Brianna Williams: Persistence Wins
“This industry is not easy, but as long as you stay focused, practice like crazy and network, you will be just fine.”
Written By: Sam Comparone
Brianna Williams is an enthusiastic and talented on-air personality, who has been working in the radio industry since 2012. In her 6th year of working in the radio industry, she is passionate as ever about her profession.
Brianna is one of many women who aspire to empower and support other women, not only in the radio industry but in society as a whole. The radio industry continues to provide a rewarding experience for Ms. Williams, and on top of that, she has so much fun!
Brianna had an interest in radio for years prior to being on-air. She began her career by interning in the promotions department and she would sit in on some of the shows. She knew then and there that she had to pursue radio. As a music lover, there’s nothing like playing the listener's requests!
When asked if she thinks men and women are treated differently in the industry, she said, "They most definitely do. I want all women to break the mold! From the way of thinking, to the pay. We should be treated equally as men”.
Her best advice is to practice and have others critique your work. Constructive criticism is so important towards advancing in any industry, but especially in radio/ media. Williams also stresses the importance of being one’s true self. Williams offered advice to other women wanting to pursue a career in the radio field. “Don’t give up! There have been plenty of times where I've said ‘you know what I'm not where I'm supposed to be so I'm just going to quit’, and I"m glad I didn't. This industry is not easy but as long as you stay focused, practice like crazy and network, you will be just fine.”
A woman in the industry who inspires Brianna is Karen Vaughn, a radio colleague based in Philadelphia. Vaughn taught Williams to never give up, and because of William’s persistence, she now has her own radio show!
If you work hard doors will open, and Brianna is exemplary proof of that.
Amy Pontes: Finding the Destiny Within the Journey
“TRY EVERYTHING! Get your hands on equipment and don’t be afraid to ask questions.”
By: Elandra Fernandez
When tenacity meets purpose, it leads us to a career path that’s similar to Amy Pontes.
Amy Pontes is kind, loving and patient. She is from Rhode Island and currently resides there. She works for Cumulus Media's, WWLI, Lite Rock 105.
What led Amy to a career in radio was the love she had for it when she was a little girl. She pretended to be a radio DJ, taped herself introducing songs, doing radio bits, and even had special guests.
When asked what’s the best thing about being in radio, she eagerly responded, “meeting new people and sharing stories of my personal life that may resonate with my listeners to help them or make them smile.”
Outside of radio, Amy is a part of an improv comedy group, she works out every morning, she loves being outside, and is also a 'taxi driver' for her kids.
Obstacles that Amy had to face while in her career in radio was with a male co-worker who told her there were no “broads in broadcasting.” Amy instantly laughed in his face, but she also felt as if she was trying to break into a “man’s world” but in all actuality, she believes that the radio industry is run by both men and women who have a passion for the industry and always striving to make it better for the listeners.
The advice Amy would like to give people who would love to work in her particular field is to TRY EVERYTHING! Get your hands on equipment and don’t be afraid to ask questions.
Amy Pontes loves what she does and always try to go hard with her work, the feedback that she gets from others makes her strive to do better every single day.
Alicia West: Home Is Where The Heart Is
“The best part is being in my hometown on the radio every single day. So many people have shown me love that it just makes my heart warm.”
By: Alyssa Kay
If home is where the heart is, then on-air radio personality Alicia West definitely knows the feeling. After starting her career far from her hometown of Toronto, Canada fate brought her back.
Like many, West grew up with a passion for music (hip-hop and R&B), but her love for entertainment came from watching and idolizing some of today’s greatest television hosts such as Ryan Seacrest and LaLa Anthony.
“Growing up I really wanted to be like LaLa Anthony. I loved that she worked in radio with Ludacris and eventually moved to TV as the host of TRL Live. She’s always been goals for me. I didn’t have MTV as a kid, we only had basic cable that stopped at channel 28. I used to put it on channel 29 and hope that MTV would kick in....it did sometimes but barely!”
West received her Bachelor's degree in Advertising from Sheridan College and later received her Master's in Radio Broadcasting from Humber College.
Wanting to fulfill to her dreams of being amongst the greatest entertainers in the industry, after graduating Alicia traveled around to different cities within the U.S. This became a huge obstacle but also a great lesson for her; “Getting into the industry was a challenge in itself. I had to move to three different cities in a different country before I was able to secure my current job. It definitely takes patience and persistence.”
Not letting anything get the best of her, West still went forth in pursuing her dreams of becoming the next LaLa Anthony. After moving back to Toronto from the states, West landed a spot on 93.5 The Move as a midday host. Uniquely, the station serves as the country’s only hip-hop station.
“The best part is being in my hometown on the radio every single day. So many people have shown me love that it just makes my heart warm! Being able to engage with listeners is definitely one of the many highlights,” says West.
Alicia is an entertainment mogul in the making. Having been working in the industry for some time now, Alicia West has yet to reach her full potential. “One of my many career goals is to be number one in a major market and syndicated! I'd also really like to get into TV. I want to be like Ryan Seacrest, he's never not working.”
Jessica Rose: A Radio Calling
“it’s the human contact that makes me want to keep doing it for a living. Connecting with people and being welcomed into their lives, creating positive change and being there when they need someone the most.”
By: Elandra Fernandez
From birth, one’s path to obtaining their true purpose lies in subliminal omens that occur through their lifetime. As it pertains to Jessica Rose, her first few omens occurred while she was stuck in L.A. traffic. She frequently found herself consciously imitating personalities that she heard on the radio. As well as playing the role of an announcer for billboards on the side of the road. It can be said that the little omens that occurred in Jessica’s early life made her successful career in radio come to fruition.
Jessica Rose was born and raised in California but currently resides off the strip in Las Vegas. She works for MIX 94.1 (HOT AC) and Q100.5 (Rhythmic AC.) She loves to laugh, crack jokes, and have a great time. Jessica brings more than enough to the table, an open mind filled with funny experiences, common sense, street knowledge and professionalism. She would describe herself as supportive, a team player, hardworking, and caring. Jessica is also driven by energy, the result, and ambition.
What led Jessica Rose to a career in radio was a calling. She was directed down a pathway that was exhilarating. Her first semester of college is what changed her life completely. Her professor Tammy Trujillo saw something in Jessica and suggested she should check out a school that specializes in radio broadcasting. During her college years, she interned for a record label and landed her first on-air gig on radio overnights on KOLA 99.9 in Redlands, CA. After a few years, she put together an air check and began sending it out. Jessica received one call back and the next thing you know, she was being flown out to Wichita, Kansas.
Jessica Rose is a risk taker, she went off the air for almost 10 years. Last year she decided to leave a secure full-time job to make herself completely available to her first love, radio.
When asked, what is it about your industry that keeps you wanting to do it for a living? Jessica eagerly responded, “it’s the human contact that makes me want to keep doing it for a living. Connecting with people and being welcomed into their lives, creating positive change and being there when they need someone the most.”
The people that impacted Jessica the most is her professor Tammy Trujillo who pointed her in the right direction and provided a support system that allowed her to consistently progress. Also, her P.D. J. Love opened the door to radio for her and kept her on-air presentation versatile.
The advice Jessica would like to give people who would like to work in her particular field is to “get comfortable with being uncomfortable, hone your craft, SHADOW, listen to all the stations in your market, their personalities, the voiceovers, and also familiarize yourself with the equipment, use it and never stop asking questions.”
Honey German: Hustling to the Top
“Nothing is more rewarding than knowing that your thoughts are respected and your opinions count, it makes a difference “
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
“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.”
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.”