NICOLE D. FORD
HIGHLIGHTS
Corporate Life - Eastridge Workforce Solutions
I served in a variety of roles during my time working for Eastridge Workforce Solutions (2012 to 2024). My favorite roles have all been surrounding project management and events as well as my work to bring the B.L.A.C.K.@Eastridge Employee Resource Group to life.
Below are some highlights of events I got to be a part of creating and project managing in my last years working for Eastridge's Corporate Office. It was amazingly fun! I love collaborating with superstar teams that crush successful projects and events --from the super big picture to the smallest details!!!
Further down the page, you will see many of the events and positions I've worked off and on from 2012-2020 before the pandemic.
Below are some highlights of events I got to be a part of creating and project managing in my last years working for Eastridge's Corporate Office. It was amazingly fun! I love collaborating with superstar teams that crush successful projects and events --from the super big picture to the smallest details!!!
Further down the page, you will see many of the events and positions I've worked off and on from 2012-2020 before the pandemic.
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 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 guidance and back-end operational support and guidance from Nicole D. Ford, Strategic Delivery Manager. Learn more about us on our 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
|
|
Juneteenth365 LLC (2020-2022)
Nicole D. Ford is Co-Founder and Owner of Juneteenth365 LLC Juneteenth365 LLC is an event planning company founded, owned, and operated by four Black Women.
We have powerful intentions to uplift and support our community through year round events and a grand finale cultural festival held on Juneteenth in Las Vegas.
Juneteenth365 is a LIFESTYLE. J365 is a celebration of our freedom from bondage for over 400 years with an intent of liberating ourselves and Black people from the holocaust of ongoing oppression and trauma.
Juneteenth365 LLC is founded, owned and operated by 4 powerful Black Women. In addition to Nicole D. Ford, the company is owned by:
We bring year-round events and economic empowerment initiatives to the Black Community.
With dynamic intentions to uplift and support Black people, our ongoing programs will culminate in an annual Juneteenth cultural celebration bringing entertainment, music, education, vendors, food and impactful speakers to Las Vegas commencing in June 2022 with expansion into various markets in the years to come.
WHAT WE DO
Juneteenth365 is a cultural event hosted annually in Las Vegas that celebrates the achievements and acknowledges the history of Black Americans. Juneteenth365 LLC also produces ongoing events throughout the year to educate, elevate, celebrate and inspire our community. Our programs include live and virtual/hybrid events to expand our reach across the globe. We will also be launching a Juneteenth365 shop black mobile app, a black-owned business directory powered by Dynamics a black-owned tech company located in Las Vegas.
MISSION: BLACK LIBERATION
Juneteenth365 LLC is a platform for Black entrepreneurs to network and showcase their businesses, while also exploring the history of Juneteenth through various forms of cultural and entertainment artforms.
Through the empowerment of Black businesses, we help facilitate the building of black generational wealth and improve the economic conditions of melanated people throughout the world.
HONORING HISTORY
Juneteenth365 LLC celebrates our freedom from slavery (both physical and mental) and honors the history of Juneteenth through music, arts, food and various performances and speakers.
CELEBRATING PROGRESS
The ultimate mission of Juneteenth365 LLC is to celebrate, support, and inspire Black people by emphasizing the importance of group economics and financial literacy in festive, educational uplifting environment.
Nicole D. Ford is Co-Founder and Owner of Juneteenth365 LLC Juneteenth365 LLC is an event planning company founded, owned, and operated by four Black Women.
We have powerful intentions to uplift and support our community through year round events and a grand finale cultural festival held on Juneteenth in Las Vegas.
Juneteenth365 is a LIFESTYLE. J365 is a celebration of our freedom from bondage for over 400 years with an intent of liberating ourselves and Black people from the holocaust of ongoing oppression and trauma.
Juneteenth365 LLC is founded, owned and operated by 4 powerful Black Women. In addition to Nicole D. Ford, the company is owned by:
- Dre'chir Whitfield owner of The Richest Touch, Tea N Tonic Podcast and co-owner of The Experience Occasions and Ase Healing House opening in March 2021
- Jahlisa Williams owner of Mixxie Mixologist and co-owner of The Experience Occasions
- Alexia Brown
We bring year-round events and economic empowerment initiatives to the Black Community.
