Nikki L. Smith

About Nikki L. Smith

As Co-Founder and Chief Strategist at Women Who VYBE, I am dedicated to steering our organization\'s strategy with a focus on empowering women through innovative initiatives. My role is multifaceted, involving the development and execution of strategies that ensure our brand not only resonates with our core mission of women\'s empowerment but also drives substantial impact. I lead efforts to secure essential funding and guide our content strategy, amplifying our reach and engagement. Beyond strategic leadership, I am passionate about mentoring and fostering a supportive, dynamic environment where our team thrives on creativity and collaboration.In addition to my work with Women Who VYBE, I am the Founder and CEO of LionFish Music & Entertainment Group (LMEG), where I blend the artistic with the corporate, bringing a unique perspective to the entertainment industry. Established in 2016, LMEG is the culmination of my vision to empower independent creatives to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world. At LMEG, I focus on artist development, music production, and contract negotiations, all while maintaining the highest ethical standards and delivering top-tier quality. My responsibilities also include building and nurturing relationships with a diverse client portfolio, which spans major music labels, educational institutions, and independent artists. My commitment to excellence is evident in the way I cultivate opportunities for my talent to flourish in both the entertainment and corporate arenas.My journey is not just about business; it’s deeply personal and rooted in my faith. I have a passion for supporting women survivors of domestic violence and homeless women with children, and I aim to use my platform to inspire and uplift those who have faced significant challenges. As an artist known as The Nu Chic (TNC), I bring a vibrant blend of musical styles, pioneering a \'genre fusion\' sound that resonates with audiences. My music is a reflection of my journey, with tracks like \'#higher\' serving as anthems of empowerment and faith. This commitment to creativity is mirrored in every aspect of my professional life, whether I\'m producing music, guiding a strategic initiative, or mentoring the next generation of leaders. In everything I do, from business to music, my goal is to build a legacy that inspires, empowers, and creates opportunities for others. Whether it\'s through strategic leadership, innovative entrepreneurship, or creative expression, I am driven by a desire to make a meaningful impact on the world.

Experience

1. Business & Legal Affairs Senior Corporate Paralegal

   Universal Music Latino Uml

   Aug 2024 — Present

   Collaborating closely with the EVP and SVP of Business and Legal Affairs, to provide comprehensive legal and operational support for Universal Music Latino’s publishing, marketing, A&R, merchandising, and entertainment divisions.Drafting first versions of contracts and agreements, including creating templates for boilerplate agreements like; guest artists/side artist releases, Swaps, video production agreements, production agreements, licensing agreements, label waivers, letters of direction (LODs), artwork agreements, amendments, assignments, and other legal documents as required.Reviewing 3rd party comments on contracts and managing the document execution process, ensuring timely sign-off and compliance with department protocols.Managing critical deadlines while juggling multiple projects in a fast-paced, high-stakes environment, ensuring exceptional attention to detail and prioritization of tasks.Developing and implementing project management tools and resources, enhancing tracking and status updates for both Universal Music Latino and Fonovisa, significantly improving project visibility and legal workflow.Advising the SVP on process improvements and strategies to enhance workflow and operational efficiency within the Business and Legal Affairs department.Providing detailed reports to the Executive Management Team, offering valuable insights into legal requests and contract statuses for interdepartmental stakeholders.Managing the legal filing system and digital signatures to maintain efficient legal operations.Leading the digitization and migration of all department files, modernizing record-keeping and improving accessibility.Managing and mentoring an intern (a 1st-year law student), training attorneys on project management tools, and Executive Management Team support.Demonstrating high levels of personal integrity and discretion, particularly in managing sensitive and confidential information in a dynamic, fast-paced legal environment.

Education

• Full Sail University

  Bachelor of Science - BS, Music Business Administration, Management and Operations

• Miami Dade College

  English Literature

  2000 — 2001