7. Taking Care of Business
Sheila C. Johnson empowers others to pursue their dreams in education and entrepreneurship through her words and deeds. (Salamander Hotels and Resorts)
From philanthropy to business, Sheila C. Johnson does it all. She empowers others to pursue their dreams in education and entrepreneurship through her words and deeds. Johnson is the only African-American woman to have ownership in three pro teams: the WNBA’s Washington Mystics, the NBA’s Washington Wizards and the NHL’s Washington Capitals. She also has her hands in golf, aviation as well as accessories and home products. An arts lover who plays the violin, she launched the 2013 Middleburg Film Festival in the heart of Virginia’s horse and wine country. She also helped to bring The Butler to the silver screen this year and previously backed documentaries such as The Other City, which delved into HIV/AIDS. A former global ambassador for CARE, she also works to improve health in Africa through Accordia Global Health Foundation’s International Council. In 2005, she founded Salamander Hotels and Resorts, which includes three properties in Florida and one in Middleburg. Back in the day, she was founding partner of Black Entertainment Television.