With dynamic intentions to uplift and support Black people, our ongoing programs will culminate in an annual Juneteenth cultural celebration bringing entertainment, music, education, vendors, food and impactful speakers to Las Vegas commencing in June 2022 with expansion into various markets in the years to come.
WHAT WE DO
Juneteenth365 is a cultural event hosted annually in Las Vegas that celebrates the achievements and acknowledges the history of Black Americans. Juneteenth365 LLC also produces ongoing events throughout the year to educate, elevate, celebrate and inspire our community. Our programs include live and virtual/hybrid events to expand our reach across the globe. We will also be launching a Juneteenth365 shop black mobile app, a black-owned business directory powered by Dynamics a black-owned tech company located in Las Vegas.
MISSION: BLACK LIBERATION
Juneteenth365 LLC is a platform for Black entrepreneurs to network and showcase their businesses, while also exploring the history of Juneteenth through various forms of cultural and entertainment artforms.
Through the empowerment of Black businesses, we help facilitate the building of black generational wealth and improve the economic conditions of melanated people throughout the world.
HONORING HISTORY
Juneteenth365 LLC celebrates our freedom from slavery (both physical and mental) and honors the history of Juneteenth through music, arts, food and various performances and speakers.
CELEBRATING PROGRESS
The ultimate mission of Juneteenth365 LLC is to celebrate, support, and inspire Black people by emphasizing the importance of group economics and financial literacy in festive, educational uplifting environment.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Our Company, Juneteenth365 LLC, and How You Can Support Us
The company I work for offered to spotlight me for Black History Month. The following is what I wrote. Whether or not this is the final or version they publish, I want to remain true to myself and use my platform to unapologetically say what I originally intend to say in that "I said what I said" kind of way. Here is my story about how Juneteenth365 came to be and how you can support our vision: What is something you are passionate about? Why? (Talk about your business) I am passionate about improving the conditions of Black people worldwide. I am one of the first generation of my family to be able to attend college. I was blessed to get an education at UC Berkeley and graduate from the Haas School of Business. I went right into a Big 6 Accounting firm, Price Waterhouse (now PwC) and from there, worked in various finance, accounting and consulting roles at Universal Pictures, Resources Global Professionals, etc, culminating in my role as Chief Financial Officer at Windswept Holdings LLC, a music publishing company previously located in Beverly Hills, Ca. At some point in my very ambitious career, I decided that I wanted to quit my life in accounting and explore my passion for being an entertainer rather than counting the money of entertainers and entertainment companies. I discovered African Drumming, singing abilities, and all kinds of performing art talents and it was fun. During that time, I also discovered Eastridge’s Convention Division and worked at some of the largest conventions and events in the world. While I truly enjoyed and evolved through all of these experiences, the thing that has always bothered me is that I see and saw Black people suffering. I may have been doing well being one of few Black people I saw in Corporate America with my comfortable salary but it bothered me that so many Black people around me were suffering, friends and family members notwithstanding. When I was working in the music industry, I saw mostly non-Black corporations making all the money from Black artists and talent. When I was working in the film industry, I saw mostly white movies. When I was working in the convention and live events industry, I saw mostly non-Black people involved in the world of business, exhibition and commerce. All the executives, business owners, and trade seemed to be conducted by non-Black people while the blue and grey collar workers all around me tended to be where Black people were most represented. It frustrated me tremendously. When I was working as an artist/entertainer, what I found is that many Black people lacked access to the financial resources and business services (attorneys, accountants, etc) needed to help them protect themselves as artists and ensure that they profit from their art. With all that experience, I felt that I could no longer sit idly by being “just an entertainer” or “just an accountant in Corporate America” or “just a convention worker”. It felt like a frivolous waste of my talent and abilities. In 2018, I started working with a team at Africa Love Store and Da’African Village and we put on events such as A Touch of Africa Las Vegas, One Night in Brazil, 2018 Kwanzaa Celebration, Pan African