Nicole Friday is the President and Co-Founder of Nice Crowd, a premier entertainment company that produces premium live experiences designed to inspire, connect, and entertain. From large-scale festivals to touring event properties, Nice Crowd is behind some of the most anticipated gatherings in the industry—including its flagship property, the American Black Film Festival (ABFF), the star-studded ABFF Honors, the Because They're Funny DC Comedy Festival, the Black Art Empowerment Summit, and the ABFF Pop Up—a domestic and international tour launched in Fall 2025, which now includes the former ABFF Global: London as part of its global footprint.
Nicole is also the creator of BOB Talks (Black-Owned Brands Talks), a live conversation series spotlighting visionary founders and innovative Black-owned businesses. Featured at both the flagship ABFF festival and ABFF Pop Up, BOB Talks reflects Nicole's commitment to elevating entrepreneurship and creating platforms where business and storytelling intersect in powerful, live experiences.
As President, Nicole leads with clarity, precision, and vision—overseeing both strategy and execution across all Nice Crowd properties. She plays a central role in shaping the company's growth trajectory, from identifying new markets to elevating the audience experience and delivering measurable outcomes for brand partners. Known for her hands-on leadership and commitment to excellence, she continues to expand what modern live programming can achieve.
Beyond her work in entertainment, Nicole is passionate about the power of food as a vehicle for storytelling. She created Around the World from Home, a globally inspired cooking series developed in partnership with Whole Foods Market, which explores the connection between cuisine, heritage, and travel. She has also appeared as a culinary expert on Food Network's Beat Bobby Flay and The Kitchen, showcasing her signature blend of warmth, creativity, and perspective. Known for her approachable style and international culinary lens, Nicole brings thoughtfulness and authenticity to every table she sets.
A graduate of Howard University, Nicole lives in Los Angeles with her husband and business partner, Jeff Friday, and their children. Through a career defined by innovation, leadership, and intentional growth, she continues to champion experiences that leave a lasting imprint—blending business acumen with storytelling to create moments that matter.
