BUSINESS LIFE
From boutique luxury wellness gatherings to cultural showcases to large-scale corporate conventions and conferences, Nicole’s work spans the spectrum of live experiences. This page captures the common thread: events as her professional calling.
Nicole’s professional journey began with a strong foundation in business. As a graduate of UC Berkeley’s Haas School of Business, she built over 20 years of experience in accounting and finance, including senior leadership roles that sharpened her skills in strategy, operations, and global business management. That discipline, structure, and financial expertise remain at the core of how she approaches every project.
She is passionate about events. Her journey has always been about more than logistics; it’s about creating experiences that move people. With over a decade of hands-on events experience, Nicole launched NDF Unbound in 2025 to bring logistical and operational expertise to large-scale corporate conventions, global conferences, and experiential activations.
Alongside that, she co-created Sistas Who Shine, curating luxury wellness and creative gatherings designed to uplift Black women and others who align with their frequency, and co-founded The Sassy Taurus, a bold self-care company that extends her event presence into markets and pop-ups across Las Vegas and Los Angeles.
This versatility is rooted in a wide foundation. What began with cultural collectives like Triba! and Vozolo Dance Company grew into producing internal corporate ceremonies, external workforce events, and community advocacy initiatives such as B.L.A.C.K.@Eastridge and Juneteenth365 LLC.
All of these experiences reflect the full arc of Nicole’s events journey, from boutique wellness gatherings and cultural showcases to global conventions with hundreds of thousands of attendees. Across every stage of her career, one thing has stayed the same: she designs and delivers experiences that connect people, celebrate community, and bring visions to life.
Nicole’s professional journey began with a strong foundation in business. As a graduate of UC Berkeley’s Haas School of Business, she built over 20 years of experience in accounting and finance, including senior leadership roles that sharpened her skills in strategy, operations, and global business management. That discipline, structure, and financial expertise remain at the core of how she approaches every project.
She is passionate about events. Her journey has always been about more than logistics; it’s about creating experiences that move people. With over a decade of hands-on events experience, Nicole launched NDF Unbound in 2025 to bring logistical and operational expertise to large-scale corporate conventions, global conferences, and experiential activations.
Alongside that, she co-created Sistas Who Shine, curating luxury wellness and creative gatherings designed to uplift Black women and others who align with their frequency, and co-founded The Sassy Taurus, a bold self-care company that extends her event presence into markets and pop-ups across Las Vegas and Los Angeles.
This versatility is rooted in a wide foundation. What began with cultural collectives like Triba! and Vozolo Dance Company grew into producing internal corporate ceremonies, external workforce events, and community advocacy initiatives such as B.L.A.C.K.@Eastridge and Juneteenth365 LLC.
All of these experiences reflect the full arc of Nicole’s events journey, from boutique wellness gatherings and cultural showcases to global conventions with hundreds of thousands of attendees. Across every stage of her career, one thing has stayed the same: she designs and delivers experiences that connect people, celebrate community, and bring visions to life.
NDF Unbound
Where Possibilities Are Infinite
Founded in 2025, NDF Unbound is Nicole D. Ford’s hub for event production, project management, consulting, and marketing. She created the company to bring together her corporate, creative, and cultural experience on a single platform.
Through NDF Unbound, Nicole delivers projects of all sizes from boutique activations and community milestones to large corporate conventions and global conferences. The practice focuses on event and project management, logistics, and on-site operations, ensuring every detail runs smoothly and every client’s vision is delivered with precision and care.
NDF Unbound reflects the full spectrum of Nicole’s journey, blending corporate, creative, and cultural expertise to design experiences that resonate on every level.
With over three decades of business experience, Nicole also partners with clients on consulting and creative solutions, including operational consulting, social media marketing, and design services such as graphics and digital content. These offerings equip entrepreneurs, small businesses, and organizations to grow their presence with the same discipline and creativity she brings to live events.
Live experiences sit at the center of her work, but the possibilities extend far beyond—hence the name NDF Unbound.
Connect with NDF Unbound on Linktree for a closer look at upcoming events, services, and collaborations.
Freelance / Contract / In-House
Large-Scale Live Events, Conventions & Trade Shows
(2012-2020; 2025-Present)
From 2012-2020 and picking back up in 2025, Nicole built her career in the heart of the live events industry, working across nearly every role imaginable at conferences, conventions, trade shows, and private corporate events in Las Vegas, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego.
She began as a freelance associate, hired for on-call projects that ranged from registration desks and exhibitor support to VIP and executive registration, show office management, and international delegation registration with the U.S. Department of Commerce. Her flexibility and professionalism led to repeat assignments for high-profile clients and shows of every scale—from intimate corporate meetings to expos and festivals drawing more than 100,000 attendees.
In 2018, Nicole joined Eastridge’s Convention Division in-house, where she was promoted three times in under two years. As Staffing & Project Coordinator, Recruiter, and eventually On-Site Manager, she coordinated recruitment, onboarding, scheduling, compliance, and payroll for 400+ associates, while supporting live logistics for global brands and large-scale productions.
Her portfolio during this period included flagship shows such as SEMA Show, Cisco IMPACT (formerly GSX), Dreamforce, Comic-Con, ConExpo-Con/Agg, Electric Daisy Carnival (EDC), Adobe Max, NAHB International Builders’ Show, and SHOT Show, among others. She gained first-hand experience with events ranging from 10,000 to 500,000 attendees.
These roles gave Nicole a front-row seat to some of the largest and most complex events in the country. She mastered logistics, vendor management, payroll operations, and client-facing relations, building a foundation that set her up to step confidently into leadership and produce events rooted in both creativity and operational excellence.