Soul Sessions, and Drum Circle in Town Square Park. From that experience, coupled with my convention and live events experience, a new passion was formed and I learned how much I love all aspects of the live events industry. Furthermore I learned that I love that I was able to do this work with Black people for Black people. In 2020 after the murder of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery and Breonna Taylor along with the resultant social justice awakening of the world, some friends of mine approached me about doing a big Juneteenth festival in Las Vegas. They were inspired by watching Issa Rae’s Insecure and her block party and they wanted to create a large festival in Vegas “for us by us”. They thought there would be no better place than Las Vegas, the entertainment, travel and tourism capital of the world, to create this kind of festive educational experience for Black people. I said “yes” and we then approached the owner of a very well known Black-owned business in the Historic Downtown Arts District about doing the festival on the blocks surrounding their property. The area is known for putting on large annual Black events and when the owner said “yes” the vision started to really take shape. We didn’t want to simply put on a festival during Juneteenth and then forget about Black people and our Blackness the rest of the year. We formed a legal entity Juneteenth365 LLC solidifying the idea that our liberation and empowerment happens 365 days a year, not just on June 19th. Our Juneteenth365 tagline is “It’s a Lifestyle” and the hashtag we’ve claimed is #J365. Juneteenth365 LLC is 100% Black Women Owned and is a celebration of our freedom from bondage for over 400 years with an intent of liberating ourselves and Black people from the holocaust of ongoing oppression and trauma. Juneteenth365 brings year-round events and economic empowerment initiatives to the Black community and has also partnered with Dynamics 2k, a Las Vegas-based Black-owned Tech firm, to develop a Shop-Black mobile app. Juneteenth365 is a platform for Black entrepreneurs to network and showcase their businesses, while also exploring and making Black history through various forms of culture, commerce, arts and entertainment. I am happy that I work for Eastridge, a company that allows me to do this work while holding down a full-time job. I do my job well and I have an incredible work ethic and commitment to my job. I’m thankful that I work for an organization that has allowed me to pursue my outside passions for the 8 years that I have been with the company. I am also proud to be Co-Owner of Juneteenth365 along with my Black Co-Owners:
Through the empowerment of Black businesses, Juneteenth365 helps facilitate the building of black generational wealth and improve the economic conditions of melanated people throughout the world. It’s time to make a change, and the change starts with us. While we celebrate Black History, let’s MAKE Black History Where can we find out more or how can we support? Learn more about Juneteenth365 LLC at www.juneteenth365.com. Like, re-share, comment and follow @juneteenth365lv and @officialjuneteenth365 on all social media platforms Financially support Juneteenth365 by donating to our gofundme Due to Covid-19 we will have a smaller Juneteenth activation in 2021 with plans for a very large Festival in 2022. We also endeavor to create and widely distribute a documentary film about our Festival, our business and events leading up to the 2022 main event. If you are interested in sponsoring us, any of our upcoming events, our documentary or our main Festival, please send an inquiry to [email protected] Vegas PBS presents: Mr. SOUL!
|
|
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:
|
|
Convention, Trade Show, Corporate & Special Events (Freelance, Temp & Full time)
June 2012 to March 2020
Las Vegas, Nevada, Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, California
Wide variety of positions at corporate meetings, conferences, trade shows, conventions and private events. Positions and events include but not limited to:
|
|
|
Africa Love Store & Da'African Village
Cultural Events & Promotion of African Drum, Dance, Culture & Community
Cultural Events & Promotion of African Drum, Dance, Culture & Community
For the past several years, Nicole has served as Program Operations Manager and Cultural Ambassador for Africa Love in Town Square Las Vegas and Da'African Village, a 501c3. She also serves on the Management Team of Vozolo Dance Company. These organizations build a bridge of togetherness by bringing African culture, education, and the joy of music, dance, and drumming to the world.
Through her work with Africa Love, she has been a part of the team that managed, marketed and produced the annual A Touch of Africa Las Vegas, One Night in Brazil, Drum Circle in Town Square Park, African Dance and Drum workshops, Kwanzaa Celebration in partnership with Power 88.1 radio and Pan African Soul Sessions.
