Keeping the radio airwaves interesting in any market can be challenging when you consider all of the other choices listeners have to keep them entertained. However, when a station has great radio personalities and/or DJs to keep listeners engaged the challenge isn’t so hard. At this time we want to highlight 8 personalities standing out from the crowd across the country that we think you should know.
Mina SayWhat – PHILADELPHIA
IG: @MinaSayWhat
Mina “SayWhat” Llona is the midday host in Philadelphia on WRNB-FM 100.3 Philly from 10a-3p and can also be heard on-air nationwide on SIRIUSXM The Heat, with her show, “Mina’s House,” which airs Monday through Friday 6a-12p ET.
Mina’s radio career began while she was in college at Syracuse University, working for the university’s radio station. While in college she interned at two commercial radio stations: WQHT-FM Hot 97 New York and WWHT-FM Hot 107.9 Syracuse.
After graduation, she started working at SIRIUSXM as a Music Programmer working on the 80s on 8 and 70s on 7 channels. She was shortly elevated to Program Director for SIRIUSXM Love and the holiday channel, Holly. Mina was also on-air nationwide on SIRIUSXM’s Hip Hop and R&B channel, The Heat, and was the Music Director on the channel as well.
Mina’s eventually landed at WUSL-FM Power 99 Philly, where she woke the city of Philadelphia up for 6 years on their morning show. Mina was also the voice of the weather at WMIB-FM 103.5 The Beat Miami for 4 years and worked at WNBM-FM Radio 103.9 New York producing digital content for the station that was also syndicated to Cumulus Urban station websites across the country.
Mina’s broadcast experience ranges from television and radio to digital media, she has developed to wear many hats including Radio Personality, Content Creator, Reporter, Podcaster, Voice-Over Talent, Event Host, Brand Ambassador, and Public Speaker. Her weekly podcast, Mina’s House Podcast, can be found on www.MinaSayWhat.com and all podcast platforms.
DJ Sturgess – ATLANTA
IG: @DJSturgess
DJ Sturgess can be heard daily from 3-7 pm ET at V-103 in Atlanta, Georgia, and on HOT 105.7 hosting the night shift in Milwaukee from 7p to midnite.
DJ Sturgess, a Southside Atlanta native, grew up immersed in Hip-Hop culture and his love for music led him to pursue a career in radio and media at a young age.
DJ worked his way up from being a college intern, to a top-rated radio personality with his drive and passion. After being groomed by some of the greats in the game, he is now a consistent voice in the Hip Hop culture.
Shorty Da Prince – ST. LOUIS
IG: @IAMREGGIESON
Shawty Da Prince can be heard on weekday mornings from 7-10a with The Home Team Morning show on WHHL Hot 104.1 in St. Louis.
Jordan Johnson, known to listeners as Shawty Da Prince, began his career in radio when he was just twelve years old after winning a radio host search at KATZ 100.3 The Beat in St. Louis. He hosted a Saturday morning show and eventually became the prime-time DJ in St Louis, landing the night shift from 6-10p Monday through Friday, all while still in high school.
Needless to say, his radio talent soon opened doors for him to host other shows at radio stations across the country. In 2010 he held down the top-rated night show in Detroit at Hot 107.5 and soon afterward he joined 93.9 WKYS in Washington DC doing nights as well in 2015.
Shorty soon realized his talents couldn’t be contained behind a microphone and decided to step in front of the camera. He pursued opportunities in television, quickly landing the opportunity to act as a correspondent for BET’s 106 and Park and eventually securing the host slot.
Throughout his career in radio, Shorty also chased his love of music. At the age of fifteen, Shorty signed a deal with Track Boyz Entertainment (Nelly Air Force Ones) under the stage name Shorty da Kid.
The Track Boyz introduced Shorty da Kid on a tour of artist showcases attended by Universal, Def Jam, Capital, and Atlantic Records executives. During the Atlantic records showcase, Shorty caught the eye of media executive Kevin Liles and was immediately signed to Atlantic Records.
Whether it comes to hosting radio on air, hosting live events, or making music, Shawty Da Prince is a multi-talented force that always shines brightly wherever he is.
MiAsia Symone – ATLANTA
IG: @MIASIASYMONE
MiAsia Symone is a multimedia personality and host that can be heard on Streetz 94.5 in Atlanta.
Despite initially going to school to be an Athletic Trainer/Sports medicine specialist because of her love of sports, MiAsia has paved her own unique path in the radio media industry. MiAsia has always had a passion for both sports and entertainment and after an unfortunate accident that forced her to retire from sports, she set her focus on making moves in media.
From starting out as a hip-hop blogger for a popular entertainment site while in college to interning at Streetz 94.5 and running the promotions team she continued to pave her way while maintaining multiple side jobs at the same time.
