Honey German: Hustling to the Top

Written By: Alyssa Kay

The practice of authenticity in the words of Honey German is not to try and be the “next” anybody. “All those who are the GREATS are unique and they’re themselves. Be yourself, live your purpose and kill it.”

Born in Harlem and raised between uptown Manhattan and Long Island New York; Honey German works at one of the most prominent stations in the country, (also home to the famous morning show “The Breakfast Club”) Power 105.1. She is an on-air personality, a music coordinator, as well as Power 105.1's digital content manager.

Growing up in the city of famous hustlers such as Jay Z, Sean “Puff Daddy” Combs, and Cardi B; German utilized those skills to kick off her career in the radio industry. “I’ve always loved radio, social media, and celebrity news. But I was only fully able to develop my passion for radio/media while working as a Civil Litigation Paralegal.” German utilized her hustle to finance her dreams to work in the radio and entertainment industry. It allowed her to create her stepping stones in building her brand, she created her own website, launch a radio show and travel.

With all successes come obstacles, such as breaking through in the industry and lack of job opportunities. “I think one major challenge we can all agree on is that there are not enough jobs in radio when it comes on-air jobs and there never will be.  We only have so many shifts in a day and countless talented and eager people wanting to land an on-air job. It’s far from easy and requires tons of patience and hard work.  You will probably land 1% of the jobs you apply for.”  

But German did not let that stop her ambition. She continued to push and persevered to fulfill her dreams. Although not yet reaching her ultimate career goal of being a Program Director for a major market company, German believes she is graciously leaving her mark in the radio and entertainment industry.

“It’s a fun environment filled with music, news and most importantly a place where your voice can be heard in more than one way. Whether it be working with digital, on air or in my position as Music Coordinator, my voice is always heard and I am always giving my input. Nothing is more rewarding than knowing that your thoughts are respected and your opinions count, it makes a difference,” says German.

German has given back to the community that helped her develop the hustle and grind that got her in a top stop in the industry. Assisting in shaping future multi-media journalists, “I actively work with 4 station interns every single semester showing them everything I know when it comes to working with a major media company. radio, digital and social media.”

Simone Grewal: Modern Motherhood

By: Alyssa Kay

“Hustle like a mother and work like a boss,” is what can be said about radio industry veteran Simone Grewal of Z 95.3 in Vancouver, Canada.

Having lived in Vancouver all her life, Grewal always knew that she wanted a career in the media industry from a young age, but unsure as to whether or not it would be in front of the camera or behind the microphone. After developing an infatuation for music and natural talent on the mic, she knew radio was for her.

“I’ve tried both and radio is definitely more enjoyable for me as I have a huge passion for music, so it’s what keeps me here.”

From that revelation, Grewal pursed and obtained a degree from the Broadcast Communications and Radio Arts Program at the British Columbia Institute of Technology. After receiving her degree Grewal refused to move to a small town to kick off her media career.  In doing so, it did delay her in finding a job compared to some of her classmates, but she was able to build and network with different members within in the industry which helped her gain many opportunities. Eventually, she began working with RJ1200 am and also spent some time working in television.

Her dreams came true when she was granted the opportunity to work at the station that she grew up listening to, Z95.3. She began her journey with Z95.3 as a member of the street team and eventually worked her way up the ladder landing a midday spot on air.

“The best part is entertaining and informing my listeners. I love having the creative freedom of selecting whatever content I think would be important for my listeners and making their work day as fun as possible,”

Having been in the industry for 18 years Grewal has been able to stay well connected with her listeners, from seeing them out and about or hanging out at social events around Vancouver.

Giving back to that same community in which she grew up in is something Grewal loves. She enjoys volunteering at the BC Children’s Hospital and serving on the advisory committee for the Radio Arts and Entertainment program at her alma mater.

With all this success does come challenges and while her children were her greatest blessings in life it was a huge challenge for her to manage her career and being a mom.

“The industry moves so fast and sometimes you have to adapt to having your position changed, or you want a change yourself to accommodate your family needs and find that balance.”

Now that Grewal’s children have gotten older she says it’s time for her to move up in her career either into management or program directing.