Through her work with Africa Love, she has been a part of the team that managed, marketed and produced the annual A Touch of Africa Las Vegas, One Night in Brazil, Drum Circle in Town Square Park, African Dance and Drum workshops, Kwanzaa Celebration in partnership with Power 88.1 radio and Pan African Soul Sessions.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Performance Highlights
| nicole_d_ford_-_performance__profile_2017.pdf |
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
|
|
|
|
|
Vozolo Dance Company - Private Gig
Vozolo African Dance Classes (Nicole - Management | Organizer | Marketing | Promotions | Graphic Design | Merch | Social Media)
Triba! World Percussion, Music & Entertainment
Co-founded by Executive Producer, Nicole D. Ford, along with Master Drummer Papa Diarra Zumana and former Music Director, Angelo L. Stokes, Triba!, is a versatile collective of professional drummers, musicians, dancers, acrobats and entertainers who perform song, dance, drum and acrobatics from many sections and cultures of Africa. Headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada, the ensemble includes musicians and entertainers from the United States, Ivory Coast, Gabon, Senegal, Kenya, Nigeria, Mali, Guinea, Zimbabwe as well as other countries throughout the diaspora. Members of the ensemble have performed at prominent and prestigious events including performing for and honoring leaders of countries, politicians, celebrities, business and community leaders while dedicating and volunteering their time sharing African culture through educational programs. Triba! is a flexible troupe that is able to conform to acts from 2 to over 50 performers. Their exceptional music direction and choreography coupled with business and corporate experience, gives them the ability to accommodate any specific event while sharing their love and appreciation of African and other world cultures.
Co-founded by Executive Producer, Nicole D. Ford, along with Master Drummer Papa Diarra Zumana and former Music Director, Angelo L. Stokes, Triba!, is a versatile collective of professional drummers, musicians, dancers, acrobats and entertainers who perform song, dance, drum and acrobatics from many sections and cultures of Africa. Headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada, the ensemble includes musicians and entertainers from the United States, Ivory Coast, Gabon, Senegal, Kenya, Nigeria, Mali, Guinea, Zimbabwe as well as other countries throughout the diaspora. Members of the ensemble have performed at prominent and prestigious events including performing for and honoring leaders of countries, politicians, celebrities, business and community leaders while dedicating and volunteering their time sharing African culture through educational programs. Triba! is a flexible troupe that is able to conform to acts from 2 to over 50 performers. Their exceptional music direction and choreography coupled with business and corporate experience, gives them the ability to accommodate any specific event while sharing their love and appreciation of African and other world cultures.
|
|
|
|
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) |
|
|
Haute Neon Nights Fashion Show
Clothing design & photography by Marisa Townsend @marisatownsend and Lillian Love Dennis
|
|
|
|
Tribal Night in Vegas
PBS artScene Episode #223 |
|
GLOBAL BEAUTY MASTERS is a television series about the most extreme hair, makeup, nails and fashion competition of all time. The series began airing on the Discovery Fit and Health Channel in December 2014 and the first episode featured dancers and drummers from Baobab Stage's Tribal Night show. Choreography by Ibrahima Camara, (National Ballet of Senegal and Les Ballets Africain de Djabel Gueye).
Dancers: Angie Freeman (Molodi), Jacent Wamala, Jarrett Rashad (Beatles: Love, The Lion King), Khalid Freeman (Michael Jackson Immortal World Tour/Molodi), Kishema Pendu (Beatles: Love), Kristina Robinson, Nancy Blake, Silvia Vrskova (Zarkana), and Wassa Coulibaly (Zumanity). Drummers: "Papa" Diarra Zumana (Disney's Animal Kingdom), Nicole D. Ford and Ibrahima Camara (National Ballet of Senegal and Les Ballets Africain de Djabel Gueye). 
Top Photo: "Papa" Diarra Zumana, Nicole D. Ford, Ibrahima Camara (National Ballet of Senegal and Les Ballets Africain de Djabel Gueye)
Front of Bottom Photo: Kishema Pendu, Khalid Freeman
Kristina Robinson, Silvia Vrskova (Zarkana), Jarrett Rashad (Beatles: Love), Wassa Coulibaly (Zumanity), Khalid Freeman (Michael Jackson Immortal World Tour/Molodi), Angie Freeman, (Molodi) Kishema Pendu (Beatles: Love), Jacent Wamala, Nancy Blake
|
CLICK ON LINK ABOVE TO SEE VEGAS PBS SHOW "artScene"
Vegas PBS show artScene Episode #223 covers Baobab Stage Presents: Tribal Night. In addition to this episode, more Tribal Night video footage can be found here
Pictured in no particular order: Adama & Abdoulaye Kone (MGM's Beacher's Madhouse), Las Vegas Kaminari Taiko, Jacent Wamala, Agnes Roux (Zumanity), Farasha Desert Siren, Kumuda Tribal, Paola Brand Restrepo, Dishonne Muhammed, Mackly Benjamin Prophete, Stephanix Nix, Amaris Fuller & La Feroz Dancers, Kristina Robinson, Richard Kashanski (Boston Pops Symphony Orchestra), Chiqui Garcia (Latin Grammy's), Kishema Pendu (Beatles: Love) , Wassa Coulibaly (Zumanity) Danny Shyman, Peter Fand (Zarkana), Michel Narajo (Le Reve), Al Hernandez Jr. |
|
Opening of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters 28th International Convention Paris Hotel.
