Women In Radio Spotlight: Ayeeedubb Is Building Community Through the No Skips Collective

By: Dallas Glover

Founder of the No Skips Collective, Radio Personality, Content Curator, and Host

This week’s Women In Radio Spotlight shines a light on Alexandra Wurst, better known as Ayeeedubb, a broadcaster, content creator, host, and the Founder of the No Skips Collective.

Her career may have started behind the board at a radio station, but today, Ayeeedubb is building something that extends far beyond the microphone.

Through the No Skips Collective, she is creating space for music discovery, community, conversation, and culture while bringing together the skills she has developed throughout her career in radio, content creation, hosting, and entertainment.

Her journey is a reminder that sometimes radio is not the final destination. It can be the training ground that prepares you to build something entirely your own.

How Her Journey Started

Alexandra’s introduction to radio began with a simple college requirement: finding an internship.

While searching for opportunities, she heard about a new radio station in Charlotte and decided to take a chance by reaching out directly through Instagram.

“I DM’d them on Instagram to see about interning and it was up from there!”

That message opened the door to an entirely new world.

During her internship, Alexandra learned several sides of the radio business. She worked behind the board, voiced commercials, assisted with social media, participated in station events, and stepped in wherever she was needed.

By the time she graduated from college, the station offered her a part-time position.

What began as an internship quickly became the foundation for a career in media and entertainment.

Radio Was Always Part of the Story

Although Alexandra did not always know she would pursue radio professionally, music and broadcasting had been part of her life for years.

Growing up, she watched shows like TRL and 106 & Park, constantly listened to the radio, and even recorded radio programs on her boombox.

“I was [listening to the] radio and music all of the time growing up.”

At the time, becoming part of the entertainment industry did not always feel realistic.

As a young woman from North Carolina, she once believed opportunities in larger entertainment markets like New York and Los Angeles felt far away.

“Now, growing up, I’ve realized how easy it can be to, ya know, move away…”

Her career would eventually teach her an important lesson: where you start does not have to determine how far you can go.

Finding Her Voice

One of Alexandra’s biggest areas of growth throughout her career has been learning how to confidently use her voice.

She admits that she was shy growing up.

“I was really shy growing up.”

Creating the persona Ayeeedubb gave her permission to step outside of that shyness.

“…Ayeeedubb kind of helped trick my mind to be someone else when it was time to work.”

Over time, the persona became more than a name. It became a platform for Alexandra to grow into her confidence as a host, broadcaster, interviewer, and creator.

Her background in social media content creation also helped make the transition behind the microphone feel more natural. Speaking to an audience through content prepared her to connect with listeners, viewers, and communities across different platforms.

That ability to communicate authentically would eventually become one of the building blocks for her next chapter.

Creating the No Skips Collective

Today, Alexandra is putting her experience, creativity, and love of music into building the No Skips Collective.

As founder, she is creating a platform centered around music, culture, discovery, and community.

The move represents a natural evolution of everything she has learned throughout her career.

Radio taught her how to connect with an audience.

Social media taught her how to package ideas creatively.

Hosting taught her how to command a room and create conversation.

Events taught her the importance of bringing people together.

Now, those experiences are coming together under something she owns.

The No Skips Collective allows Alexandra to continue exploring the music and culture she loves while building a platform that reflects her own vision.

It also represents something increasingly important for modern media professionals: creating opportunities instead of waiting for them.

Creativity Has Always Been at the Center

Throughout her career, Alexandra has never wanted to be limited to one role.

Her work has included radio, social media, interviews, events, music content, comedy, inspirational content, networking, travel, and community engagement.

“My favorite part of the job is being able to be creative and getting to meet a wide range of people.”

That creativity remains at the center of what she is building today.

Whether she is curating music, creating content, hosting an event, interviewing someone, or bringing people together through the No Skips Collective, Alexandra enjoys creating experiences that people genuinely connect with.

One of the most rewarding parts of her career has always been hearing that people enjoy what she creates.

That connection with an audience is something she continues to carry into her work as a founder.

Knowing She Belonged in the Industry

There was a point in Alexandra’s career when she began receiving opportunities from different radio stations.

That moment helped confirm that the path she was pursuing was real.

“I knew radio was for me honestly, when I was getting a lot of opportunities to be on different radio stations.”

For Alexandra, those opportunities represented more than professional validation.

They were proof that she belonged.

Knowing that people wanted her voice, creativity, and perspective reassured her that she “wasn’t just chasing a delusional dream.”

