S heila Johnson is a trailblazing American businesswoman, philanthropist, and co-founder of Black Entertainment Television (BET). Her journey has been one of breaking barriers and achieving success across multiple industries. In 1980, she and her then-husband, Robert L. Johnson, launched BET, the first cable television network aimed at African American audiences. As the network's executive vice president, she was instrumental in shaping its programming and brand identity, helping it grow from a small channel into a major cultural and media force.

In 1998, BET was sold to Viacom for approximately $3 billion, a landmark deal that made the Johnsons the first African American billionaires. After the sale and their subsequent divorce, Sheila Johnson embarked on a remarkable second act as an entrepreneur and sports team owner. She is the founder and CEO of Salamander Hotels & Resorts, a portfolio of luxury properties. In a historic move, she became the first African American woman to be a principal shareholder in three professional sports teams: the Washington Capitals (NHL), the Washington Wizards (NBA), and the Washington Mystics (WNBA). She is also a dedicated philanthropist and a prominent advocate for education and the arts.