Monasia: Student by Day, Radio Personality by Night

Written By: Alisha Brown

Monasia Baker is the youngest on-air radio personality at 102 Jamz in Greensboro, North Carolina. Known as “The Concrete Jungle Princess” to her Triad listeners, she is ready to take the industry by storm.

To Monasia, “radio is a different way to connect with the people. It is not only about how you look, it’s about the content and the voice, which is something I really value”.

When asked how she got started in the industry, Monasia “did not even know she wanted to go into radio”. Thanks to her human communications professor’s comment on her raspy voice, she decided to give radio a try. After recording a few voiceovers and a conversation with a teacher that worked at 102 Jamz, she joined on as a promotions intern. While as an intern, she worked her way up and network with her peers.

With being from New York in a North Carolina market, she will “have listeners ask where she is from all the time” due to her slang and vibe that she has on air. “I talk to them like I am talking to my friends”.

A typical day for Monasia is spent between working at Victoria’s Secret, classes, co-hosting her webshow, “Point Blank”, coaching a cheerleading team and she ends her night with her 12am- 6am on-air shift. When asked how she balances it all, she says she “has to stay organized and color codes my calendar. If I lose my phone, I would die.”

When asked about being a woman in a male-dominated industry, Monasia admits that at times, “it is difficult but really women run the world. Women, especially in radio, add a creative side to it and get the listeners to feel and provoke more emotion. Even though we are a minority in radio, we have made such great strides”.

Monasia urges her listeners who want to go into radio to be persistent and put in the work. She says, “with the radio industry, apply to as many internships and opportunities as possible because you never know who has connections to what. Even though it may not be what you want at first, you can definitely get to where you want to be. Also, stay persistent and be yourself because if you try to be someone you’re not, people in radio catch that quick. Even though it took me a year to get on air, it takes people three or four years to get on air. Know your time will come when it is supposed to.

Amy Reed: Be Passionate, Be Valuable, and Be Yourself!

By:Maya Perry

"Music obsessed, bare minimum adventure seeker, workoutter, always hungry, and I read.  "

When asked what Amy believes her brand is, she simply states “realness”.

In radio, most personalities describe themselves as voice actors or characters but Amy Reed chooses to not play any roles when it comes to radio. “I don’t lie about who I am or what I like/want/ do and it’s because that’s what I want to hear on the radio.”

Amy began school studying social work / psychology and didn’t enjoy it. A critical life crisis eventually led Amy to radio. Amy decided to go back to school, attending a community college in which she majored in Communications. After joining and volunteering at student radio station “Z889”, she was promoted to a paid position of student employee and her career in radio began. She started in 2012 as Mornings and Middays on Live 95.9 in Pittsfield, then moved to Mornings on Eagle 97.7 in Delaware and then progressed and promoted to APD/Middays on Q93.5 in Columbia, SC. Amy currently works for Country Music Station in the North Carolina Triad Area.

As stated in the beginning, Amy enjoys working out, reading and eating in her spare time. She also has her own podcast “AmyMCR” and online blog called “Off the Mic”. One of Amy’s motto’s is to be happy. No matter the situation, “A positive mindset is so much more beneficial to your life. Get excited for the challenge, find the opportunity.” Amy’s shares her positivity and light among anyone she encounters.

Georgette Pierre: Fight Through Your Fears and Thoughts

By: Tyrisha Irwin

Focused. Determined. Fierce. Phenomenal woman. These are the words to describe D.C. native, Georgette Pierre.

Now, an On-Air personality for 99Jamz Miami, Georgette Pierre is concentrating on making major moves in the radio industry. From being her own boss to producing films and writing a book or two, Pierre wants the best of both worlds. Although she has been actively involved with radio for several years, she didn’t always know she had a talent for radio, especially when she had a passion for multiple areas.

“My mind was on so many different things. My interests ranged from wanting to be a fashion designer, a record label executive, an actor, an A&R rep.”

Out of curiosity and other suggestions, Pierre auditioned for Norfolk State University’s on campus radio station WNSB 91.1 FM. To her dismay, she unlocked a gift and opened the door to fulfilling her purpose. “I could no longer hide from my deep voice and knew being behind a microphone was part of my destiny, whether I liked it or not.”

Pierre bases her hard-working, strong willed personality on 5 words: “Sick and tired of complacency.” However, she admits that her past experiences molded her into who she is today in her career. “Transitioning to any place outside of the gritty had its challenges but the experience most definitely prepared me for the work I’m doing now and for future goals as well.”

Aware that many women are voicing their opinions in the media, Georgette Pierre still hopes that more women including women of color will continue to thrive in the media industry. “Seeing other women of color and people of color in general vocalize their challenges, triumphs, or accomplishments makes my own experiences feel real. I hope more people from diverse ethnic backgrounds continue to use their platforms to shine light and even challenge the status quo in whatever that may be.”

Even though it seems that Pierre is living her best life, she has faced obstacles throughout her career including her recent move to a city she isn’t accustomed to. “My current transition has been challenging for me. I took an $80,000 pay cut for a part time job in a new city. I’ve struggled emotionally and mentally to get a footing while reminding myself of the bigger picture. In full transparency, I’m still in transition but I know and feel like I’m closer to my goals since I finally took the leap to become a radio personality as a career.”

Regardless of her challenges, Pierre continues to amaze others with her positivity and wisdom by offering advice for any aspiring radio personalities. She urges her listeners to always remember to believe in themselves and to establish a strong support system.

