MIW launches its fourth annual mentorship program today. The Speak Up! initiative honors late Media Staffing Network founder Laurie Kahn.
What We Know Mentoring and Inspiring Women in Radio opened applications for Speak Up! beginning July 30 and continuing through August 28, 2026. The year-long program pairs one emerging female leader from small- and medium-market radio stations with accomplished female broadcast mentors. Additionally, the selected candidate receives executive coaching from Media Staffing Network’s certified coaches. Past recipients include Presleigh Bearden (2025), Jessica Williams (2024), and Mary Zukin (2023).
What they said MIW President Sheila Kirby emphasized the program’s lasting impact: “Honoring Laurie Kahn’s legacy means creating opportunities for women to grow as leaders, build meaningful relationships, and gain the confidence to pursue the next step in their careers.” Meanwhile, Media Staffing Network President Lisa Fields stressed the importance of investing in emerging talent. “Laurie believed that investing in people was one of the most meaningful ways to strengthen our industry,” Fields explained.
What Remains Unclear The announcement doesn’t specify the mentorship timeline beyond indicating it’s a year-long commitment. Furthermore, details about selection criteria or target experience level stay vague. Also, specifics about networking events or formal training modules remain unclear beyond one-on-one coaching.
What It Means This program signals the radio industry’s sustained commitment to developing female leaders across all departments. The partnership underscores how established organizations champion emerging talent while keeping founders’ legacies alive. Finally, programs like Speak Up! help narrow leadership gaps by providing underrepresented groups with direct access to experienced mentors and professional connections.
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David Hill serves as a Music Radio Editor, Columnist and Features writer for Barrett Media. A radio lifer with more than 30 years behind the mic, in the control room, and in the program director’s chair, David’s career spans influential stops at brands such as WIYY 98 Rock, WBAL-AM, and 99X. He has worked across multiple formats and ownership groups, including iHeartMedia and Cumulus Media, developing talent, breaking music, and navigating every major industry shift from diary to PPM and terrestrial dominance to streaming disruption. When he’s not writing or analyzing the industry, Dave runs The Tune Farm, a marketing firm built to help artists and brands grow audience the same way great radio always has—by creating connection, not just impressions. He can be reached at David@BarrettMedia.com.