Grewal left with some words of encouragement,

“If you want to be a part of this industry make yourself well rounded. Even if your goal is to only be on-air, don’t say no when that job in promotions or social media comes up.”

Ms.Jessica Williams: Born for Radio

By Elandra Fernandez

The musical preference your parents had during your upbringing plays a vital role in shaping your worldview. The parents of Jessica Williams, affectionately known as Ms. Jessica, played a diverse catalog of music, resulting in Jessica having a well-rounded perspective to bring to the radio industry.

Growing up, music was frequently played in Jessica Williams household. Her dad would sit in their living room and play his records, he would even make “love” mixtapes for her mom when he wasn’t assuming the role of a DJ. Jessica was first introduced to the microphone when she did the morning announcements in middle and high school. She merged her love for talking with her love of music, and that’s when her career in radio came to fruition.  

Being a military baby, Jessica moved from New Orleans shortly after birth to be raised in Virginia Beach but now resides in Charlotte, North Carolina. She’s outgoing, passionate, silly, a music lover, and talkative. 

Jessica works for Beasley Broadcasting and is the co-host of “The Morning Madhouse” on WPEG Power 98. When asked, what’s the best thing about being on the radio? Jessica eagerly responded, “EVERYTHING! I absolutely love radio! I love the experiences that come along with radio and I learn so much through those experiences. I am a VOICE and I take that responsibility very seriously.” Jessica Williams has been doing radio for 14 years and spent all her years at Power 98. In fact, she had her first on-air shift the morning of her college graduation.

Jessica is involved in a multitude of activities outside of radio, mostly contributing to her community. Her love for kids is phenomenal! She used to be in the school system full-time as an in-school suspension teacher. She started working for a non-profit called “Communities in School” where she worked with youth on their academic enhancement, behavior, and attendance. Jessica also does a lot of youth programs, like, “Ms. Jessica Power Promotes” which recognizes students that make the honor roll or straight A’s on their report cards. “Ms. Jessica’s Big Cut” which provides free haircuts and book bags for students the day before school starts, in addition to many more events. She lives by this quote, “to whom much is given, much is expected.” Working with the youth in addition to radio is Jessica’s passion. She also enjoys traveling, reading, watching movies, and listening to all types of music.

One of the obstacles Jessica had to face was the wait time, it took her over 10 years to become full time. During her part-time years, she missed out on a lot of holidays, celebrations and vacations. Despite her absence, it definitely prepared her for the role she has today. Now that she is “in the game,” she can put all those lessons to use and strive for greatness!

Jessica Schiano: Hard work and Dedication

By Elandra Fernandez

There is no force more powerful than a woman determined to rise to the top, and Jessica Schiano could easily identify with that type of woman.   

With hard work and dedication, Jessica Schiano knew she would find herself working in radio. She currently works for Cumulus Media on 92 PRO-FM in Providence and Q016 in Columbia, Missouri.

She got her start in radio through a close friend. When she began college, she wanted to pursue a career in television but missed the sign up for an internship. That served as the first omen that she needed a different career, the second occurred when her friend in class asked, “would she rather work for 92 PRO-FM instead?” After two interviews for the internship, she was selected and did everything you can think of in radio. From promotions to hanging roll banners, cleaning the station’s grill, and counting the number balloons in the street machine van. Jessica always wanted to be on the radio but for her, it took a long time.

Jessica Schiano didn’t let any negative comments or feedback stop her from doing what she loves. One day, the former general manager, told her she sounded "unpleasant" on the radio, she asked how she could fix it and he told her, " I don’t know, you just do." From that moment, she decided she was going to prove him wrong. After working hard and proving herself, she was hired to do full-time promotions in Providence and a segment for Coast 93.3 on Thursday’s. That was the big break she needed.

Schiano would describe herself as silly, sarcastic and fun. She might be forty and fabulous, but if you were to throw a beer pong table in front of her, she would be ready to play. She loves doing work with the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and the American Stroke Association. Jessica tries not to stress about things and is very happy with what she has and where she is. She doesn’t take anything for granted.

