Madeline Nelson

Chairman
The Mary J. Blige and Steve Stoute Foundation for the Advancement of Women Now (FFAWN)

As Chairman of Foundation for the Advancement of Women Now (FFAWN), the two-year old organization founded by Grammy-winning singer/ songwriter Mary J. Blige and marketing and branding executive Steve Stoute, music industry veteran Madeline Nelson is on a mission. "My passion for what we‘re doing at FFAWN is limitless," Nelson-Small explains. "It was our goal from the beginning to make FFAWN a grassroots relationship between ourselves and the community of women we‘ve vowed to help."


A Harlem native who strongly believes in the idea of "paying it forward," Madeline Nelson-Small arrived at FFAWN with a strong desire to help under-served women feel empowered to reach their full potential with scholarships, grants, and other supporting programs. With Mary J. Blige, Steve Stoute, Shawn Carter, Catherine Malandrino, Kendu Isaacs currently sitting on the board of directors of FFAWN, Nelson-Small helped draft the foundation‘s founding principles. "I like to think of them as guideposts through our journey," Nelson-Small says.


In less than a year Madeline has put together a stellar line of supporters and partners working to further FFAWN‘s mission including Gucci, Catherine Malandrino, HSN, Inc., Shawn Carter Scholarship Fund (SCSF), Thurgood Marshall College Fund and many more. Madeline was the driving force behind Mary J. Blige and FFAWN being featured on 30-minute Oprah segment in April 2010. With just one pitch, Madeline convinced Geoffrey Canada that FFAWN‘s 3E program (Empowerment through Education and Encouragement) should be in included in his school, Harlem Children‘s Zone. "With our passion and strengths, we pride ourselves as being more than just another celebrity foundation," Madeline says. 


As a teenager, Madeline began working in the television industry as an intern at Showtime At the Apollo. Nelson-Small quickly worked her way up to Associate Producer on the legendary television show, where she produced segments and booked professional talent. The constant interaction with the musicians booked for the Apollo led her to explore a career in music.


After working for the Apollo, Madeline later joined New Jack Swing Productions/Interscope Records where she worked her way up to Vice President of Music Operations. During her time at New Jack Swing/Interscope, she managed hit-makers BlackStreet to 6 million plus records and worked with other great talents such as Gwen Stefani, Snoop Dog, and Pharrell Williams.


Def Comedy Jam, The Soap Opera Digest Awards, Essence Awards, and B.E.T. Awards Shows are some of the shows for which Madeline worked as talent coordinator and producer. In addition, she has been a producer and event coordinator for Ray Allen, Allen Iverson, Ray Lewis, Denzel Washington for Boys and Girls Club, Lenny Kravitz, Faith Hill, and Rihanna.


Madeline's diverse job opportunities have afforded her the good fortune to work with many very talented and driven people. However, she always knew she was not fulfilling her own personal destiny. "When Mary J. and Steve Stoute came to me about spearheading FFAWN, a name I helped conceive, I knew this was my chance to put every privilege I‘ve ever had in life toward helping others." Driven by soulful compassion and the dedication to make a difference, FFAWN‘s senior director Madeline Nelson-Small is more than ready for the challenge. "This is just the beginning of our mission," she says. "Believe me, the goals of FFAWN know no boundaries."