Mentoring and Inspiring Women in Radio has opened applications for its 2025 Elevating Women in Programming Mentorship, a program aimed at developing leadership among women in broadcast programming. Now in its seventh year, the initiative offers a one-year, high-impact mentorship designed to support and elevate women in key programming roles.
The program selects one mentee annually and pairs her with experienced industry leaders for personalized career coaching, guidance, and professional networking. The selected participant will also receive an invitation to attend the NAB Radio Show in April 2026, held in Las Vegas, offering additional opportunities to engage with executives and peers across the radio industry.
Past mentees have gone on to succeed in influential positions within major radio organizations. Alumni include Meg Dowdy, Regional Content Director at Townsquare Media; Traci LaTrelle, Assistant Program Director and Music Director at WHUR-FM Washington; Leslie Scott, former Vice President of Digital Audio Content at Audacy; and Amanda “ICE” Habrowski, Assistant Program Director and Midday Host at iHeart Las Vegas. The 2024 mentee was Kiran Riar, currently at WMPS and WHBQ in Memphis.
The mentorship is open to women working as brand managers, program directors, assistant program directors, or music directors at radio stations across the United States, regardless of the station’s format. Applications must be submitted by June 20, and full details are available through MIW’s website.
Sheila Kirby, President of Mentoring and Inspiring Women in Radio, emphasized the importance of the program, stating, “The ‘MIW Elevating Women in Programming Mentorship’ program is a cornerstone of our mission to empower women in radio. This initiative not only fosters personal and professional growth but also builds a stronger and more inclusive future for the industry. We’re excited to welcome another talented mentee into this life-changing program.”
With a continued focus on mentorship, MIW aims to shape the next generation of female programming leaders by offering not only career development but also a supportive community. The program highlights MIW’s broader mission to promote diversity, equity, and advancement for women in all areas of the broadcast industry.