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

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. 

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

Highlights 

• 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 “La Isla Bonita.” Do you know the artist? 

• Witness Ortiz’s 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? 

Gain 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.


• Ortiz shares her vision for the future of the music industry, predicting trends and possibilities.