Producers: Krishner 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 Argentian 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: Argentian Gaucho Drummers, Christina Lakis, Marybel Gomez
|
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
|
|
|
|
|
Nicole D. Ford Improvising on congas with her conga and drum set teacher, Idalberto Perdomo from Cuba. He surprised her and made her improvise for the first time on congas while he played drumset. She still thinks he tried to lose her during his solo but, "The Sky is Still Blue"
Grace Koelig (Singer), Norma Rico Fernandez, Idalberto Perdomo and Nicole D. Ford
Nikki's Side Note: I did not attend this rumba but this was the video I found that eventually led me to Idalberto Perdomo's Drum Center. I saw this and went WOW I have to be there !
|
Olabisi African Dance & Drum Ensemble at Unity in the Community Concert by Reverend Judy-Ann Young, Stage Sage Productions.
Djembe Drummers: Hasani Palacio, Sam Wright, Solo Soro, Nicole D. Ford Dun Dun Drummer: "Papa" Diarra Zumana Cowbell: Jon'Nita Johnson Dancers: Corinthia Peoples, Kristina Robinson, LaQuetha Lutale, Tahirah Laughinghouse Choreographers: Adama & Abdoulaye Kone and LaQuetha Lutale Company Coordinator: China Hudson (not pictured) 
Olabisi African Dance & Drum Ensemble at Unity in the Community Concert. A Stage Sage Production (Reverend Judy-Ann Young).
|
|
Nicole D. Ford drumming with Ibrahima Camara (National Ballet of Senegal and Les Ballets Africain de Djabel Gueye), Angelo Stokes and Massamba
Angelo Stokes, Ibrahima Camara, Nicole D. Ford. Massamba (photo by Richard Brusky)
Angelo Stokes, Ibrahima Camara (National Ballet of Senegal and Les Ballets Africain de Djabel Gueye) and Nicole D. Ford
|
Nicole D. Ford Mocidade Rebelde and Capoeira Mandinga
UNLV Continuing Education Catalog. Photo taken at Mocidade Rebelde rehearsal. Jodi Reiter, aerialist in Le Reve, Nicole D. Ford
Cosmopolitan private gig produced and arranged by Scott Vomvolakis, Weapons of Mass Percussion. Pictured (not in order): Nicole D. Ford, Daniel Alameda, Corene Peltier, Lisa Carver, Uli Geissendoerfer, Stephen Shapiro, Austin Perry, Steve Ferradino, Anne Charbonneau, Geordie Ryder, Mike Barruti, Mycah Krason, Tim Weigel, Tyler McKusic, Kurt Rasmussen
|
Singing
Nicole LOVES to sing even though she does not have extensive formal training in singing. At the age of 2, she would belt out the Star Spangled Banner, which she learned attending sporting events with her parents. Throughout her dance/musical performances and recitals as a youth, Nicole sang in a variety of productions. Nicole joined Bishop O'Dowd's Gospel Choir during High School and sang as an Alto and Tenor at various performances and church services.
As Nicole started on her adult musical journey, she finally decided to stop just singing in the shower and in her car. In 2008, she joined the Spirit of Joy Choir at the Center for Spiritual Living Greater Las Vegas. Life then spiraled into Nicole being invited to sing with several groups such as Vocal Intervention, LNJ Trio, New Song Chorus, Gospel Music Workshop of America, Facebook Chorale, etc.
Nicole's percussion gifts are generally spotted first due to the rarity of a female playing at her level and her singing talents are oftten discovered when it's time for the percussionists to sing a call and response tune. As a result, Nicole has also sung with most of the drum and dance groups for which she has played.
Nicole is very comfortable and adept at singing beautiful harmonies in choirs, ensembles and on background vocals.
As Nicole started on her adult musical journey, she finally decided to stop just singing in the shower and in her car. In 2008, she joined the Spirit of Joy Choir at the Center for Spiritual Living Greater Las Vegas. Life then spiraled into Nicole being invited to sing with several groups such as Vocal Intervention, LNJ Trio, New Song Chorus, Gospel Music Workshop of America, Facebook Chorale, etc.