She began as a freelance associate, hired for on-call projects that ranged from registration desks and exhibitor support to VIP and executive registration, show office management, and international delegation registration with the U.S. Department of Commerce. Her flexibility and professionalism led to repeat assignments for high-profile clients and shows of every scale—from intimate corporate meetings to expos and festivals drawing more than 100,000 attendees.
In 2018, Nicole joined Eastridge’s Convention Division in-house, where she was promoted three times in under two years. As Staffing & Project Coordinator, Recruiter, and eventually On-Site Manager, she coordinated recruitment, onboarding, scheduling, compliance, and payroll for 400+ associates, while supporting live logistics for global brands and large-scale productions.
Her portfolio during this period included flagship shows such as SEMA Show, Cisco IMPACT (formerly GSX), Dreamforce, Comic-Con, ConExpo-Con/Agg, Electric Daisy Carnival (EDC), Adobe Max, NAHB International Builders’ Show, and SHOT Show, among others. She gained first-hand experience with events ranging from 10,000 to 500,000 attendees.
These roles gave Nicole a front-row seat to some of the largest and most complex events in the country. She mastered logistics, vendor management, payroll operations, and client-facing relations, building a foundation that set her up to step confidently into leadership and produce events rooted in both creativity and operational excellence.
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Conventions, Events & Project Management
Eastridge Workforce Solutions
(2018-2024)
Eastridge Workforce Solutions
(2018-2024)
Nicole began her journey with Eastridge Workforce Solutions in 2012 as a contractor in the Convention Division, supporting some of the largest conferences, trade shows, and corporate events on the West Coast. After several years rotating through different projects, she was brought in-house in 2018 and went on to earn multiple promotions, continuing to grow her career there until 2024. (More detail about her convention work appears further down this page.)
That foundation in conventions gave Nicole the strong logistics background she carried into her in-house projects, including experience supporting some of the largest live events in Las Vegas. Her favorite work always centered on project management and events, along with helping bring the B.L.A.C.K.@Eastridge Employee Resource Group to life.
From 2021 to 2024, Nicole reported directly to the President of Workforce Recruitment and the Chief of Staff as Strategic Delivery Manager (Project Manager), leading high-visibility projects and event production that improved operations, communication, and organizational performance. During this period, she produced major internal events, including the Corporate Headquarters Grand Opening in San Diego and the 2023 Company All-Hands Conference. She also led external-facing projects such as job fairs for Ukrainian refugees, Juneteenth recruitment and marketing activations, and a rapid-response hiring fair for Cue Health.
Alongside event production, Nicole managed large-scale initiatives such as launching a new Learning Management System with more than 100 training modules across 50 content creators. She designed learning paths, piloted test programs, and streamlined communications between stakeholders and developers. These projects strengthened her skills in both logistics and leadership and deepened her love for orchestrating events from planning through execution.
During her time at Eastridge, Nicole also served as a leader of B.L.A.C.K.@Eastridge, the company’s Black employee resource group, and as a leader of the Juneteenth Event Planning Committee. Creating space for advocacy, culture, and celebration inside the workplace was just as meaningful to her as the corporate projects themselves.
Below are some highlights of the events Nicole project managed at Eastridge, along with photos that show the energy and teamwork behind them.
That foundation in conventions gave Nicole the strong logistics background she carried into her in-house projects, including experience supporting some of the largest live events in Las Vegas. Her favorite work always centered on project management and events, along with helping bring the B.L.A.C.K.@Eastridge Employee Resource Group to life.
From 2021 to 2024, Nicole reported directly to the President of Workforce Recruitment and the Chief of Staff as Strategic Delivery Manager (Project Manager), leading high-visibility projects and event production that improved operations, communication, and organizational performance. During this period, she produced major internal events, including the Corporate Headquarters Grand Opening in San Diego and the 2023 Company All-Hands Conference. She also led external-facing projects such as job fairs for Ukrainian refugees, Juneteenth recruitment and marketing activations, and a rapid-response hiring fair for Cue Health.
Alongside event production, Nicole managed large-scale initiatives such as launching a new Learning Management System with more than 100 training modules across 50 content creators. She designed learning paths, piloted test programs, and streamlined communications between stakeholders and developers. These projects strengthened her skills in both logistics and leadership and deepened her love for orchestrating events from planning through execution.
During her time at Eastridge, Nicole also served as a leader of B.L.A.C.K.@Eastridge, the company’s Black employee resource group, and as a leader of the Juneteenth Event Planning Committee. Creating space for advocacy, culture, and celebration inside the workplace was just as meaningful to her as the corporate projects themselves.
Below are some highlights of the events Nicole project managed at Eastridge, along with photos that show the energy and teamwork behind them.
B.L.A.C.K.@EASTRIDGE
Operational Lead, Project Manager & Advisor (Volunteer, 2022–2023)
From plan to run-of-show, Nicole turns intention into experiences people feel.
Role & Scope
Behind-the-scenes program lead and project manager for B.L.A.C.K.@Eastridge. Served as the managerial liaison to the C-suite (CEO, CHRO, Chief of Staff, and the Board—incl. Board Member Bill McClelland) while guiding a junior leadership team—the leader behind the leaders. Partnered directly with the DE&I Task Force (alongside the Chief Human Resources Officer and Chief of Staff) to turn strategy into repeatable programs, events, and communications the organization could sustain.
Cross-Functional Leadership
Behind-the-scenes program lead and project manager for B.L.A.C.K.@Eastridge. Served as the managerial liaison to the C-suite (CEO, CHRO, Chief of Staff, and the Board—incl. Board Member Bill McClelland) while guiding a junior leadership team—the leader behind the leaders. Partnered directly with the DE&I Task Force (alongside the Chief Human Resources Officer and Chief of Staff) to turn strategy into repeatable programs, events, and communications the organization could sustain.
