A respected entrepreneur with over 20 years’ experience in the entertainment industry, Nicole Friday is an executive, producer, writer and media personality. She has cultivated, inspired and championed emerging talent and artists of color across a spectrum of film, television, radio and fashion.
Nicole Friday is the president of ABFF Ventures, LLC, a multifaceted entertainment company specializing in the production of live and virtual events and branding. She leads the company’s mission to showcase Black talent and discover new voices while overseeing all business operations—including policy, strategy, programming, corporate outreach, sponsorship and talent. Under her direction, ABFF has experienced exponential growth and recognition of its tent-pole properties—the American Black Film Festival (ABFF), now in its 27th year; ABFF Honors, an annual awards gala saluting the top stars of film and television; ABFF London Film Festival; and its newest production, ABFF Comedy Festival. Nicole Friday also represents the company as its brand ambassador to promote and increase awareness of ABFF Ventures’ corporate mission to foster partner relationships and advocate for diversity in Hollywood.
Alongside her husband, ABFF Founder and CEO Jeff Friday, Nicole has created and executive produced multiple television shows, including Icons, Idols & Influencers for Magic Johnson’s Aspire network and Hollywood Homecoming for IMDb TV.
Nicole Friday began her career as an agent at Ford Models, where she was on the team that signed model-turned-actor, Boris Kodjoe. From there, she joined Emmis Communications as a producer for stations 98.7 Kiss FM, CD 101.9 and Hot 97. While working at Emmis, Nicole led major brand/network partnerships including TLC Network.
A culinary influencer, Nicole’s appearances and credits include The Food Network’s Beat Bobby Flay and The Kitchen, as well as the Around the World from Home series, which she launched for Whole Foods Market.
Nicole Friday holds a BA in Communications from Howard University. She received formal training as a chef at the Institute of Culinary Education (ICE) in New York. Nicole currently resides in Los Angeles with her husband Jeff and their two teenage sons.
