Shalisa James

Shalisa James is a Grammy-nominated, Drama Desk Award-winning vocalist, producer, music director, and speaker with a career spanning more than three decades in the entertainment industry. James began her professional journey at age 11, recording as Mitzi for Showbiz Pizza Places worldwide. She later became a founding member of the a cappella group Toxic Audio, earning a Grammy nomination for her lead vocal in the Broadway Concert version of "Hair."

James has contributed vocals to more than 2,000 jingles and industrials and was named Female Vocalist of the Year for three consecutive years by the Contemporary A Cappella Society of America. She voiced Tessa on the Emmy Award-winning PBS show "The Reppies" and was recognized as Favorite Female Vocalist by the A Cappella Community Awards. James serves as the vocal director for all live shows at Universal Studios Florida and the Frog Choir at Universal Studios Hollywood.

As owner of Entertainment Central Productions, James has worked with Universal Studios and Warner Brothers to develop immersive entertainment experiences. She collaborated with the Tonight Show team and Universal Studios to create the show for the "Race Through New York with Jimmy Fallon" attraction. Her video for the original song "Couldn't Get a Sitter," co-written with her husband, received more than 1 million views and won a Telly Award for Best Comedic Music Video. Her solo debut album, "Five Decades," is a 14-track project reflecting her vocal versatility and experience across multiple genres.

A Stage 4 cancer survivor, James speaks at workshops and events nationwide, sharing her story of resilience and empowerment. In her keynote presentation "Harmony in Action," she explores the connections between music and corporate culture, highlighting the parallels between creating harmony in music and fostering collaboration within teams and organizations. Drawing from her professional achievements and personal experiences, James offers insights relevant to audiences across industries, including music, entertainment, and corporate leadership.