“SPEAK UP!” IS A PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM BETWEEN MIW & MEDIA STAFFING NETWORK IN HONOR OF LAURIE KAHN, FOUNDER of MEDIA STAFFING NETWORK
Application Window Opens Today
DALLAS, TX (July 30, 2026): Mentoring and Inspiring Women in Radio, Inc. (MIW), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing female leadership in radio broadcasting, today announced the launch of its Fourth Annual Speak Up! Mentorship Program in partnership with Media Staffing Network. The application period opens today and will remain open through Friday, August 28, 2026.
Created in honor of the late Laurie Kahn, founder of Media Staffing Network and a passionate advocate for women in media, Speak Up! is a year-long mentorship program designed to empower women working in small- and medium-market radio stations across all departments. One outstanding candidate will receive personalized mentorship from MIW's accomplished network of female broadcast leaders, complemented by executive coaching from Media Staffing Network's certified coaches.
Since its launch in 2023, the Speak Up! Mentorship Program has become one of MIW's signature leadership initiatives, helping emerging women leaders develop the skills, confidence, and professional relationships needed to advance their careers in broadcasting.
"As Speak Up! enters its fourth year, we're incredibly proud of the impact this program continues to have on women across our industry," said Sheila Kirby, President of MIW. "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. Every year, we're inspired by the remarkable women who apply, and we're excited to welcome another mentee into the MIW community."
"Laurie believed that investing in people was one of the most meaningful ways to strengthen our industry," said Lisa Fields, President of Media Staffing Network. "Speak Up! reflects that belief by giving emerging leaders access to experienced mentors who can provide guidance, perspective, and encouragement at pivotal moments in their careers. We're honored to continue partnering with MIW to help empower the next generation of women leaders in radio."
Over the past three years, the Speak Up! Mentorship Program has supported rising women leaders from across the radio industry. Past recipients include Presleigh Bearden, Social Media Manager and On-Air Personality for iHeartMedia Markets Group – Little Rock & Fayetteville, AR (2025); Jessica Williams, National Adult Contemporary Host and Community Outreach Director for Townsquare Media/Rochester, MN (2024); and Mary Zukin, Senior Sales & Marketing Executive at Iliad Media Group, ID (2023).
For more information about the Speak Up! Mentorship Program or to learn more information about the organization, please visit RadioMIW.com.
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.