Written by: Maya Perry
This female boss is the definition of women empowerment, uplifting and encouraging women in the industry. This dynamic personality is the Program Director and Brand Manager of WBHJ 95.7 Jamz in Birmingham and has been making her big-city name shine on.
She knew early on that this is where she wanted to be, “I started interning at the Urban station, WEUP during my last year in high school. I wouldn’t say I hounded them but I always found my way backstage somehow. I was intrigued by the process of radio and how they put on events. As a child growing up in Queens, New York, I’ve always had a love for music and entertainment. I grew up listening to Angie Martinez and she has heavily influenced my radio career. I started working early in this industry and while I have learned many lessons surrounding this business called radio, I truly believe everything happens for a reason. If I could tell my younger self some words of advice, I would say to re and re-read the fine print.
I was named “Nuyork” by Buckwilde, the host of the first morning show that I was ever a part of (The Buckwilde Morning Show/ 95.7 Jamz)” Before setting her name, NuYork went through some changes before choosing her radio name. She furthers explains her name choices. “I was born and raised in New York and, at the time, my East coast accent was pretty strong. I have a little southern twang now. Before coming to Birmingham, I went by the name Nikki P as a full-time personality at an Urban AC station, WHRP, in Athens, AL. Before that, I went by the name DJ Flava at my first radio station in Huntsville, WEUP.”
NuYork is always about furthering and mentoring women in radio, so when I asked her what she thought her brand was, I was not surprised by the answer. “I am an advocate for learning and teaching and over the past 4 years have also discovered that this is a part of my purpose. I am passionate about seeing women excel in the workforce so anytime I can give my advice or expertise in an area, there isn’t a hesitation to do so.”
So what advice would she leave for aspiring women in the industry? “Aspiring women- go for what you want and ask for what you deserve! Learn every program, every software program, study every artist that you can and claim your space in this industry that is in dire need of more female bosses!”