Women In Radio Spotlight: How Vicki Ochoa Turned an Unexpected Opportunity Into a 15-Year Radio Career
From answering phones as an intern to hosting Night Wolf on Texas Country 99.5 The Wolf, Vicki Ochoa's journey proves that passion, persistence, and trusting your voice can open doors you never imagined.
By: Dallas Glover
Vicki Ochoa is the host of Night Wolf on Texas Country 99.5 The Wolf. A Dallas native with 15 years of radio experience, Vicki's journey into broadcasting wasn't exactly planned, but it turned into the career she was meant to have.
From answering phones as an intern to becoming a trusted on-air personality in one of the country's most competitive radio markets, Vicki's story is one of persistence, passion, and believing in the power of your voice.
How She Got Behind the Mic
Radio has always been part of Vicki's life. As a listener, she spent her younger years calling the request lines and attending station events to meet artists and win tickets. However, her original career path looked very different.
"I had dreams of becoming a celebrity makeup artist," she says. Vicki studied the art of makeup, specializing in special effects, for more than a decade before deciding it was time for a new chapter.
In 2011, she was encouraged by a friend to look into radio because of her outgoing personality. By chance, they ran into a local radio DJ that same day. After asking him for advice, he offered her an internship answering phones on his mix show.
"That opportunity changed everything," Vicki recalls. "I loved it so much that I realized I wanted to build a long-term career in radio."
The Moment She Knew This Was Her Lane
For Vicki, the confirmation came quickly.
"I eagerly looked forward to going to work every day and cracking the mic to create radio magic," she says.
That excitement and the joy of connecting with listeners is what made it clear she had found her calling.
Building a Successful Career
Over the years, Vicki learned that success in radio requires much more than a great voice.
She credits her growth to developing strong communication skills, learning to think quickly on her feet, embracing creativity, and staying consistent. She also emphasizes the importance of authenticity, mastering social media trends, editing content, and building meaningful relationships throughout the industry.
"Trusting my voice was one of the biggest lessons," she says. "Networking and relationship building have [also] been incredibly important to my career growth."
Today, she's proud to have spent 15 years in the Dallas market while also gaining experience in Sacramento at a respected heritage station.
What the Industry Still Gets Wrong About Women in Radio
According to Vicki, women in radio are often underestimated. "Women aren't just voices on air," she explains. "We're creators, storytellers, marketers, content strategists, and community builders."
She believes the industry sometimes overlooks the versatility and influence women can bring to every aspect of broadcasting.
Challenges Along the Way
Like many women in media, Vicki faced her share of obstacles. "Imposter syndrome was a huge obstacle for me," she shares. "It took years to learn how to believe in myself and trust my voice."
She also learned to navigate rejection, criticism, and the patience required when opportunities don't arrive when you want them to.
Advice for Women Breaking Into Radio
If she could share one piece of advice with women entering the industry, it would be this: find a mentor.
Having someone who understands the business can make a tremendous difference when navigating radio's unique challenges and opportunities. She also stresses the importance of networking and understanding the industry's realities.
"It's always about who you know and who knows you," she says. "Those connections can help guide you toward your next opportunity."
Life Beyond the Studio
When she's not hosting Night Wolf, Vicki wears several other hats. She's a busy mom, entrepreneur, and owner of Aguas Chicas DFW Catering Concepts.
Despite her packed schedule, she still finds time to enjoy simple pleasures like Target runs and movie nights with her husband.
What She Loves Most About Radio
Without hesitation, Vicki says her favorite part of the job is connecting with listeners.
"I LOVE meeting our listeners!" Whether she's emceeing events, hosting artist meet and greets, or broadcasting from live remotes, the community connection is what fuels her passion.
What's Next?
Looking ahead, Vicki hopes to continue growing within programming, with aspirations of becoming a Music Director and potentially expanding into another daypart.
What's Playing on Her Playlist?
When asked what's currently in rotation, Vicki points to one of country music's hottest songs right now: Ella Langley's "Choosin' Texas."
She's also listening to:
Riley Green
Megan Moroney
Morgan Wallen
Luke Combs
And when she's in the mood for classics:
George Strait
Alan Jackson
Reba McEntire
Shania Twain
Connect With Vicki
Social Media:@onairwithvicki
As our inaugural Women In Radio Spotlight honoree, Vicki Ochoa reminds us that sometimes the best careers are the ones we never planned for. Through authenticity, hard work, and an unwavering belief in the power of connection, she's built a career that continues to inspire women across the industry today
Hayley Tenpas: Smiling Through The Airwaves
“You need to enjoy conversations and the ebbs and flows of the community you live in. You need to have fun. People really can tell when you're smiling through the airwaves!”
