant, and founder of EmpowerMENt by Dr. Adam. Drawing from his lived experience as a former foster care youth and same-race Black adoptee, he designs mentorship frameworks and leadership initiatives that help organizations build inclusive cultures where belonging drives performance and purpose.
LaTishia Jordan
Education Co-Chair
LaTishia L. Jordan is an education innovator, author, and tutoring industry leader with over 24 years of experience. Known as The Education Guru, she is the founder of Micheaux’s Learning Center, Stepping Stones Tutoring Center, and SSTC Academy, an online homeschool academy serving students worldwide. LaTishia has authored 20 workbooks and textbooks and is dedicated to helping learners and educators thrive
Thalia Ewing
Event Planning Chair
Thalia Ewing (aka Muziqueen) is a Nashville native with over 20 years of experience in the music industry, specializing in artist management, copyright, licensing, and royalty administration. She has held key roles at major music companies, working with iconic catalogs and top-tier artists. Thalia is the founder of Music Industry Connect (MIC) and Alvine Lynnyard, where she supports artists, songwriters, and creative entrepreneurs in maximizing the value of their work.
Chari Baker
Event Planning Co-Chair
Chari Baker brings a strong background in leadership, strategic planning, and community engagement, along with experience in fundraising, event planning, and communications. With a collaborative, solutions-oriented approach and a broad professional and nonprofit network, she focuses on connecting people and resources to turn ideas into actionable outcomes that create meaningful impact for the children and families served by Love Academy.
Kim Ayers
Community Partnerships & Fundraising Chair
Kim Ayers is a community advocate and policy leader with a deep personal connection to L.O.V.E. Academy, having witnessed its impact firsthand through her granddaughter’s experience. Inspired by the organization’s mission and leadership, Kim is committed to advancing mentorship, belonging, and empowerment for children and families. She brings professional experience in community advocacy, policy engagement, and program development through her work as a Care Ambassador with OurChance TN and her service on the Vision Zero Advisory Committee and Access Policy Advisory Committee. Guided by a leadership philosophy rooted in listening, learning, and collaboration, Kim is dedicated to building equitable systems and creating meaningful, lasting impact in the communities she serves.
Shetika Davis
Community Partnerships & Fundraising Co-Chair
Shetika Davis is a community-rooted leader dedicated to transforming Tennessee’s childcare ecosystem through advocacy, systems-building, and youth empowerment. As the founder of The Bridge Network, Bridging the Gap Learning Center, and The KRIS Foundation, Shetika works at the intersection of childcare policy, community development, and youth resilience. Her work focuses on expanding access to childcare, supporting in-home providers through training and advocacy, building trauma-informed youth leadership programs, creating safe spaces for families, and designing scalable systems that strengthen childcare, workforce, and community infrastructure.
join our board!
Are you passionate about youth development, dedicated to building community and ensuring the next generation of leaders are prepared for the real world? If so, we would are looking for YOU to join our board and make a difference in the lives of our youth.