Cross-Functional Leadership
- Program Operations: Built the ERG operating cadence (monthly member meetings, quarterly allyship sessions), set agendas, drove action-item closure, and kept workstreams moving.
- Executive Partnership: Primary conduit to the CEO, CHRO, Chief of Staff, and the Board (incl. Bill McClelland); secured executive sponsorship and helped launch the Executive Sponsor 1:1 Program through the DE&I Task Force.
- Enterprise Alignment: Brought Sales, Marketing, Talent/HR, IT, Legal/Compliance, and Operations into a shared rhythm for approvals, resourcing, and measurement.
- Communications Engine: Led editorial planning for newsletters, internal blog features, video spotlights, and learning assets; partnered with Corporate Marketing to ensure timing, quality, and brand integrity.
- Meeting Leadership: Ran the monthly ERG meetings and quarterly allyship sessions from behind the scenes—agenda design, facilitation flow, materials, and follow-through.
B.L.A.C.K.@EASTRIDGE - Signature Initiatives (Selected)
Juneteenth Outreach Campaign (2022) — Committee Lead | Project Plan & Budget Owner
A company-wide awareness and recruiting push anchored by two San Diego festivals (June 18–19, 2022): Cooper Family Foundation’s “Healing the Community” and 3rd Annual San Diego 619 Day Juneteenth.
Black History Month — Company-Wide Program (2023)
Built the month-long programming calendar and communications plan (newsletter designed by Nicole; refined with Marketing).
Executive Sponsor 1:1 Program (with DE&I Task Force)
Contributed to program design and launch through the DE&I Task Force.
Season of Giving - End-of-Year Drive
Helped guide the ERG’s charity selection process and internal communications.
Practices Applied
Outcomes
A company-wide awareness and recruiting push anchored by two San Diego festivals (June 18–19, 2022): Cooper Family Foundation’s “Healing the Community” and 3rd Annual San Diego 619 Day Juneteenth.
- Project Plan & Budget: Authored the cross-functional plan (timeline, milestones, owners) and led weekly standups; owned the campaign budget.
- Field Recruiting: Staged a two-day, on-the-ground recruiting effort; scheduled and led a multi-department volunteer team for booth coverage and candidate engagement; set up a tablet-based sign-up portal with a clean intake → Recruiting handoff.
- Email Marketing: Designed and ran an outreach campaign to 5,000+ community partners using the company’s email platform to broaden representation and equitable access to opportunities; built message variants, segmentation, and send calendar.
- Assets & Creative (designed by Nicole; refined with Marketing):
- ⦾ Print: ~2,000 4×6 flyers (QR sign-up), business cards, postcards, banner, table signage.
- ⦾ Digital: slide decks for internal enablement; social/digital ad creative (paid ads budgeted).
- ⦾ Swag & Visuals: event T-shirts, swag bags, bracelets; on-site signage concepts.
- Internal Enablement: Built slides, talking points, and how-to materials to activate field teams and managers company-wide.
- Community Touchpoints: Hosted ERG lunch and dinner gatherings around the weekend (including an executive-attended office lunch); invited and engaged Eastridge alumni to strengthen community ties.
- Merch Fundraiser: Produced an ERG merchandise initiative benefiting Just in Time for Foster Youth (San Diego)—from concept and design through fulfillment and impact recap.
- Select Signals: Email list reach 5k+ with a mid-teens open rate; two live festival days with steady booth traffic, community-org engagement, and direct candidate sign-ups via the tablet flow.
Black History Month — Company-Wide Program (2023)
Built the month-long programming calendar and communications plan (newsletter designed by Nicole; refined with Marketing).
- Board-Level Town Hall: Orchestrated the program with Board Member Bill McClelland—run-of-show, speaker prep, rehearsal flow, AV timing, and post-event recap.
- Led the editorial slate (newsletters, employee spotlights, learning resources, video features) to elevate Black voices across the company.
Executive Sponsor 1:1 Program (with DE&I Task Force)
Contributed to program design and launch through the DE&I Task Force.
Season of Giving - End-of-Year Drive
Helped guide the ERG’s charity selection process and internal communications.
Practices Applied
- Program & Run-of-Show: Agenda design, cue sheets, timekeeping, speaker prep, and rehearsals (for internal sessions and the board-level town hall).
- Email Marketing & CRM: List strategy, copy, segmentation, cadence, and follow-up workflow with Recruiting.
- On-Site Capture: Tablet portal setup, data hygiene, and clean handoff to Talent/HR.
- Publicity & Internal Media: Arranged internal features, social media marketing, executive quotes, and amplification with Marketing/PR and the C-suite.
- Measurement: Attendance/engagement reads, sentiment capture, post-mortems, and next-cycle recommendations.
- Volunteer Leadership: Shift planning, role briefs, enablement, and day-of leadership for the multi-department team.
Outcomes
- Installed a repeatable program cadence and communications engine for the ERG.
- Increased executive engagement and sponsorship via board-level participation and a formal Executive Sponsor 1:1 Program.
- Grew employee participation and visibility of Black voices through curated events and content.
- Made DE&I programming operationally sustainable with shared ownership across departments.
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B.L.A.C.K.@Eastridge hiring - Juneteenth 2022 events - San Diego, CA. Eastridge Workforce Solutions #nowhiring #diversityjobs #blackjobs #blackjobssandiego #temporarywork #blackprofessionals
Official company description below; Nicole's behind-the-scenes leadership and program management are detailed above.
