Carolyn Ortiz

Carolyn Ortiz is a dynamic music executive with over 15 years of experience at the intersection of music, brand partnerships, and the creator economy. A passionate advocate for a more equitable and sustainable industry, she is also an award-winning mentor committed to supporting both emerging artists and creative professionals.

Carolyn is the Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer of Big.Ass.Kids (B.A.K)—a full-scale music ecosystem offering distribution, artist services, and a vibrant community hub. In 2024, she spearheaded the launch of The B.A.K Play.Ground, a platform connecting artists, agencies, and labels with a vetted network of music professionals. Most recently, she introduced The B.A.K Sandbox, a 501(c)(3) initiative supporting music workers affected by industry layoffs.

In addition to her leadership at B.A.K, Carolyn serves on the board of Mamas in Music and actively mentors through programs including NYU's Clive Davis Institute, She Is the Music, and Femme It Forward.

Her journey began in New York City’s influential blog era, where she carved a niche in indie music, live event production, and brand partnerships. Balancing a dual career, she worked as a freelance publicist by night while building business development chops at Chanel and Viacom by day. In 2015, she joined Universal Music Group to help launch the first centralized brand partnerships team at a major label.

Carolyn’s work centers on creating opportunity—from developing internship pipelines to facilitating meaningful industry connections. Her efforts have guided dozens of young professionals and aspiring entrepreneurs, earning her the Mentorship Award from Live Nation’s Femme It Forward in 2024. In Fall 2025, she will join NYU’s Clive Davis Institute as an adjunct professor.

Whether behind the scenes or building new pathways forward, Carolyn remains committed to pushing music culture ahead—and making space for the people who shape it.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pagecarolyn/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_carolynortiz_/

Company Website: www.bigasskids.com