That confidence has become especially important as she continues expanding beyond traditional radio and creating her own opportunities.

Learning to Trust Her Vision

Like many women in media and entertainment, Alexandra has also had to learn how to navigate environments where everyone may not understand or support her ideas.

She has experienced moments where people questioned her vision or did not immediately recognize the value of what she was trying to create.

At the same time, she has encountered mentors, colleagues, and supporters who recognized her potential and advocated for her even when she was not in the room.

Those experiences helped strengthen her confidence.

“They remind [me] that I know what I’m doing and I know my ideas work.”

That mindset is especially important when building something of your own.

Being a founder requires believing in an idea before everyone else understands it.

For Alexandra, learning to trust her instincts has become an important part of both her career and the growth of the No Skips Collective.

Knowing Your Value

One lesson Alexandra wishes she had learned earlier is that disrespect should never be accepted as simply “part of the business.”

Throughout her career, she has learned the importance of recognizing environments where you are not being valued.

Being talked down to, lied to, disrespected, or made to feel as though pursuing another opportunity means you are not good enough should not be normalized.

Knowing when to advocate for yourself — and knowing when it may be time to create something different — is part of building a sustainable career.

For Alexandra, entrepreneurship creates another avenue to take greater ownership over her ideas, creativity, and professional direction.

Women Deserve a Seat at the Table

Alexandra also believes the media industry still has work to do when it comes to placing women in leadership and decision-making positions.

Women should not only be represented in front of the microphone.

They should also be involved in programming, strategy, content decisions, and leadership.

“We know what people want to hear that will generate a great amount of listenership for that demographic.”

Her point speaks to a larger conversation happening across media.

Women are often responsible for building audiences, shaping culture, creating content, and connecting with communities. Their perspectives should also be represented in the rooms where decisions are made.

And sometimes, gaining that seat means building your own table.

Building Beyond the Microphone

Alexandra has never viewed herself as only a radio personality.

Her interests have always stretched across entertainment.

She has aspirations in television, red carpet hosting, national entertainment coverage, content creation, and other opportunities that allow her personality and creativity to reach larger audiences.

The No Skips Collective is another step in that evolution.

Instead of being defined by one title, she is building a career that allows her to move between founder, host, curator, creator, interviewer, and media personality.

That versatility reflects where the media industry is heading.

The modern broadcaster is no longer limited to one microphone, station, platform, or job title.

What’s Playing in Her Headphones?

Music remains at the heart of Ayeeedubb’s world.

She has a soft spot for older music, while her rotation also includes newer favorites.

Currently playing:

• Donell Jones — anything from My Heart

• Don Toliver — “Swangin on Westheimer”

• Phora ft. Kehlani — “Cupid’s Curse”

Her appreciation for music across generations is fitting for someone building a community centered around music discovery and culture.

No Skips, No Limits

Ayeeedubb’s story started with a simple Instagram DM asking about an internship.

Since then, she has worked behind the scenes, stepped behind the microphone, built an audience, created content, hosted events, developed industry relationships, and continued challenging herself to think bigger.

Now, as the Founder of the No Skips Collective, she is taking those experiences and using them to build something that belongs to her.

Her story represents a new generation of women in media who understand that the goal does not always have to be fitting into an existing industry structure.

Sometimes the next step is creating your own.

And for Ayeeedubb, the next chapter is about more than being heard on the radio.

It is about building community, curating culture, trusting her vision, and creating a platform where there are truly no skips.

Women In Radio Spotlight: Stormy Taylor's Journey to Becoming One of Memphis' Most Trusted Voices

By: Dallas Glover

We're proud to recognize Stormy Taylor, on-air personality at iHeartMedia Memphis, as our latest Women In Radio Spotlight honoree.

A seasoned broadcaster, journalist, and community storyteller, Stormy has built a career rooted in authenticity, resilience, and service. From discovering radio in a college classroom to becoming one of Memphis' most recognizable voices across multiple stations, her journey is proof that sometimes the career you're meant for is the one you never saw coming.

How She Got Behind the Mic

Stormy attended Southern Arkansas University with plans of becoming a journalist. She knew she wanted to tell stories, but she wasn't sure what medium would become home.

Everything changed when her degree required her to take a radio course.

"I fell in love," she says.

Although she'd always imagined herself behind a microphone delivering important news, she never expected radio would become her life's work.

"I knew I wanted a mic in my hand, but I didn't know I would love it so much."

