Nikisha Bailey is a celebrated music executive, cultural curator, and advocate for creative innovation whose 15 year career has shaped the trajectories of some of today’s most influential artists, including Kehlani, Kevin Gates, Charlie Puth, and Bruno Mars. She has held senior leadership roles at Atlantic Records, Artist Partner Group (APG), Nvak Collective, and Universal Music Group, where she led A&R and label operations and marketing strategy. As VP and Head of A&R Operations at Atlantic/APG, Nikisha played an integral role in the creative and operational success of multi-platinum, Grammy nominated releases.

Her industry contributions have earned her repeated recognition as a Billboard R&B/Hip Hop Power Player from 2020 to 2023 and a Forbes Next 1000 honoree for her entrepreneurial vision. As a Professor at Drexel University, she teaches the next generation of music leaders in artist management, marketing, and entrepreneurship.

Nikisha serves as a Trustee for The Recording Academy’s New York Chapter and is the National Co-Chair of the Grammys’ Music Education and Professional Development Committee. She is also a founding member of CHIEF, the executive network supporting women leaders at the highest levels, and serves on the Board of Advisors for Women in Music.

Her advocacy extends globally through partnerships with the U.S. Embassy in Egypt, where in 2023 she led a groundbreaking educational initiative supporting 40 women artists through entrepreneurship and music business development. Outside of music, Nikisha channels her passion for equity and community into her venture, Win Win Coffee, Philadelphia’s first Black woman owned coffee roaster and distributor. The brand uses supply chain technology to build a more transparent and sustainable coffee industry.

“Community is everything,” Nikisha says. “You are only as strong as the team with you—and we win when we build together.”

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