B.L.A.C.K.@Eastridge is a resource group formed to create space for employee-owners that identify as Black, in addition to providing a neutral and educational space for our allies. We as Black leadership will stand strong while supporting advocacy in our community and our cultural values. Our commitment is to strengthen ourselves and each other on a professional and personal level. As we gain knowledge and understanding, B.L.A.C.K.@Eastridge is a sacred space for our Black employee-owners to meet and discuss issues within the Black community. Our goal is to create Black Leadership, Advocacy, Commitment, and Knowledge with this group to assist our community both internally and externally. B.L.A.C.K.@Eastridge is led by Vina Richards, Corporate Administrator, and Kierra Johnson, Account Manager, with advisory guidance and back-end operational support from Nicole D. Ford, Strategic Delivery Manager. Learn more about B@E on the B.L.A.C.K.@Eastridge webpage (Eastridge Workforce Solutions) 
B.L.A.C.K.@Eastridge hiring - Juneteenth 2022 events - San Diego, CA. Eastridge Workforce Solutions #nowhiring #diversityjobs #blackjobs #blackjobssandiego #temporarywork #blackprofessionals
 B.L.A.C.K.@Eastridge hiring - Juneteenth 2022 events - San Diego, CA. Eastridge Workforce Solutions #nowhiring #diversityjobs #blackjobs #blackjobssandiego #temporarywork #blackprofessionals
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Sistas Who Shine
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Founded in Las Vegas, Sistas Who Shine (SWS) curates luxury wellness, creative, and celebratory experiences designed to uplift Black women and all who align with their frequency.
Each gathering, whether a candle making workshop, a restorative sound bath, or an unforgettable party, is rooted in elegance, creativity, and connection at its core. SWS environments are radiant, restorative, and memorable, with every detail thoughtfully considered to create moments that linger long after the experience ends.
Connect with the SWS Glow Squad on social media and join their mailing list through the SWS Linktree, your gateway to upcoming events, behind-the-scenes moments, and invitations crafted with you in mind.
Each gathering, whether a candle making workshop, a restorative sound bath, or an unforgettable party, is rooted in elegance, creativity, and connection at its core. SWS environments are radiant, restorative, and memorable, with every detail thoughtfully considered to create moments that linger long after the experience ends.
Connect with the SWS Glow Squad on social media and join their mailing list through the SWS Linktree, your gateway to upcoming events, behind-the-scenes moments, and invitations crafted with you in mind.
The Sassy Taurus
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Co-founded in 2025 by Stephanie Astrop and Nicole D. Ford, The Sassy Taurus is a Las Vegas–based, Black woman-owned self-care company that proves wellness doesn’t have to be quiet, plain, or boring. Around here, it’s luxe, loud, and dripping with attitude.
Stephanie leads product and creative development, hand-pouring candles, whipping body butters, and blending scents that refuse to be basic. Nicole serves as the operational backbone, ensuring the hustle is as strong as the sass. Together, they balance artistry with structure, creating products that are bold, polished, and unforgettable.
The debut lineup includes standouts like Mango Escape, Itch Don’t Kill My Vibe, and Zesty AF products designed to smell indulgent, feel powerful, and leave a little sparkle of mischief behind. You’ll also spot The Sassy Taurus popping up at vendor markets and community events across Las Vegas and Los Angeles. These aren’t just tables with merch; they’re full-on activations, mini-experiences that vibe with the crowd, show off the personality, and tie seamlessly into Nicole’s larger world of event production.
Come for the scents, stay for the sass. From bold product launches to curated pop-ups, every Sassy Taurus appearance doubles as an event and reinforces Nicole’s belief that powerful experiences can be created anywhere.
Explore more at The Sassy Taurus website or catch TST at the next pop-up.
Stephanie leads product and creative development, hand-pouring candles, whipping body butters, and blending scents that refuse to be basic. Nicole serves as the operational backbone, ensuring the hustle is as strong as the sass. Together, they balance artistry with structure, creating products that are bold, polished, and unforgettable.
The debut lineup includes standouts like Mango Escape, Itch Don’t Kill My Vibe, and Zesty AF products designed to smell indulgent, feel powerful, and leave a little sparkle of mischief behind. You’ll also spot The Sassy Taurus popping up at vendor markets and community events across Las Vegas and Los Angeles. These aren’t just tables with merch; they’re full-on activations, mini-experiences that vibe with the crowd, show off the personality, and tie seamlessly into Nicole’s larger world of event production.
Come for the scents, stay for the sass. From bold product launches to curated pop-ups, every Sassy Taurus appearance doubles as an event and reinforces Nicole’s belief that powerful experiences can be created anywhere.
Explore more at The Sassy Taurus website or catch TST at the next pop-up.
Juneteenth365 LLC (2020-2022)
Nicole co-founded Juneteenth365 LLC, a 100% Black woman-owned collective dedicated to celebrating culture and empowering Black-owned businesses in Las Vegas. While the group’s original vision of a large-scale festival did not come to fruition, Juneteenth365 successfully produced a series of cultural and community events that amplified Black voices, artistry, and entrepreneurship.
Highlights included:
As Co-Founder, Nicole directed all marketing and promotion, driving strong turnout and community engagement across every activation. Through Juneteenth365, she gained invaluable experience as an event producer, project manager, and community organizer, while helping lay the groundwork for economic empowerment and cultural celebration in Las Vegas.
Highlights included:
- Grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremonies for Black-owned businesses such as Healthy Skin LV, Rhythm Nation LV, Twice Baked, Queendom Cultivation, The Truth Spot, and Ase Healing House.
- Cultural events and activations including the 2021 Black History Month Poetry Cypher, Juneteenth Lifestyle Weekend, J365 Pull-up Tour, Poetry Paint & Potions, West African Drum & Dance with Diamano Coura, and Afrobeat Dance workshops.