MiAsia has previously worked as a Promotions Assistant for Entercom working with 92-9 The Game, V-103, WAOK, and Star 94.1. No matter the circumstances MiAsia passion and drive keep her going. MiAsia states “I remember being so motivated, I’ve always been a hustler. It’s crazy, back in December 2016, I was driving a Toyota Camry with over 200,000 miles on it. I was headed home from a Christmas party around 6:00 am and my car caught on fire. I jumped out of it before it actually burst into flames. It felt like a movie! However, that did not stop me from wanting to reach my goals. I was spending about $60 per day catching Ubers to the radio station, work, and school, all while trying to save up for another car. My ambition is one in a million!”
MiAsia continues to make moves as a brand ambassador and host while simultaneously growing her brand on social media. She currently has over 1.4 million views on her Youtube channel and continuously sets her goals high making strides for women in the industry.
MiAsia states, “There are more women sticking together and fighting for their rights. We are able to voice our opinions more and they are actually respected. Women are landing bigger roles in the entertainment industry. Our creativity and ideas are being taken more into consideration. It’s a beautiful thing. Of course, nothing is handed to us. We still have to work very hard for everything we have, but it’s exciting to see that we now have a better shot at becoming leaders and playing more significant roles.”
Ivy Rivera – NEW YORK
IG:THEIVYRIVERA
Ivy Rivera is a media personality that can be heard on Power 105.1 in New York.
The Brooklyn-born lover of dance, Ivy Rivera started her career in radio while interning in college. Ivy states, while in college “I started my own radio show formerly known as Tea Time Radio.
That show eventually became The Ivy Rivera Show. People always suggested I do radio and it fell into my lap.” Ivy started blogging while in college as well which allowed her voice and views to be amplified.
Ivy is also recognized for her marketing mastery across brand architecture, campaigns, social, digital, PR, and influencers. She currently works as a Culture and Lifestyle Specialist for Combs Enterprises in addition to being a popular media personality for Power 105.1 in New York.
Princess Stormm – St. Louis
IG: @PrincessStormm
Princess Stormm is a multimedia personality that can be heard on her popular afternoon show from 3-7p at Hot 104.1 in St. Louis.
Branded as the Princess of St. Louis Missouri, Princess Stormm has been making an impact with her one-of-a-kind fashion style and notable personality.
Stormm started her radio journey while attending the University of Missouri where she volunteered on a radio show called ‘The U’. Soon afterward, Stormm began an internship at Radio One St. Louis and within months she was hired to join their team.
Stormm previously worked for Detroit’s Hot 107.5. In addition to making her mark in radio, she is continuously giving back to the community. Stormm currently serves as the Board President of Will’s Way Inc, a non-profit organization which is dedicated to improving the lives of youth through education and inspiring healthy living. She is also the CEO of A Princess Within, a mentoring program for young ladies.
Ambie Renee – NORFOLK
IG: @AMBIERENNEONAIR
Multimedia personality Ambie Renee can be heard on middays on WMOV-FM and during the afternoons on WHBT-FM and on weekends on WOWI in Virginia.
Ambie started her radio career working in the promotions department at iHeartMedia where she worked as a promotions assistant.
Seeking to advance her career in the programming department, Ambie’s first on-air opportunity came when she built a rapport with a client, JuiceBar Juices.
The client enjoyed her bubbly personality so much, they asked if she would host their very first on-site live broadcast. This opportunity advanced to a full endorsement and ultimately led to opening doors for a shift on the air, which served as the gateway to where she is today.
Ashlee Young – HOUSTON
IG: @AshleeOnAir
Multimedia personality Ashlee Young can be heard on-air holding down middays at 103 Jams/WOWI in Norfolk, Virginia and 93.7 The BEAT/KGBT-FM in Houston where she also serves as Music Director. Young is also heard in middays on iHeart’s Hip Hop stations in Atlanta (WRDG-FM), Jacksonville (WJBT-FM), and New Orleans (WQUE-FM).
Ashlee is a native of Tacoma, Washington, and started her career in radio during college while interning for formerly known, Clear Channel Communications, now known as iHeartMedia as a digital and promotions intern. Ashlee was soon hired part-time. She was soon promoted to the position of Program Director for two stations; Mix 104.7 KKYS-FM & 103.1 KISS FM, KVJM-FM.
In August 2015 she relocated to Texas, to accept the position of Program Director, making her the youngest Program Director in the entire company. In 2017 Ashlee accepted the position of Middays and Music Director at KQBT-FM, 93.7 the Beat, where she continues to elevate the brand today.
Get to know these 8 radio personalities on the rise as they continue to make moves in the industry!