The Moment She Knew This Was Her Lane

For Stormy, the confirmation came the moment she realized her voice had an impact.

"I knew radio was for me when I opened the mic to talk and realized I had something to say that people wanted to hear."

She also discovered she enjoyed every technical aspect of broadcasting long before today's automated systems.

"Music, talking, playing commercials, shows—you name it, I was good at it. That's how I knew."

Finding Her Voice

Like many broadcasters, Stormy's biggest growth wasn't just learning the technical side of radio—it was learning to believe in herself.

She spent years sharpening her interviewing skills, becoming more comfortable with evolving technology, and studying the craft of broadcasting. But perhaps her greatest challenge was overcoming her naturally introverted personality.

"I loved the mic but not being in person so much."

Everything changed when a mentor encouraged her to stop trying to fit someone else's expectations and simply be herself.

"Year by year, I got better at showing up, embracing the skin I'm in, and not being so reliant on people's opinions of me. I learned to be me on and off the radio."

A Career Built on Community

Stormy's schedule reflects just how trusted her voice has become.

She can be heard Sunday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on V101, delivers the news each morning during The Stan Bell Morning Show on WDIA, hosts The Stormy T. Experience weekday afternoons, and leads The Pulse, a weekly talk show airing across V101, K97, WDIA, and WHAL.

Beyond Memphis, she also serves as a fill-in personality for iHeartMedia's R&B stations across the country and spends Thursday evenings DJing at Manhattan Sports Bar & Lounge in Memphis.

Despite wearing many hats, her favorite part of radio has remained the same.

"I love sharing information and keeping people informed."

Whether discussing community issues, celebrity news, or everyday life, Stormy treasures the relationships she's built with listeners.

"I've fallen in love with the people that listen to me—and the ones who don't. Being out in the community, learning people's stories, hugging them, and hearing that someone was inspired by me or grew up listening to me is the absolute best."

Challenges Along the Way

Like many women in broadcasting, Stormy's path hasn't been without obstacles.

She heard "no" many times before finally hearing the "yes" that launched her career. She relocated to unfamiliar cities, rebuilt her reputation in new markets, balanced demanding schedules, and navigated seasons where she felt overlooked.

"Being in a city with no family was hard."

Today, balancing a thriving media career with married life brings new challenges, but she's grateful for the support system she's built.

"With God's help, I am doing it."

What the Industry Gets Right About Women in Radio

Rather than focusing on what the industry lacks, Stormy chooses to celebrate the women she's fortunate to work alongside.

She recalls an unexpected power outage at WDIA when she found herself working alongside fellow broadcasters Big Sue and Tracy Bethea to get the station back on the air.

That moment reminded her that women in radio do much more than host shows.

"My company got it right with these two."

Watching talented women confidently solve problems behind the scenes reinforced what she's always believed: women in radio are leaders, innovators, and problem-solvers who keep stations moving forward every day.

"I feel blessed to be a part of their story, and honored to have them be a part of mine."

Advice for Women Breaking Into Radio

If Stormy could offer one piece of advice to women entering the industry, it would be simple:

"Be yourself."

She wishes someone had reminded her earlier that change is inevitable in radio—and that not every change is personal.

"It's so easy to question yourself when change happens in radio, but change is not always about you. Don't take so much personally. Being yourself on and off the air is good enough."

Looking Ahead

While Stormy isn't exactly sure what the next chapter looks like, she knows one thing for certain: she wants to help develop the next generation of broadcasters.

"I hope to mentor more young people as well. They are our future."

What's Playing on Her Playlist?

Stormy's current rotation reflects her love for classic soul, hip-hop, and inspirational music.

She's currently listening to:

• Willie Hutch — I Choose You

• T.I. — Let 'Em Know

• The Whispers — I'm Gonna Make You My Wife

• Elevation Worship & Chandler Moore — God, I'm Grateful

• A collection of old-school favorites recommended by her husband

A Voice That Continues to Inspire

Stormy Taylor's career has been defined by perseverance, authenticity, and an unwavering commitment to serving her community.

Whether she's delivering the news, entertaining listeners, interviewing guests, or mentoring future broadcasters, she continues to demonstrate that the most impactful voices in radio are the ones willing to show up as their authentic selves.

Through resilience, service, and a passion for connecting with people, Stormy Taylor exemplifies what it means to be a Women In Radio Spotlight honoree.

Women In Radio Spotlight: How Vicki Ochoa Turned an Unexpected Opportunity Into a 15-Year Radio Career

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

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

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

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.