Nicole's percussion gifts are generally spotted first due to the rarity of a female playing at her level and her singing talents are oftten discovered when it's time for the percussionists to sing a call and response tune. As a result, Nicole has also sung with most of the drum and dance groups for which she has played.
Nicole is very comfortable and adept at singing beautiful harmonies in choirs, ensembles and on background vocals.
Rapping (Parental Advisory Warning - Explicit Content)
|
|
Steel Drums | Steel Pans
|
|
|
Violin
Nicole studied violin and piano throughout her childhood. She played 2nd violin in her elementary school orchestra as well as the orchestra at Bishop O'Dowd High School. In addition to playing at a variety of events and recitals, Nicole had the pleasure of performing annually with her school orchestra at Souverain Winery in Napa Valley, California. The orchestra also performed at Sea World and Magic Mountain in Southern California. Nicole ultimately progressed to become first chair of the 2nd violin section and she was selected to be part of the band in Bishop O'Dowd's production of The Wiz. She and first violinist virtuosa extraordinaire, Alison Bailey, were forever up to straight shenanigans post-rehearsal but always held it down at showtime.
As an adult, Nicole has played 2nd violin with various groups including the CSN Orchestra, Desert Springs Arts Chamber Orchestra, Bloomingdale House Chamber Ensemble, More Cowbell Ensemble, Dendera Ensemble, and the Montaggio Chamber Ensemble. She has been a solo violinist for Farasha Desert Siren and Kumuda Tribal at Baobab Stage presents: Tribal Night as well as the Las Vegas Bellydance Intensive's A Night in the City of Riches Pro Show
As an adult, Nicole has played 2nd violin with various groups including the CSN Orchestra, Desert Springs Arts Chamber Orchestra, Bloomingdale House Chamber Ensemble, More Cowbell Ensemble, Dendera Ensemble, and the Montaggio Chamber Ensemble. She has been a solo violinist for Farasha Desert Siren and Kumuda Tribal at Baobab Stage presents: Tribal Night as well as the Las Vegas Bellydance Intensive's A Night in the City of Riches Pro Show
|
|
|
|
Bishop O'Dowd High School Presents - The Wiz (Violinist)
|
|
|
|
Beat Making, Drum Machine, Digital Music |
Balafon / African Xylophone |
Finger Cymbals, Cajon, Bass Drum
|
Body Percussion | Body Music | Stepping
|
|
|
|
|
Tap Dance | Dance
As a child, Nicole studied jazz, Broadway-style tap, musical theatre, ballet, and gymnastics and performed in various local Bay Area productions. She trained most extensively with Yvonne School of Dancing, Alameda School of Dance (now Alameda Ballet Academy) and West Coast Dance Theatre. (As a side note, Nicole also did some modelling for I. Magnin & Company and H.C. Capwell Company). Nicole always has to give her mom credit for all the years she spent taking her to all of her lessons and hours and hours of rehearsals. She thanks her entire family for always showing up at her performances and whooping and hollering their support.
As a young adult, Nicole discovered Rhythm Tap or Jazz Tap, at a small studio in Berkeley, California called Studio J. Even though Nicole always loved tap, there was a big difference between the Broadway-style tap she grew up with and the Rhythmic Tap she came to fall madly in love with.
When Nicole looks back on it, sometimes she is not sure how she managed to graduate from Cal with honors and work as many hours as she worked in her career. Once she discovered Rhythm Tap, her second home became dance studios or dance floors throughout the Bay Area. She and her friend Babs would burn the midnight oil in the studio soaking up as much as possible from their mentor Mark Mendonca.
Nicole spent several years attending tap camps, festivals, workshops, and master classes studying with as many teachers, hoofers and legends as her schedule would allow: Eddie Brown, Buster Brown, Sam Weber, Gregory Hines, Ted Levy, Jimmy Slyde, Brenda Buffalino, Dianne Walker, Chance Taylor, Steve Zee, Fred Strickler, Ayodele Casel, Max Pollack, Bunny Briggs, Harold Nicholas of the Nicholas Brothers and many more!