- Digital programming such as J365 Celebrates Kwanzaa, produced as a virtual YouTube series.
As Co-Founder, Nicole directed all marketing and promotion, driving strong turnout and community engagement across every activation. Through Juneteenth365, she gained invaluable experience as an event producer, project manager, and community organizer, while helping lay the groundwork for economic empowerment and cultural celebration in Las Vegas.
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Vegas PBS presents: Mr. SOUL!
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Vegas PBS is hosting a free, virtual screening of Mr. SOUL!
From 1968 into 1973, the PBS variety show SOUL!, guided by enigmatic producer and host Ellis Haizlip, offered an unfiltered, uncompromising celebration of Black literature, poetry, music, and politics—voices that had few other options for national exposure and, as a result, found in the program a place to call home. The series was among the first to provide expanded images of African Americans on television, shifting the gaze from inner-city poverty and violence to the vibrancy of the Black Arts Movement. Through participants’ recollections and illuminating archival clips, Mr. SOUL! captures a critical moment in culture whose impact continues to resonate and celebrates an unsung hero whose voice we need now more than ever, to restore the soul of a nation. After the screening, join local experts for a Q&A discussion about the importance of cultural representation:
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Africa Love Store & Da'African Village (2018-2020)
Cultural Events & Promotion of African Drum, Dance, Culture & Community
From February 2018 to August 2020, Nicole served as Cultural Ambassador and Production & Operations Manager for Africa Love (Town Square Las Vegas) and Da’African Village, a nonprofit dedicated to bridging cultures through art, music, and education.
She acted as the Project Manager for the entire Team Africa core group, leading weekly meetings, setting timelines, and ensuring deliverables were met. Nicole built and managed a six-person leadership team supported by 20–30 volunteers, including models and cultural ambassadors. She coordinated across functions, ensuring every piece — from logistics to marketing to programming — moved forward seamlessly.
Nicole was deeply involved in producing and managing signature cultural events that brought African traditions to the Las Vegas community. Highlights included:
Her responsibilities spanned the full scope of event production: talent and artist coordination, vendor relations, front-of-house and backstage logistics, VIP invitations, sponsorship outreach, ticketing and inventory, stage management, and video direction/editing. She also collaborated on all marketing materials, social media, newsletters, and community engagement — ensuring each event was well promoted and well attended.
Through Africa Love and Da’African Village, Nicole honed her ability to lead cross-functional teams, manage both core staff and volunteers, and deliver complex cultural events from concept to execution. This work strengthened her foundation in project management, live event production, and community engagement, while honoring and amplifying African heritage in Las Vegas.
She acted as the Project Manager for the entire Team Africa core group, leading weekly meetings, setting timelines, and ensuring deliverables were met. Nicole built and managed a six-person leadership team supported by 20–30 volunteers, including models and cultural ambassadors. She coordinated across functions, ensuring every piece — from logistics to marketing to programming — moved forward seamlessly.
Nicole was deeply involved in producing and managing signature cultural events that brought African traditions to the Las Vegas community. Highlights included:
- A Touch of Africa Las Vegas (annual festival)
- Pan-African Soul Sessions (bi-monthly cultural forum)
- 2018 Kwanzaa Celebration in partnership with Power 88.1 Radio
- One Night in Brazil featuring SambaDa
- Drum Circles in Town Square Park
- African drum and dance workshops and classes across the city
Her responsibilities spanned the full scope of event production: talent and artist coordination, vendor relations, front-of-house and backstage logistics, VIP invitations, sponsorship outreach, ticketing and inventory, stage management, and video direction/editing. She also collaborated on all marketing materials, social media, newsletters, and community engagement — ensuring each event was well promoted and well attended.
Through Africa Love and Da’African Village, Nicole honed her ability to lead cross-functional teams, manage both core staff and volunteers, and deliver complex cultural events from concept to execution. This work strengthened her foundation in project management, live event production, and community engagement, while honoring and amplifying African heritage in Las Vegas.
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Nicole - Management, Events, Marketing & Promotions, Drummer
Nicole joined the management team of Vozolo Dance Company in 2017, where she played a central role in both operations and performance. Beyond accompanying the group on djembe, she managed the behind-the-scenes engine that brought Vozolo’s artistry to audiences across Las Vegas.
Her contributions spanned nearly every aspect of the company:
In addition to her management responsibilities, Nicole was proud to perform as a drummer and accompanist, bringing her artistry into the spotlight while strengthening the company’s cultural impact.
Through Vozolo, she honed her skills in talent management, operations, and community programming, building a foundation that blended creativity with professional event management.
Her contributions spanned nearly every aspect of the company:
- Event Production & Booking: Coordinated performances, including securing a high-profile artist showcase at the Four Seasons Las Vegas.
- Marketing & Design: Created flyers, social media campaigns, and newsletters; designed the company’s logo, merchandise, and T-shirt line; designed and produced the cover for Atito’s instructional DVD release.
- Community Engagement: Organized a series of free African dance classes in Summer 2020, handling registration, payments, and promotions that expanded Vozolo’s community footprint.
- Business Operations: Oversaw client communications, contract negotiations, billing, and company coordination.
In addition to her management responsibilities, Nicole was proud to perform as a drummer and accompanist, bringing her artistry into the spotlight while strengthening the company’s cultural impact.
Through Vozolo, she honed her skills in talent management, operations, and community programming, building a foundation that blended creativity with professional event management.
