How women in radio can elevate the voices of other women

Marie Cassidy

Pictured above Marie Cassidy, Station Manager at INDI 101-5 and Ignite Radio

Having paved their way to success, Mohawk Broadcasting - Radio & Creative Content professors Sam Cook, Shiona Thomson, Kat Cullen and Marie Cassidy, and Mohawk Radio alumni Stephanie Hunter ‘03, Katy Kayy ‘17 and Linda Martelli ‘86, all know the struggles they are up against and use their voices to empower women.   

Shiona is a Senior News Anchor Global News Radio 900 CHML in Hamilton, Ontario. She taught Broadcasting at Mohawk and shares some powerful words to inspire more women to make their voices heard on radio. 

 “Radio is about community and not only is it great to tell the stories of Hamilton, it's important to bring the female perspective of those stories to the air. I want to thank the women in Broadcast Journalism who paved the way for me and I try to honour them by helping the next generation of women coming up through the ranks,” says Shiona. 

Stephanie ‘03, is a Mohawk Radio Broadcasting and Communications alumni. She now works as a Regional Program Director for Corus Radio-Ontario East. 

Stephanie gives some powerful words of advice: “The radio industry still has barriers for women, notably women of colour, that shouldn’t exist in 2022, and although that is changing, there is still progress to be made.  As a woman in any industry, it’s about knowing your worth, standing up for what you believe in, finding your voice and using it for good, and raising up the women around you.”

“I’m proud to be a woman in broadcasting,” says Sam, Mohawk’s Program Coordinator of the Radio & Creative Content Program. “Whether it’s going live on the radio or teaching in a classroom, being able to share important stories, make positive change and impact lives is why I do this job. Today I celebrate and support all the women who strive to make the world a better place by using their voice.”  

 

Stephanie Hunter

Regional Program Director for Corus Radio-Ontario East (Ottawa: boom 99.7, JUMP! 106.9, Kingston: 96.3 BIG FM, 104.3 Fresh Radio, Cornwall: boom 101.9, 104.5 Fresh Radio

Shiona Thomson

Senior News Anchor, Global News Radio 900 CHML, Hamilton, Ontario

Sam Cook

Program Coordinator of the Broadcasting - Radio & Creative Content program

Marie Cassidy, Station Manager at INDI 101-5 and Ignite Radio, is grateful for the opportunities she had to succeed but notes that there are still many obstacles to overcome:  

“It hasn’t always been easy as a woman in management in the radio broadcasting industry,” she says, “But, I have been fortunate to work with many people over the years who gave me opportunities to succeed. I have dedicated my career to mentoring the next generation of broadcasters and showing young women their only limit is the one they place on themselves. Anything is achievable if you’re dedicated.” 

Passion and drive are also main factors for success, and Linda shares words of inspiration and encouragement for all students who are drawn to pursuing Broadcasting at Mohawk. 

“As a woman in Broadcasting, my passion helped me to grow and succeed. There is so much power when you focus on what excites you and just by being yourself,” says Linda. 

 

Linda Martelli

Daytime Host KX 947

Katy Kayy

Events Coordinator and Cruiser for KX 947

Kat Cullen

Promotions Director & Swing Announcer at KX 947, KX96, 92.9 The Grand, Wave.fm 94.9 the Rock, and coming soon 88.5 the Lake & 98.3 The Wave Vancouver

Kat, Promotions Director and Swing Announcer, urges women to make their voices heard. 

“Something truly powerful happens when women speak up, and what better way to raise your voice than by using a microphone! Through sharing our stories and celebrating our individual authenticity, female broadcasters elevate other female voices and help to build a unique, supportive and empowered community of people from all walks of life,” she continues. “That’s the power of radio, even the quietest voice can reach thousands of ears and touch thousands of hearts, the moments we share on the air can make a difference in someone’s day or even impact the rest of their lives. It’s an awesome responsibility, and one that I am grateful for every day.” 

“Following your dreams can lead you on adventures you've only ever dreamt of. "says Katy. And what better words of wisdom than those spoken by a true broadcasting industry leader. 

We are celebrating these women for always speaking out (quite literally). 

Audience