WASHINGTON, D.C. – World-renowned opera star Denyce Graves-Montgomery will receive the 2025 Service to America Leadership Award from the National Association of Broadcasters Leadership Foundation (NABLF) for her philanthropic efforts and dedication to supporting the next generation of vocal artists and musicians. The award will be presented during the Celebration of Service to America Awards ceremony on June 10, 2025, at The Anthem in Washington, D.C.
The Celebration of Service to America Awards is part of the foundation’s mission to recognize local broadcasters’ incredible public service and emphasize the vital role stations play in communities across the country. The event also honors a Corporate Leadership Award recipient, presented to individuals or organizations that have made significant contributions to the public good.
Graves-Montgomery is an Emmy and GRAMMY Award-winning artist, dedicated educator and esteemed stage director with a unique talent and extensive discography that has landed her prominent appearances and performances around the world. Despite numerous prestigious awards, Graves-Montgomery envisions her greatest legacy to be what she does for others beyond the stage.
“Through her extraordinary talent and commitment to uplifting voices and mentoring emerging artists, Denyce Graves-Montgomery is opening doors for so many vocal artists across the country,” said NABLF President Michelle Duke. “Her tremendous work embodies the spirit of this award, and we look forward to honoring her at the Celebration of Service to America Awards.”
Throughout her storied career, Graves-Montgomery has made tremendous efforts to give back. She established the Denyce Graves Foundation (DGF) to support vocal artists at every stage of their careers while honoring those that came before them. Founded with the mission to cultivate and elevate exceptionally gifted singers from all backgrounds, DGF gives these talented musicians the mentorship and resources necessary to reach their full potential.
DGF’s flagship initiative, the Shared Voices Program, creates partnerships between Historically Black Colleges and Universities and leading music conservatories. The Hidden Voices Initiative seeks to honor and bring to light the contributions of overlooked musicians, composers and educators of color in American history through extensive research, educational outreach and the creation of new artistic works to celebrate the legacies of these individuals.
Graves-Montgomery has forged strategic partnerships with major institutions including the Kennedy Center, Smithsonian Institution, Metropolitan Opera and the Library of Congress. In recognition of her pioneering efforts, DGF received a grant from the Ford Foundation to support its mission to build a more inclusive future for classical music.
The mission of the Foundation is to develop leaders, prepare individuals for careers in broadcasting and recognize the community impact of local television and radio stations. Learn more at nabfoundation.org.
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