NIKISHA BAILEY

Nikisha Bailey is an award winning entrepreneur, music executive, educator, and founder who is passionate about helping the next generation turn bold ideas into lasting impact.

With more than 15 years of experience in the music industry, Nikisha has held executive leadership roles at Atlantic Records and Artist Partner Group, working with Grammy Award winning artists and shaping careers at the intersection of music, business, and culture. Today, she is the Co Founder of Defiant Coffee, a purpose driven company built on resilience, community, and entrepreneurship.

Beyond building businesses, Nikisha is committed to education and economic empowerment. She serves as a Trustee for the New York Chapter of The Recording Academy, teaches music business at Drexel University, and leads the Brooklyn Navy Yard Small Business Accelerator Program, where she helps entrepreneurs launch, grow, and scale their businesses.

A Forbes Next 1000 honoree and three time Billboard R&B/Hip Hop Power Player, Nikisha believes success is not defined by where you start, but by your willingness to keep learning, adapting, and building. Through her work, she inspires students and entrepreneurs to lead with purpose, embrace reinvention, and create opportunities that make a lasting impact.

"Carla Harris. She's one of the few leaders who has mastered business, leadership, and authenticity all at once. I'd spend the hour talking about building influence, making bold career moves, and creating opportunities for others. I know I'd leave inspired and with at least one piece of advice that would change the way I think."