After earning her degree in Broadcast Journalism from the University of Wisconsin Whitewater, Hayley Tenpas spent five years in the television industry before making her radio debut. This unforeseen yet rewarding change came after her first bundle of joy entered the world, “I found myself wanting to find a career that provided better balance as we grew our family. I left my job in TV in June of 2017 and spent 10 precious months at home with my new baby girl. During that time I realized how much I missed connecting with my community and amazingly I was approached by a local talk radio station, WHBY, to see if their
programming might be a fit for me”, Needless to say, it was love at first mic!
There are a few occupations out there that can make your kids see you as a “cool mom” and let’s be honest, a radio host is definitely one of them. When asked about what keeps her motivated in a fast-changing industry like radio she responded with, “My kids! I have three littles and knowing I'm helping to share information and connect with organizations that impact our community, that could impact them, matters. I know that the organizations I'm featuring now could be something we need down the road .” She then went on to say, “Sometimes I speak with school groups and the girls' eyes light up when I say that I'm a radio host, that means everything. I think more positives I see are when my female colleagues are promoted. Sure, we've had women leave their on-air roles but in many instances, it's to pursue bigger opportunities up the radio chain. Our GM is a woman and her lived experiences were critical in getting a pumping room in our building, amongst many, many other things. Representation matters, right? So when we see that happening I think it's encouraging for all of us, even when things don't seem like they're moving.”
With all the highs of her career so far, there also come lows. Hayley spoke briefly about her struggle with comparing herself to others- mainly male counterparts and how she’s able to overcome those doubts, “I've doubted my ability to be as "connected" to our community based on my availability outside the office. It can be a dangerous comparison game. I've found comfort in knowing there really is space for all of us on our platform and that my thoughts and interviews are just as needed as theirs.” Yes indeed, and if there weren't a space, you can leave it up to the women in radio to create one!
The Wisconsin native’s inviting, fun, and naturally curious mindset, makes being a radio host sound like a dream, she didn't leave without noting “You need to enjoy conversations and the ebbs and flows of the community you live in. You need to have fun. People really can tell when you're smiling through the airwaves!”
Ashley O: When Being Yourself Goes Right
“I just hope to keep giving people a safe space to be and listen, even if it's just for four hours a day.”
In a world where everyone wants to give advice, one gem stands out: "Always be yourself." It's a small piece of encouragement that can open unimaginable doors when embraced in the right situation.
Such is the story of Ashley O, a forward-thinking, infectious, and light-hearted radio host at Orlando station 101.9 FM & Miami station 104.3 FM. Through a series of serendipitous events, Ashley wonderfully transitioned from hosting a party with friends to becoming a host for thousands of radio listeners today. It almost feels like the plot of a coming-of-age film when you think about it. As Ashley recalls, "I kind of fell into radio. I was hosting a party with a bunch of friends, and we met a guy named Mike B, who worked in radio down here. I guess I had him laughing, and he said I had a 'voice for radio.' He asked what I was doing, and at the time, I was looking for an internship. The next day, they had interviews, and it felt very 'Legally Blonde.' So, I showed up on a Monday smelling like two-day-old Miller Light, wearing a pair of jeans, surrounded by highly trained professionals. Against all odds, those crazy men decided to give me an internship, and that was it."
Ashley takes immense pride in providing a safe space for the thoughts and opinions of others. Even after spending a significant amount of time in the radio business, she has managed to maintain her infectious personality. However, it wasn't without a few key motivators and influences that kept her on track. Among those, one of my personal favorites is the story of the cardboard box. When she was first hired, a man named Kevin Vargas introduced her to what she described as a ‘tangible perspective.’ Pointing to an abnormally large Amazon cardboard box under his desk, filled with CDs and sleeves, he said, "You see this? These are all the people that want your job." This simple gesture instilled in Ashley a sense of gratitude and determination to make the most of her opportunity.
Her journey in radio has also been shaped by her interactions with women who came before her and didn't have the same opportunities in the industry as she does now, as well as representing the percentage of women who are creating room for change. These experiences have helped her carry a great deal of balance and understanding for the role she plays as a woman in this field and influenced her growth, allowing her to progress while staying true to herself.
Looking ahead, Ashley envisions exciting goals for “The Ashley O Show” and her future in radio. She initiated a charity called "The Ashley O Food Fight," aimed at paying off outstanding student lunch debt in the counties where she broadcasts. With the hope of expanding the program, she wants to ensure that numerous kids receive whole, nutritious meals. Already, they have raised an impressive $50,000 and successfully paid off the outstanding student lunch debt in Broward County. Above all, she couldn’t leave without saying this, “I just hope to keep giving people a safe space to be and listen, even if it's just for four hours a day.”
Ivani Bing: From Unexpected Paths to Midday Radio Stardom
"I always want to make sure that I treat them with respect and live by the golden rule, 'Treat people the way you'd like to be treated' because in this industry, you never know who you're gonna run into."
