Founding Directors
Victoria Lipscomb (they/them)
Victoria Lipscomb is distinguished in the Colorado Springs community primarily for their leadership and vision as the co-founder and co-director of Unity Project. This initiative stands as a beacon of social change, merging the arts with social justice principles. Under Victoria's guidance, Unity Project has been pivotal in crafting inclusive and equitable spaces that harness the transformative power of the arts. Their work, deeply rooted in over a decade of commitment to racial justice and bolstered by their expertise as a certified DEIB (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging) facilitator, has positioned Unity Project as a key player in advocating for societal change.
In addition to their vital work at Unity Project, Victoria leads Community Anchor Academy, an organization aimed at countering generational poverty through enriched adult educational experiences. As Director of this academy, formerly known as CommunityWorks-Colorado Springs, Victoria drives programs that empower adults with critical skills and knowledge, fostering sustainable career development and personal growth.
Victoria's previous role as Music Director at First Baptist Church, where they led in various capacities including musical direction and tech supervision, further showcases their multifaceted leadership abilities. Their commitment to youth empowerment shone through as the co-founder and Artistic Director of Shine Nation from 2016 to 2020, where they enriched the lives of over 500 underserved youths. Additionally, their tenure as a conductor for the Pikes Peak Singers of the Colorado Springs Children’s Chorale highlights their dedication to nurturing young talent.
Victoria's journey in music, initiated at the tender age of five, has evolved into an expansive career that included leading roles such as the front person for Kopesetik Soul and co-hosting the vibrant Sunday Night Soul Sessions at the Zodiac. Their performances, spanning across Colorado as both a soloist and a collaborative percussionist, showcase a rich tapestry of talent and versatility. This musical odyssey is underpinned by a solid foundation in classical and jazz vocal studies, percussion, guitar, and conducting, further enriched by their adeptness in music technology, sound design, and editing.
Beyond their artistic endeavors, Victoria's deep involvement in community initiatives is evident. They have contributed significantly to various boards, including the Colorado ACDA Anti-Racism Task Force and The Bee Vradenburg Foundation. Underlining their commitment to impactful community engagement, Victoria is honored to currently serve on the Denver Black Reparation Council and The Citizens Project Board.
In all aspects of their life, Victoria seeks harmony between their professional pursuits and personal joys. They find inspiration and rejuvenation in travel and deeply value the time spent with loved ones, which continually fuels their passion for fostering creativity and driving meaningful social change.
Kim Schultz (she/her)
Kim Schultz is a seasoned conductor and music educator with a passion for fostering community through choral music. She leads Unity Project with a deep dedication to creating community rooted in equity and justice. As a facilitator in Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB), Kim works daily in the endeavor of dismantling her own biases and purposefully shifting the focus away from her own social identities.
Dedicated to creating opportunities for intergenerational musical collaboration, Kim founded X-VOX: Generations Joined in Song. Serving as its Artistic Director, she conducted a festival that brought singers of all ages together to perform major works with orchestras each spring, fostering a sense of unity and artistic excellence within the community. Most recently, Kim has conducted the Summit Ensemble of the Colorado Springs Children's Chorale, the Chamber Singers of the Colorado Springs Chorale, and served as the Music and Communications Director at First Christian Church.
Kim's educational background is a testament to her dedication to her craft. She earned her Masters of Music degree in Choral Conducting from the Lamont School of Music at the University of Denver, where she also served as a graduate teaching assistant for choirs. Her talent and dedication were further recognized when she was selected as a Conductor for the National Conducting Institute in Vancouver, BC, studying under the tutelage of Jon Washburn and the Vancouver Chamber Choir.
Prior to her graduate studies, Kim obtained her Bachelor of Arts in Music and History from Duke University in Durham, NC. Her senior thesis focused on the music of the Yup’ik people in Southwest Alaska, laying a solid foundation for her multifaceted approach to music and culture.
Beyond her musical pursuits, Kim manages the LIV Sotheby’s International Realty office in downtown Colorado Springs. Her ability to balance her passion for music with a successful career in real estate support speaks to her exceptional organizational skills and versatility.
Kim Schultz's impact on the Colorado music community extends beyond her conducting . She has been an active participant in shaping the choral landscape as a member of the Colorado American Choral Directors Association (ACDA) board from 2015 to 2023. Kim currently serves on the board for the Cottonwood Center for the Arts and volunteers regularly for Project Angel Heart.
A lifelong learner and avid traveler, Kim's interests extend beyond music. She has dedicated over 25 years to studying mindfulness, cultural identities, and how mental and physical health play a part in our ability to live into our community. This continues to enrich her understanding of the world and inform her approach to music-making and community building.