Kimberly Hurtarte on Authentic Leadership and Purpose-Driven Partnership

With roots in the arts and a heart for justice, Kimberly Hurtarte is redefining what it means to lead from the inside out.

From Tour Manager to Trusted Advisor

Kimberly Hurtarte’s journey into social impact didn’t begin in a nonprofit office—it started backstage. Raised between Mexico and the U.S., Kimberly carved a unique career blending her passions for music, community, and global service.

Her early experiences in synchronized swimming and later with the Peace Corps led her into disaster relief, international development, and ultimately, the entertainment industry. “I was always the one who knew about charity,” she said. Friends tapped into her nonprofit knowledge, and soon she was leading Linkin Park’s disaster response program and advising artists on social impact.

Now as Executive Director of the Make Yourself Foundation and a key voice in the Latino Community Foundation’s LA Giving Circle, Kimberly helps artists use their platforms to drive real change—by connecting passion to purpose.

Leading with Authenticity (Not Perfection)

For Kimberly, everything starts with authenticity. In an industry often driven by image and pressure, she’s built a career by asking artists to reflect inward before reaching outward.

“There’s a fear of being canceled,” she shared. “But if you’re curious and care, you leave room to grow. Forget outside pressure—tap into what really matters to you.”

This mindset has shaped campaigns like Incubus’ work around food insecurity. Rather than simply ask fans for donations, Kimberly’s team paired fundraising with digestible education, helping audiences understand issues like food deserts and hunger in the U.S. Transparency became central: “If you’re going to ask fans to give, be honest about where the money goes—and how the artist is investing, too.”

Building Partnerships That Amplify, Not Compete

One of Kimberly’s most powerful tools is collaboration. She emphasizes building values-aligned partnerships—not for competition, but amplification.

At the Make Yourself Foundation, that means taking on fiduciary responsibilities, managing grant applications, and regranting funds to grassroots partners who are closest to the work. “Good intentions aren’t enough,” she said. “Everyone—artists, funders, nonprofits—needs to be detailed, inclusive, and deliberate in their decision-making.”

Naming the Gaps—and the Power to Say No

Kimberly challenges nonprofits to rethink the assumption that they must accept every grant or opportunity that comes their way. “You have the power to say no,” she said. “Sometimes the funding doesn’t align. Sometimes you just don’t have the bandwidth.”

She sees a critical gap in the nonprofit sector around capacity and boundaries—especially for smaller orgs and leaders of color. “Burnout is real. We need to be honest about what we can take on. Presence matters. And sometimes the most powerful thing we can do is step back to show up fully when it counts.”

Reclaiming the Narrative in Philanthropy

From her seat on multiple boards to her work within LCF’s Giving Circle, Kimberly is clear-eyed about the future of philanthropy—and the risks of performative DEI. “There’s a growing gap,” she said. “We’re watching corporations abandon equity commitments. But real change only happens when good business meets good social practice.”

She’s calling for a reimagined sector—one where Black and Brown leaders shape strategies, where data is collected with respect, and where people are empowered to lead in their lanes. “We don’t need more cooks in the kitchen. We need more trust in the chefs already cooking.”

Final Reflection

Kimberly Hurtarte reminds us that progress doesn’t come from perfection—it comes from purpose. Whether she’s advising artists, guiding foundations, or lifting up grassroots leaders, she brings a spirit of clarity, curiosity, and conviction.

“Be uncomfortable,” she said. “There’s growth in that discomfort. Real change doesn’t come from playing it safe—it comes from showing up, asking questions, and being willing to evolve.”

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