“Just do it and don’t take no for answer. Fight through your fears AND doubts. They will come. They will try to stay. Let them pass. Look for mentors along the way. They come in different voices, industries, but you need them. You don’t get to where you’re going alone.”

Delyte On-Air: The Sooner You Get Over Yourself, the Better.

By: Maya Perry

Adrienne Denise “Delyte” Wilson is a corky and talented on-air personality, who has been working in the radio industry for over two decades.  Formally known as “D Girl”, Delyte began her career in radio in 1993 while working as a waitress at Applebees’ across the street from the radio station.

Having dreams of pursuing a singing career, she built connections with volunteers and radio personalities via coupon giveaways that she walked across the street to share with her radio neighbors. Building a rapport with the personalities and PD at the time, Hitman Haze who took a liking to this single mother who had aspirations to be a singer. After a co-host slot on his show opened, D Girl came on as an intern and co-host for the night show.

After six months, Delyte began her radio career. When asked about her purpose in radio, Delyte responds “I don’t have a purpose in radio but I do have a purpose in this life. To be bold and say things that need to be said unconventionally.” Over her tenure in radio, she has worked in 5 different markets and 8 stations.

When she isn’t on air, she is continues to do voice-over work and enjoys horticulture. She has her own home garden, hence the name “The Gardenista”. Her strong voice and affectious laugh still continues to grace the airwaves in the North Carolina Triad Area where she has the #1 Midday Show in the Triad. “The faster you get over yourself, the better you will be and the faster you will grow.” –Delyte, 2019

Jess Poxson: It's Never Too Late For Your Dreams

By: Samantha Comparone

Jessica Poxson has been working in the radio industry for 7 years. She loves what she does, and is very enthusiastic about it. Poxson loves working in radio, because she gets to make other peoples days by playing their favorite music or awarding tickets on-air!

Poxson is a firm believer that one is never too old to pursue his/her dreams. She decided to go into radio when her oldest son started elementary school and being a mom of two, she felt it was important to show her children that you’re never too old to follow your dreams. Poxson did what she set her mind to!  

“I decided to go into radio because I always wanted to be an entertainer in some aspect. Radio helped me to hone in on what kind of entertainer I wanted to be. I’ve always loved to sing and perform in local theater productions. I also love writing, music, and talk to and having fun with people. Radio encompasses all of those things that make me happy.”

A typical day for Poxson begins with kicking off her shift with current events happening in the country and around the world. She talks about what’s going on at her station and the contests lined up for the week. It’s never quite the same everyday. “There’s nothing like turning on the radio and turning up the music, and tuning in to someone who is connected to your city.”

Poxson offers a lot of advice to incoming radio industry professionals. “Learn from the people who are doing what you want to do. Enjoy your radio career wherever you’re at in that career. Most importantly, stay humble. Also, keep your demo fresh and up to date. Always be ready for an opportunity when it comes your way.”  It is so important to be open-minded and patient in an industry like this one. It’s is so easy to get discouraged.

Poxson says one person who has always inspired and motivated me to be the best dj is Detroit radio vet, Kevin O’Neill. He’s given me so much advice and encouragement and to have a mentor like him in this industry is truly priceless.

When it comes to the treatment of men and women in the industry, Poxson understands that women face discrimination, not only in radio but in the general workforce as well. “ I have seen women break down the stigma that we’re just the giggly sidekick. That we can actually kick butt solo in any day-part. We should be paid the same as our male co workers. If Jess does the same work as Johnnie, Jess should make the same amount of pay as Johnnie.” The gender pay gap is still a huge issue, and it’s appalling how in today’s day and age women are still not getting paid as much as their male counterparts.

Poxson urges her audience to not give up on your dreams. She says, “Just get started and see those dreams through. Maybe the path to those dreams isn’t exactly how you pictured it, but you won’t regret trying and working towards what makes you happy in your career. Now buckle up and enjoy the ride of radio!”

Hannah On-Air: From Promotions to The Microphone

By: Elandra Fernandez

“The only way to do great work is to love what you do,” and Hannah loves what she does

Hannah was born and raised in Green Bay, Wisconsin. She moved away when she was 18, but after 10 years in Milwaukee, she is back in Green Bay and couldn’t be any more happier.

Hannah currently works for Midwest Communication and is the afternoon drive host on Y100. She always knew she wanted to have a career that involved music. But, her career in radio began through a college friend who had an internship at a local radio cluster. After seeing her friend in action, Hannah realized that radio could be a possibility.

As a little girl, Hannah would sit at her stereo almost every single night, recording her favorite songs on a cassette tape but never knew that radio would be where she would end up. She was in radio for almost five years before she ever touched a mic or went on-air. She started in the promotions department, moved to sales, then started doing graphic design and marketing. Knowing what it takes to be in radio, led her to be the best on-air personality she could be.

When asked, what is the best thing about being in radio, Hannah responded,“being able to connect with the listeners. It is an amazing feeling when you get a message or meet someone in person who says that you helped them feel better on a crummy day.”

Realizing that this world is still a “boys club” pushed her to work harder to prove herself as valuable.

“Being able to wake up every single day and enjoy the job I have is all the value in the world. I genuinely enjoy getting up and coming to work every day, I am so grateful to be so passionate about what I do.”

The advice that Hannah would give to anyone who would like to work in this particular field is to, get your foot in the door wherever you can. Do not get discouraged, everything happens for a reason.