Vozolo African Dance Classes
Nicole - Management | Organizer | Marketing | Promotions | Graphic Design | Merch | Social Media
Nicole - Management | Organizer | Marketing | Promotions | Graphic Design | Merch | Social Media
Harte International Galleries and Artists Renown International "All Artist Event" at the Four Seasons Hotel, Las Vegas
Vozolo Dance Company: Atito Gohi (Master Dancer/Drummer/Choreographer), Eric Bli Bi Gore (Master Drummer & Lead Djembe), Papa Diarra Zumana (Djembe Solo & Dundun drummer), Nicole D. Ford (Management & Djembe Accompaniment) Venitia Burton (Management/Lead Vocalist/Dancer), Company Dancers: Nathalie Kouyate, Aisha, Zedoria Blanton, Essence Slaughter. Company Management & Costume Design: Ingrid Burell
Vozolo Dance Company: Atito Gohi (Master Dancer/Drummer/Choreographer), Eric Bli Bi Gore (Master Drummer & Lead Djembe), Papa Diarra Zumana (Djembe Solo & Dundun drummer), Nicole D. Ford (Management & Djembe Accompaniment) Venitia Burton (Management/Lead Vocalist/Dancer), Company Dancers: Nathalie Kouyate, Aisha, Zedoria Blanton, Essence Slaughter. Company Management & Costume Design: Ingrid Burell
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Vozolo Dance Company - Private Gig
Triba!
World Percussion, Music & Entertainment (2016-2017)
Nicole co-founded Triba! World Percussion & Entertainment in Las Vegas alongside Master Drummer Papa Diarra Zumana and Music Director Angelo L. Stokes. The collective brought together musicians, dancers, acrobats, and entertainers from across the African diaspora, including artists from the United States, Ivory Coast, Gabon, Senegal, Kenya, Nigeria, Mali, Guinea, and Zimbabwe.
As Executive Producer, Nicole oversaw marketing, social media, scheduling, contract negotiations, and artist management. Under her leadership, the ensemble performed at prestigious cultural and community events, sharing African traditions through music, dance, and education.
A standout moment came in 2016, when Triba! was selected to perform at Russell Simmons’ Diamond Empowerment Fund “Diamonds Do Good” Awards Gala at JCK Las Vegas — a full-circle experience for Nicole, who had first worked JCK as a convention associate just four years earlier.
Though her journey with Triba! concluded in 2017, the experience blended cultural artistry with professional event production and helped set the stage for Nicole’s later work with Vozolo, Africa Love, and Juneteenth365.
As Executive Producer, Nicole oversaw marketing, social media, scheduling, contract negotiations, and artist management. Under her leadership, the ensemble performed at prestigious cultural and community events, sharing African traditions through music, dance, and education.
A standout moment came in 2016, when Triba! was selected to perform at Russell Simmons’ Diamond Empowerment Fund “Diamonds Do Good” Awards Gala at JCK Las Vegas — a full-circle experience for Nicole, who had first worked JCK as a convention associate just four years earlier.
Though her journey with Triba! concluded in 2017, the experience blended cultural artistry with professional event production and helped set the stage for Nicole’s later work with Vozolo, Africa Love, and Juneteenth365.
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For full photo credits, click link below for official slideshow
Diamond Empowerment Fund-Diamonds Do Good Awards #jcklasvegas Diamond Empowerment Fund Performers: Papa Diarra Zumana (Lead Djembe), Nicole D. Ford (Djembe Accompaniment), Angelo L. Stokes (Dun Dun; Dunun drums), Sam Wright (2nd Lead Djembe & Accompaniment), Chuk Obasi (Spoken Word), Mpho Mambira (Drum Tech) |
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International Teamsters Convention |
Padres Gala & Gateway Foundation |
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Opening of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters 28th International Convention Paris Hotel.
Opening the International Brotherhood of Teamsters’ 28th International Convention at the Paris Hotel was more than just Nicole’s first large-scale corporate event — it felt divinely aligned. Her mother had spent her career with Teamsters Local 856 under Principal Officer Ben Leal, and Nicole grew up surrounded by the union’s impact. Years earlier, Ben Leal had written a powerful recommendation letter to the Haas School of Business at UC Berkeley on her behalf, describing her as intelligent, adaptable, and motivated, and telling recruiters, “Could you send someone like Nicole forward?” That endorsement became one of the most meaningful affirmations of her early career and continued to anchor her path. Years later, standing on stage in the Harley-Davidson–themed keynote produced by Emmy Award–winning Ricky Kirshner Events/RK Productions with Missy Cochran Entertainment, Nicole knew she was being guided into events. The spectacular moment — with overhead screens, pounding drums, and a powerhouse cast — lit the spark for the career she has built since. With her mother’s legacy behind her, Ben Leal in the audience, and the scale of that production setting the standard for global events, the keynote became more than a performance. It was the launchpad for Nicole’s career in events. Producers: Kirshner Events/RK Productions in conjunction with Missy Cochran Entertainment. Drum & Musical Arrangement: Mark Stockton Adams (R.I.P.) Performers: Nicole D. Ford, Brian Czach, Fernando Quevedo and his crew of Argentinian Gaucho drummers from Jubilee, Tony DeAugustine, Robert Shipley, Joe Bergeron, cast members from Stomp Out Loud/Molodi, Christina Lakis, Marybel Gomez, members of Vegas Vanguard and more. 
Back Row: Brian Czach, Mark Stockton Adams (R.I.P,), Fernando Quevedo, Nicole D. Ford, Joe Bergeron. Front Row: Argentinian Gaucho Drummers, Christina Lakis, Marybel Gomez
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EVA LONGORIA hosts PADRES CONTRA EL CÁNCER’S 12th annual fund-raising gala, ‘EL SUEÑO DE ESPERANZA’ along with committed supporter, GEORGE LOPEZ as Master of Ceremonies. Thanks to the opportunity from her mentor, Kurt Rasmussen, Nicole D. Ford performed at this gala with Daniel Alameda, Jeremy Meronuck, Michito Sanchez, Jose "Pepe" Jimenez, AJ Merlino and Oskar Cartaya.