Have you ever found yourself on a completely different path than the one you initially set out on? Well, let me introduce you to Ivani Bing, the vibrant host of the 107.3KC Midday Radio Show. Her journey to becoming a radio show host was full of unexpected twists and turns, but her resilience and unwavering determination led her to where she is today.
During her time at the University of Missouri Kansas City, Ivani sought opportunities to enhance her resume for her dream job as a live TV anchor. In pursuit of this goal, she interned at Shorty and The Boys on 95.7 The Vibe, a station she was all too familiar with. This internship provided her with invaluable learning experiences that she saw as useful for her TV career. However, after moving on to a TV internship, Ivani quickly realized that it wasn't the fulfilling path she had imagined.
Reflecting on her time there, Ivani recalls, "It was not what I thought it was. I was actually miserable. I tell people I didn't find any joy in putting a camera in somebody's face at the lowest point of their life. So being a reporter and covering those hard-hitting news stories—emotional and just stories of the community of people going through hardships—it took a toll on me mentally, and I wasn't equipped to handle it." Realizing that television wasn't the right fit for her, Ivani decided to reevaluate her career path. She returned to her radio job and shared her discomfort with them, and they suggested she explore the role of an on-air personality—an idea that had never crossed her mind before.
Embracing the unexpected, Ivani took on an internship at the station as a sales representative for Sweet Jack after graduation. Although it wasn't her ideal position, she understood the value of seizing any opportunity that presented itself. She advises other interns to do the same, explaining, "Even when it's not what you want, still take it because it's your foot in the door." This position allowed her to elevate herself within the industry and opened doors to new possibilities.
During her time with Sweet Jack, Ivani attended Chiefs games, where she would sign people up for promotions using an iPad. This eventually led to her involvement with the party patrol, attending clubs and generating an online presence for the radio station. One fateful day, a program director asked her a life-altering question: "What do you want to be when you grow up?" Ivani confidently replied, "I'd like to be on-air." From that point forward, Ivani's journey was far from easy. She faced doubts and skepticism from colleagues and others in her life who believed she would never make it as an on-air personality. However, she remained undeterred and persevered. She shadowed morning shows, waking up at the crack of dawn to learn the ins and outs of the industry. Gradually, she transitioned to hosting weekend shows and eventually landed on a midday show for 107.3.
Throughout her journey, Ivani emphasized the importance of perseverance and staying true to oneself. She never compromised her authenticity, even in the face of adversity. Ivani also believes in treating others with respect, even those who may have treated her poorly in the past. She states, "I always want to make sure that I treat them with respect and live by the golden rule, 'Treat people the way you'd like to be treated' because in this industry, you never know who you're gonna run into."
Today, Ivani Bing has earned her position as an on-air personality host through hard work, determination, and an unwavering spirit. Her journey reminds us that success often comes from unexpected paths, staying true to oneself, and treating others with respect can truly make a difference.
7 Things You Should Do After Being Laid Off
“it's important to remember that being laid off doesn't define your worth or your future prospects.”
Losing your job in any industry can be a devastating blow, but it can feel especially difficult in the fast-paced world of media. However, it's important to remember that being laid off doesn't define your worth or your future prospects. Here are some tips on what to do after being laid off in the media industry.
Take care of yourself. Losing your job can be a traumatic experience, and it's important to prioritize your mental and physical health. Take some time for self-care, whether it's through exercise, meditation, or just spending time with loved ones.
Assess your financial situation. It's important to understand your current financial situation and plan for the future. This may involve creating a budget, applying for unemployment benefits, and considering other sources of income.
Network and stay connected. The media industry is a tight-knit community, and staying connected with your colleagues and industry contacts can be invaluable as you search for your next opportunity. Attend industry events, reach out to former coworkers, and keep your LinkedIn profile up-to-date.
Update your resume and portfolio. Your resume and portfolio should reflect your most recent experiences and skills, so take the time to update them. Consider reaching out to a professional resume writer or career coach for help if needed.
Consider upskilling or reskilling. The media industry is constantly evolving, and it may be worth investing in yourself by taking courses or acquiring new skills to stay competitive. This could include learning a new software or programming language, or taking a course in a related field.
Keep an open mind. While you may have had a specific role or career path in mind, it's important to be open to new opportunities. Consider exploring roles or industries that you may not have considered before, and be willing to take on freelance or contract work in the meantime.
Stay positive and persistent. Finding a new job can take time, and it's important to stay positive and persistent throughout the process. Keep applying for positions, reaching out to contacts, and taking advantage of networking opportunities.
Being laid off can be a challenging and overwhelming experience, but it's important to remember that it's not the end of your career. By taking care of yourself, networking, and upskilling, you can put yourself in the best possible position to find your next opportunity in the media industry.
Voice123 Resources for Women In Radio
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