Mentoring and Inspiring Women in Radio (MIW) has selected Presleigh Bearden, Social Media Manager and On-Air Personality for iHeartMedia’s Little Rock and Fayetteville, Arkansas markets, as the 2025 mentee for its Speak Up! program.
The initiative was created in partnership with Media Staffing Network and the late Laurie Kahn. The year-long mentorship is aimed at women working in small to medium radio markets. It focuses on developing confidence and sharpening communication skills. It is inspired by Kahn’s legacy of encouraging women to “speak up” to achieve their goals.
Bearden currently serves as an on-air personality and manages social media for Hot 94.9 in Little Rock and Hot 101.9 in Fayetteville. MIW says she’s an example of how “talks too much in class” can translate into a successful radio career.
“Presleigh’s energy, authenticity, and commitment to her work make her a wonderful fit for the Speak Up! program,” MIW Board President Sheila Kirby said. “She has a clear passion for connecting with her audience and her community, and we’re looking forward to supporting her growth and helping her further develop her skills over the next year.”
For Bearden, the opportunity is both a career milestone and a personal challenge.
“It’s an honor to be chosen for the mentorship!” she said. “I’m so excited to learn and grow and soak up all the wisdom I can this next year. This is such an incredible opportunity to work alongside and learn from women who have paved the way in radio. I’m ready to challenge myself, strengthen my voice, both literally and figuratively, and bring that growth back to my community and my career.”
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