Daniel Alameda, Nicole D. Ford, MIchito Sanchez, Jose "Pepe" Jimenez, Jeremy Meronuck, AJ Merlino
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15+ Year Accounting & Finance Career
Nicole received job offers from a majority of the Big 6 Accounting firms (at the time) and she ultimately accepted a position with Price Waterhouse primarily because of their extensive roster of entertainment clients. While at Price Waterhouse, Nicole passed all parts of the CPA examination and completed all of the requisite audit hours in the state of California. Throughout her career, Nicole has had extensive training in a wide variety of business areas and topics, most especially leadership training.
Nicole spent several years working for Price Waterhouse and PricewaterhouseCoopers where she planned, supervised and performed all aspects of audit and attest, consulting and business advisory engagements as well as special projects for Fortune 500 companies, medium-sized, multi-national public and private companies in a variety of industries including film, music, television, cable and radio broadcasting, high technology, retail, manufacturing and telecommunications.
Nicole had many business achievements while at PW (see detailed Corporate Profile attached) and she also has some little known fun facts. Nicole was selected by the San Francisco office Managing Partner, James Coriston, to model in the photo at left for an official Price Waterhouse brochure. In the year Nicole transferred from PW's San Francisco office to Century City, California, she had a dream come true attending the Academy Awards. Pause video at 2:36 and see if you can find Nicole (hint: look behind Jack Nicholson). She is thankful to one of her many mentors PwC Partner, Lisa Pierozzi, for giving her the opportunity to be a seat filler at the show.
After her promotion to Audit Manager, Nicole simultaneously oversaw the three year audit of Windswept Pacific Entertainment in preparation of the company's potential asset sale, while also working with Sony Pictures Entertainment on the accounting for their acquisition of Telemundo, Universal's merger with Polygram and the annual audit of Westwood One.
After weighing several job offers, Nicole finally decided to accept a position in Universal Pictures' Finance Division which was then headed by Frederick Huntsberry who succeeded William Sutman as Executive Vice President and CFO of the group. Universal's parent company was Seagram. In her role as Director of Planning & Ultimates, Nicole was not in her office sippin' on Gin and Juice (lol) as she enjoys good clean fun. She was directly responsible for preparing film pre-release reports for executive management, “what-if” analyses, "risks and opportunities" analyses, and film profitability forecasts (ultimates). She participated in various special projects including the post-acquisition integration of Polygram Filmed Entertainment’s film slate and financial forecasts into Universal Pictures’ financial forecast and reporting system. In support of that endeavor, she traveled to London with then-SVP, Dan Martinez and Frederick Huntsberry to meet with Polygram staff regarding the integration. Nicole will never forget the long days and nights in her office on the studio lot responding to that often repeated phrase: "Edgar (Bronfman Jr.) needs to know what the EBITDA impact will be before he makes a decision."
While Nicole worked very hard at Universal, she also got to have some fun. She was blessed to attend several movie premieres and pre-release screenings; Erin Brockovich, For Love of the Game and The Best Man, to name a few. In addition, immediately prior to release, her group would head up to Universal CityWalk and watch a free screening of the company's latest film and on the way back occasionally go to the front of the line and hop on a ride at Universal Studios. Only occasionally!
After a short time at Universal, Nicole was contacted by former client, Evan Medow, CEO of Windswept Pacific Entertainment when their then-current CFO, John Rudolph, announced he was leaving to form his own company subsequent to the sale of a portion of Windswept to EMI. A new successor company was formed post-sale, Windswept Holdings LLC, and as a result of Evan's phone call, Nicole spent several years serving as the company's Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer in Beverly Hills, California. She could not have done so well without the support of her staff, most especially, Shirley Ashe and Steffanie Wieker, as well as her very good friend Ray Gibson. She learned a tremendous amount from the Company's brilliant attorney, Moshe Kupietzky at Sidley Austin and in times of stress, she also had plenty of laughs as well as phenomenal support from Windswept London's Financial Controller, Paul Flynn.
During her tenure, Windswept consistently ranked as a top 10 Billboard music publisher, and was on the charts with blockbuster artists and music icons such as Gwen Stefani, Destiny's Child, Beyonce, Craig David, Keith Urban, Brandy, Corinne Bailey Rae, Eminem, Vince Gill, Joss Stone, Michael W. Smith, Snow Patrol, Gretchen Wilson, Outkast, Rascal Flatts, Eve, Montgomery Gentry, Britney Spears, Kings of Leon, Mary J. Blige, Fergie, Usher, Enrique Iglesias, Il Divo, Ginuwine, Josh Groban and many others. The company was also bolstered by an eight figure acquisition of the Trio/Quartet catalog from Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller.
Nicole had very heavy financial responsibilities reporting to Japanese parent companies, Fuji Television Network, Itochu Corporation and Fujipacific Music as well as overseeing the finances of Hitco Music Publishing, a joint venture partnership with Antonio "LA" Reid.
After completing her tenure as CFO at Windswept, Nicole relocated to Las Vegas in search of a new chapter. From 2006 to 2009, she worked as a consultant with Resources Global Professionals, where she partnered with clients on finance, accounting, and operational initiatives. Her primary engagement was with Diamond Resorts International, where she supported the company’s finance function during a period of growth and transformation. This role allowed her to apply her corporate leadership experience in a consulting capacity while adapting to the unique demands of the hospitality industry.
