Through targeted initiatives, NABFEME empowers the next generation of women in music & entertainment by bridging the gap between ambition and leadership. NABFEME was founded in the summer of 1999 by entertainment industry executive, Johnnie Walker. In this era, entertainment business conferences were the key point of visibility, connectivity and inclusion. Ms Walker noticed that these events rarely focused on women, nor did they provide a female perspective or basic content that offered career support for women. Another interesting point was few of the entertainment companies had women of color in decisions-making positions. the National Association of Black Female Executives in Music & Entertainment, Inc. . Ms Walker's desire for change ignited the creation of NABFEME; a vehicle that would increase the awareness of Black women in entertainment, raise their profile and provide opportunities to network, engage, learn, and gain access to industry leaders. Once the organization was formally setup, Ms Walker recruited several female business leaders in entertainment to become a part of the founding board… and NABFEME became a reality. The organization was formed to create a networking, support and empowerment resource for professional women of color in music and entertainment. Based in New York, the mission of the organization would be economic and career development for women. The first meetings were held via teleconference and included Toni Bell, Michelle Madison, Gwen Priestly, Vanessa Barryer, Ramona Harrison-Hardy and Ms Walker. The original six were visionary women who understood the importance of lending their time, energy and experience to creating an organization that would be dedicated to empowering, mentoring and promoting Black women in entertainment. While music and entertainment was the core foundation of NABFEME... the purpose of the organization has evolved to include industries and fields that impact entertainment. A.first class worldwide organization with 20 Networks than span the USA, Canada and Africa... the vision and values that were conceived at the very first meeting of NABFEME remain constant today.
