The NABFEME Shero
The NABFEME Shero is a distinction used by the National Association of Black Female Executives in Music & Entertainment (NABFEME) to honor trailblazing women who have broken barriers and achieved excellence in historically male-dominated industries. The concept of celebrating women in music and entertainment who have transformed career challenges into platforms of empowerment was first introduced by NABFEME as The Shero Salute at the Young Black Programmers Coalition (aka NBPC) conference in 1999 in New Orleans, LA. This event spotlighted several women and their careers for overcoming exclusion in male-dominated entertainment environments or industries. These women were celebrated for transforming challenges into leadership, inspiration, and empowerment. For every hero in the world, there’s at least one Shero — Dr. Johnnetta B. Cole
The Shero Honors
What began as a decision to honor a group of remarkable women evolved into the NABFEME Shero Hall of Fame. Launched by NABFEME at the inaugural International Women’s Leadership Summit in 2001 in Toronto, Canada, the Shero Honors were born from a vision to build a supportive community for Black women in music, media, and entertainment. By shining a spotlight on those who triumphed over exclusion in male-dominated fields, these awards celebrate trailblazing leaders—honoring their career journeys, their resilience, and their unwavering commitment to empowering Black women across the industry and the community.
The Chicago Sheroes
On January 14, 2001, at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, NABFEME debuted the Chicago Shero Salute. Held during the holiday weekend honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., the event channeled his spirit of excellence to celebrate local “Sheroes”—women who played pivotal roles in the growth of the Chicagoland music and entertainment scenes.
Hosted by George Daniels of the legendary George’s Music Room, the gala drew hundreds of enthusiastic attendees. The inaugural class of honorees included:
- Yvonne Daniels: Veteran WLS radio announcer (Posthumous Honor)
- Bonnie DeShong: Longtime radio and media personality
- Mary Datcher: CEO On The Street Promotions
- Susan Fletcher: President of Fletcher’s One-Stop
- Stella Foster: Iconic Chicago Sun-Times columnist
- Linda Johnson Rice: President of Johnson Publishing Company (Ebony & Jet)
Key Aspects of the NABFEME Shero program
- Purpose: Created to recognize women who have shattered barriers, transformed challenges, and paved the way for others.
- Shero Hall of Fame: A prestigious recognition designed to honor leading women in the entertainment industry whose career paths have paved the way for others.
- The Shero Honors: A signature event created to spotlight women who have overcome exclusion and transformed challenges into success.
- Legacy Honorees: Notable figures like legendary actress Ruby Dee, singer Dionne Warwick, executives Suszanne DePasse, Sylvia Rhone, and educator Dr. Johnnetta B. Cole to name a few who have been recognized as NABFEME Sheroes for their career contributions and support of women in the arts.
- Community Sheroes: The term is also used within the organization to describe mentors and leaders like AIDS Activist Maria Davis who strive to empower the next generation of female executives.