Nicole spent several years working for Price Waterhouse and PricewaterhouseCoopers where she planned, supervised and performed all aspects of audit and attest, consulting and business advisory engagements as well as special projects for Fortune 500 companies, medium-sized, multi-national public and private companies in a variety of industries including film, music, television, cable and radio broadcasting, high technology, retail, manufacturing and telecommunications.
Nicole had many business achievements while at PW (see detailed Corporate Profile attached) and she also has some little known fun facts. Nicole was selected by the San Francisco office Managing Partner, James Coriston, to model in the photo at left for an official Price Waterhouse brochure. In the year Nicole transferred from PW's San Francisco office to Century City, California, she had a dream come true attending the Academy Awards. Pause video at 2:36 and see if you can find Nicole (hint: look behind Jack Nicholson). She is thankful to one of her many mentors PwC Partner, Lisa Pierozzi, for giving her the opportunity to be a seat filler at the show.
After her promotion to Audit Manager, Nicole simultaneously oversaw the three year audit of Windswept Pacific Entertainment in preparation of the company's potential asset sale, while also working with Sony Pictures Entertainment on the accounting for their acquisition of Telemundo, Universal's merger with Polygram and the annual audit of Westwood One.
After weighing several job offers, Nicole finally decided to accept a position in Universal Pictures' Finance Division which was then headed by Frederick Huntsberry who succeeded William Sutman as Executive Vice President and CFO of the group. Universal's parent company was Seagram. In her role as Director of Planning & Ultimates, Nicole was not in her office sippin' on Gin and Juice (lol) as she enjoys good clean fun. She was directly responsible for preparing film pre-release reports for executive management, “what-if” analyses, "risks and opportunities" analyses, and film profitability forecasts (ultimates). She participated in various special projects including the post-acquisition integration of Polygram Filmed Entertainment’s film slate and financial forecasts into Universal Pictures’ financial forecast and reporting system. In support of that endeavor, she traveled to London with then-SVP, Dan Martinez and Frederick Huntsberry to meet with Polygram staff regarding the integration. Nicole will never forget the long days and nights in her office on the studio lot responding to that often repeated phrase: "Edgar (Bronfman Jr.) needs to know what the EBITDA impact will be before he makes a decision."
While Nicole worked very hard at Universal, she also got to have some fun. She was blessed to attend several movie premieres and pre-release screenings; Erin Brockovich, For Love of the Game and The Best Man, to name a few. In addition, immediately prior to release, her group would head up to Universal CityWalk and watch a free screening of the company's latest film and on the way back occasionally go to the front of the line and hop on a ride at Universal Studios. Only occasionally!
After a short time at Universal, Nicole was contacted by former client, Evan Medow, CEO of Windswept Pacific Entertainment when their then-current CFO, John Rudolph, announced he was leaving to form his own company subsequent to the sale of a portion of Windswept to EMI. A new successor company was formed post-sale, Windswept Holdings LLC, and as a result of Evan's phone call, Nicole spent several years serving as the company's Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer in Beverly Hills, California. She could not have done so well without the support of her staff, most especially, Shirley Ashe and Steffanie Wieker, as well as her very good friend Ray Gibson. She learned a tremendous amount from the Company's brilliant attorney, Moshe Kupietzky at Sidley Austin and in times of stress, she also had plenty of laughs as well as phenomenal support from Windswept London's Financial Controller, Paul Flynn.
During her tenure, Windswept consistently ranked as a top 10 Billboard music publisher, and was on the charts with blockbuster artists and music icons such as Gwen Stefani, Destiny's Child, Beyonce, Craig David, Keith Urban, Brandy, Corinne Bailey Rae, Eminem, Vince Gill, Joss Stone, Michael W. Smith, Snow Patrol, Gretchen Wilson, Outkast, Rascal Flatts, Eve, Montgomery Gentry, Britney Spears, Kings of Leon, Mary J. Blige, Fergie, Usher, Enrique Iglesias, Il Divo, Ginuwine, Josh Groban and many others. The company was also bolstered by an eight figure acquisition of the Trio/Quartet catalog from Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller.
Nicole had very heavy financial responsibilities reporting to Japanese parent companies, Fuji Television Network, Itochu Corporation and Fujipacific Music as well as overseeing the finances of Hitco Music Publishing, a joint venture partnership with Antonio "LA" Reid.
After completing her tenure as CFO at Windswept, Nicole relocated to Las Vegas in search of a new chapter. From 2006 to 2009, she worked as a consultant with Resources Global Professionals, where she partnered with clients on finance, accounting, and operational initiatives. Her primary engagement was with Diamond Resorts International, where she supported the company’s finance function during a period of growth and transformation. This role allowed her to apply her corporate leadership experience in a consulting capacity while adapting to the unique demands of the hospitality industry.
Samples of Nicole's Accounting & Finance Work
College Life & Academics
UC Berkeley | Walter A. Haas School of Business | NABA | The Daily Californian
Nicole graduated with honors from Bishop O'Dowd High School in Oakland, California. It's not always clear how she did so well considering how much fun she had "hanging out" with friends, most especially her cousin Melvina, and besties Tina, Ann and Alison. Partying not withstanding, she was accepted into several colleges and ultimately chose to attend University of California at Berkeley.
While at Cal, Nicole was accepted into the Haas School of Business where she graduated with honors while working a full-time job at The Daily Californian newspaper, first as Classified Ad Clerk through to her promotion to Classified Ad Department Manager. She has a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration with a specialization in Accounting and Finance.
While at Cal, Nicole was accepted into the Haas School of Business where she graduated with honors while working a full-time job at The Daily Californian newspaper, first as Classified Ad Clerk through to her promotion to Classified Ad Department Manager. She has a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration with a specialization in Accounting and Finance.
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