If her discovery of Jazz Tap wasn't enough, Nicole took a trip to New York with some friends to see several Broadway shows and celebrate New Year's Eve in Time Square. They took her to see Bring in Da Noise, Bring in Da Funk, at the Public Theater, and it was a WRAP. Over the next several years, Nicole would find any opportunity to jump on a plane to New York so she could see the show. Nicole actually doesn't like New York, but every chance she got, even business trips to Florida, Philadelphia, Chicago, Ohio....it did not matter...Nicole would make a stop in New York to see her favorite show.
Nicole estimates that she saw that show in New York over 20 times, not to mention seeing it on tour in Los Angeles and in Washington D.C. As a fanatic, of course Nicole made sure she took classes with as many cast members as she could find becoming a regular at places such as Broadway Dance Center and Steps on Broadway. She was lucky to be able to take classes with some of funk's finest tappers: Savion Glover, Omar Edwards, Dule Hill, Baakari Wilder, Dormeshia Sumbry-Edwards, Derek Grant, and Jason Samuels-Smith to name a few.
Since moving to Las Vegas, Nicole's percussion expression has migrated from her feet to her hands. She has not tap danced nearly as much as she would like; however she keeps her tap shoes in the trunk and is ready to rekindle that flame anytime. In the meantime, she has enjoyed classes in Afro-Cuban dance, Salsa, African Dance, hip hop, body percussion, and stepping.
As a young adult, Nicole discovered Rhythm Tap or Jazz Tap, at a small studio in Berkeley, California called Studio J. Even though Nicole always loved tap, there was a big difference between the Broadway-style tap she grew up with and the Rhythmic Tap she came to fall madly in love with.
When Nicole looks back on it, sometimes she is not sure how she managed to graduate from Cal with honors and work as many hours as she worked in her career. Once she discovered Rhythm Tap, her second home became dance studios or dance floors throughout the Bay Area. She and her friend Babs would burn the midnight oil in the studio soaking up as much as possible from their mentor Mark Mendonca.
Nicole spent several years attending tap camps, festivals, workshops, and master classes studying with as many teachers, hoofers and legends as her schedule would allow: Eddie Brown, Buster Brown, Sam Weber, Gregory Hines, Ted Levy, Jimmy Slyde, Brenda Buffalino, Dianne Walker, Chance Taylor, Steve Zee, Fred Strickler, Ayodele Casel, Max Pollack, Bunny Briggs, Harold Nicholas of the Nicholas Brothers and many more!
If her discovery of Jazz Tap wasn't enough, Nicole took a trip to New York with some friends to see several Broadway shows and celebrate New Year's Eve in Time Square. They took her to see Bring in Da Noise, Bring in Da Funk, at the Public Theater, and it was a WRAP. Over the next several years, Nicole would find any opportunity to jump on a plane to New York so she could see the show. Nicole actually doesn't like New York, but every chance she got, even business trips to Florida, Philadelphia, Chicago, Ohio....it did not matter...Nicole would make a stop in New York to see her favorite show.
Nicole estimates that she saw that show in New York over 20 times, not to mention seeing it on tour in Los Angeles and in Washington D.C. As a fanatic, of course Nicole made sure she took classes with as many cast members as she could find becoming a regular at places such as Broadway Dance Center and Steps on Broadway. She was lucky to be able to take classes with some of funk's finest tappers: Savion Glover, Omar Edwards, Dule Hill, Baakari Wilder, Dormeshia Sumbry-Edwards, Derek Grant, and Jason Samuels-Smith to name a few.
Since moving to Las Vegas, Nicole's percussion expression has migrated from her feet to her hands. She has not tap danced nearly as much as she would like; however she keeps her tap shoes in the trunk and is ready to rekindle that flame anytime. In the meantime, she has enjoyed classes in Afro-Cuban dance, Salsa, African Dance, hip hop, body percussion, and stepping.
|
|
|
|
Bucket Drumming
|
|
|
Bass | Piano
|
|
|
|
Drum Set
|
|
|
Doumbek | Belly Dance inspired
Afrikfest Las Vegas, Zinduna Brothers & Nabtry International Cultural Dancers
African Drum | Dance | Song | Acrobats
African Drum | Dance | Song | Acrobats
|
|
Corporate Life - 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.
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.
Excel Model
| excel_sample_model.pdf |
Policies & Procedures Manual
| sample_manual.pdf |
FASB Accounting Position Paper
| sample_accounting_analysis_-_fin_46_position_paper.pdf |
College Life - 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.