When asked, what’s the best thing about being in radio, she replied, “the chance to talk to people all day, I try to keep it all positive, there’s plenty of negativity in the world, with me you can listen to the hits. I go to work with the goal of making at least one person smile during my shift."

The people that impacted Jessica most in her career are three people: Chris Eagan, Bill Hess, and Davey Morris. They helped her perfect her craft.

For those who would like to work in the particular field, Schiano says, “don’t give up. If it’s something you really want to do, and you believe in yourself, it can happen.”

Marissa Lanchak: Never Give Up

          By Elandra Fernandez

There are people who crumble at the face of adversity, and then there are people who look at adversity as an opportunity to make the best of a challenging situation; Marissa Lanchak can easily identify with the latter.

From Waterford, New York but currently residing in Boston, Massachusetts, Lanchak describes herself as passionate, driven and outgoing. With those characteristics she landed a job at the company Beasley Media Group, radio station WKLB/Country 102.5.

What led Marissa to a career in radio is her love for music and entertaining people. Marissa had a couple of jobs that led her to an enormous anxiety problem, she felt like she was downright bullied and questioned herself why she was in radio in the first place.

Despite those obstacles she had to face, she continued to do what she loved. When asked, what’s the best thing about being on the radio she eagerly responded by stating, “interacting with people on a consistent basis. To know people are relating or just enjoying what you’re doing is what makes it so gratifying. They’re the reason this is a job in the first place.”

What would surprise many people that do not know Marissa is that she questions everything she does before she does it. She asks herself, should I do this or say this? Am I doing this right? Will it work? Will it make someone laugh?

Outside of radio, Marissa is an eBay queen, she has the ability to sell just about anything. Not only that, but she writes music, cuddle with her pets (kids) and a huge basketball fan which her favorite team is the Boston Celtics.

The person who impacted Marissa most in her is Terry O’Donnell (PD/WKKF 102.3 Kiss FM Albany.) He allowed her creativity to flow, didn’t try to hold her back, and helped her grow on the air within the business knowledge wise.

The advice Marissa would give people who would like to work in this particular field is, “be ready to give 1000% and give more if you can. Do what you can to stand out, work hard even when you’re out of work and when you get knocked down, don’t give up. Stand up taller and let it make you stronger.”

Corey Dylan: Making Her Own Way

Written By: Alyssa Kay

Someone once said, “Little girls with dreams become women with visions,” Corey Dylan became that woman.

As a child, between moving from city to city and family trips, Dylan spent plenty of time on the road. She took it upon herself to be the one to entertain everyone for the duration of the trip.

“I’m a born entertainer and used to put on a show for my family in the back of the station wagon during family road trips when I was a little girl- complete with commercials for products I made up!” said Dylan.

Dylan began to explore her talent in high school by joining the school’s chorus and also being involved in plays. It was during her time at Washington State University (WSU), where she began to chase her broadcast dreams.

While receiving her degree from the Edward R. Murrow School of Communications at WSU she kicked off her career hosting a radio show at the campus radio station, KUGR, and also earned a spot on a cable comedy sketch show, Live @ 8.  

After graduation, she began her professional career at a Big Band radio station in Bakersfield, California as a daily news reader, and remained there for six months before going back to Seattle, Washington. There she worked overnights at KZOK and produced a morning show.

When KBKS Kiss 106.1 launched, Dylan seized the opportunity to land her first ever live radio show. “ There aren’t many opportunities to go live on the air anymore and gain experience,” said Dylan.

In 2002 Dylan took her career to Tampa, Florida hosting a local morning show and remained there for the majority of her career. Until the summer of 2016 when the station (WMTX) became a syndicated station and ultimately her position was eliminated.

Dylan began to search for other opportunities in the industry and even ways to create her own media business. She's offered social media management, voiceovers, on-camera appearances for HSN, TMZ Live and Daytime, a syndicated show out of WFLA Tampa.

“The best part of my job(s) now is that I’m own boss. I work hard and reap all the benefits of producing great content for my clients. I’m open to relocating for the right gig and the ultimate goal, which would be a primetime show in a major market. Wherever I land I want to continue my work in TV and VO (voiceovers) because being versatile only helps you become a better version of yourself.”