“SPEAK UP!” IS A PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM BETWEEN MIW & MEDIA STAFFING NETWORK
IN HONOR OF LAURIE KAHN
DALLAS, TX (August 14, 2025): Mentoring and Inspiring Women in Radio, Inc. (MIW), a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to the advancement of female leadership in radio broadcasting, proudly announces Presleigh Bearden, Social Media Manager and On-Air Personality for iHeartMedia Markets Group – Little Rock & Fayetteville, AR as ‘Speak Up’s’ 2025 mentee.
Created in partnership with Media Staffing Network and Laurie Kahn before her passing, Speak Up! is a one-year program designed for one mentee from any department in a small to medium radio market. The program is designed to encapsulate so much of what Laurie brought to the industry; a mentorship that encourages and empowers women to develop confidence and sharpen communication skills - to hone the ability to effectively speak up in order to further attain her goals.
Presleigh is living proof that “talks too much in class” can become a career. She serves as an On-Air Personality and Social Media Manager foriHeartMedia, heard on Hot 94.9 in Little Rock and Hot 101.9 in Fayetteville, Arkansas. Known for her vibrant energy and genuine connection with listeners, she treats her audience like her best friends. Beyond the studio, Presleigh shares her love of community and live entertainment as the On-Field Emcee for the Arkansas Travelers. A proud native of small-town Arkansas, she now lives her dream both on and off the air - balancing her broadcasting career with life as a wife and mom to two rockstar-named children, Jagger and Jovi. In her free time, she can be found at live concerts and indulging her unexpected fascination with fighter jets.
Said MIW Board President Sheila Kirby, “Presleigh’s energy, authenticity, and commitment to her work make her a wonderful fit for the Speak Up! program. 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.”
“At Media Staffing Network, we’re proud to continue Laurie’s legacy with fresh perspective - connecting top talent with outstanding media organizations,” remarked Lisa Fields, President, Media Staffing Network. “This program is a meaningful way to honor the industry she loved while carrying her vision forward for the future.”
Presleigh Bearden added, “It’s an honor to be chosen for the mentorship! 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.”
About MIW:
Mentoring and Inspiring Women in Radio, Inc. (MIW) is a volunteer 501(c)(3) non-profit organization of top-level female radio professionals, from across the country, who are dedicated to using their influence and resources to help other women in radio broadcasting develop management and leadership skills. The MIW organization is equally committed to advocating for the advancement of women to senior positions within the radio industry. For more information, please visit www.RadioMIW.com.
About Media Staffing Network:
Media Staffing Network is the premier media recruiting and consulting firm dedicated to radio, TV, cable, digital, newspaper, and out-of-home. Successfully serving the radio industry since 1992 with a proven track record and expertise, MSN uncovers ideal candidates you would never have found on your own.