10 Questions with ... Sabrina Ruiz

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

I started as programming intern for KPWR (Power 106)/Los Angeles while I was in college studying radio broadcasting at ULV. Shortly after, I got hired on to the street team and then "promoted" to cover receptionist from time to time. Almost a year after graduating I got my big break at KVGQ in Vegas and did afternoons full-time for a year (yeah, I know, it's crazy and rarely heard of.) After my first year of being on-air, all signs where pointing back home (Southern California) and I was able to land another full -time gig (thanks John DeSantis) at KHTI Riverside- San Bernardino, where I'm currently doing middays and production.

1) How would you describe your first radio gig?

My first radio gig on-air was such a blessing and a growing experience. It was my first time on my own and away from family, but it was my dream to be on-air and it was so worth it! I got to be on-air in an awesome 24 -hour city and had AMAZING listeners who treated me like family. I'd say it couldn't get much better than that for a first time gig.

2) What led you to a career in radio?

I grew up always listening to music and the radio, thanks to my parents. I was that kid calling up radio stations, making song requests, doing shout outs and answering the jocks' questions. I was just always fascinated with being able to hear my voice on the radio. I would joke that I wanted to be a radio DJ growing up, until I had to do a project in 7th grade and had to research a career. I looked into it and realized that there was an actual job as on-air personality! Since then I was hooked and knew that was what I wanted to be.

3) What are your favorite showprep sources?

Twitter is one of my go-to's for show prep since it's so instant and you can find out what's trending around the world or in certain areas. "Stan Twitter" is crazy - it's constantly doing the deep digging and finding out the latest information about artists and celebrities.

4) What is your favorite part of the job?

Honestly, making connections with my listeners. I know it sounds cliché, but it's the most rewarding part. When I left home to do my first gig in Vegas, I gave myself a goal of making a connection with at least one listener and if I could somehow make their day or make an impact on their life I knew I did my job. I'm happy to say I accomplished that goal. I can talk for days about my listeners, but two in particular are kids who just melted my heart; Jordan and Emily (no relation at all). They would call me up all the time requesting songs and just talk to me about their day. Later I found out that both of them just so happen to be "Wish Kids" and man, did my heart sink hearing that. However, it made me even more attached to them and I'm happy to say that they went from listeners to friends and I still keep in contact with them!

5) Who is your favorite air personality not on your staff and why do you like them?

I can't choose just one, but I'd say the personalities that I grew up listening to. Rick Dees, Big Boy, Jojo On The Radio, and the Queen of LA - Yesi Ortiz. Rick Dees and Big Boy because they're radio icons. I would always listen to them on the way to school; their voices are welcoming. Jojo On The Radio - absolutely love his energy and how he interacts with listeners (plus he would always take my call when I was a kid). Yesi Ortiz is AMAZING; I loved listening to her when I would get out of school. She has a very smooth voice and I always admired how she does interviews.

6) Who would be a "dream guest" to have on your show?

LADY GAGA!!

7) What was your favorite station to listen to when you were a kid?

KIIS FM & KPWR FM.

8) Who were your mentors? Who would you say has influenced your career the most?

My mentors were and still are: my ULV college advisor - Mike Laponis, Santiago Romero (KLUC/KXQQ) and Yesi Ortiz. They all influenced my career in some way. Mike prepared me for the radio business. Santiago took me under his wing when I was in Vegas and pushed me to get better every day. Yesi Ortiz has always given me the best advice and she encouraged me to head out to Vegas to start my career.

9) What music do you listen to when you're not working?

It depends on my mood. Pop, Hip-Hop , R&B, Jazz, EDM... I listen to everything.

10) What advice would you give people new to the business?

Don't get discouraged when you get a "no." There are going to be plenty of those. It doesn't happen overnight and it's not going to be handed to you. Be willing to learn!

What was your last non-industry job?

Throughout college I managed my Dad's juice bar inside an LA Fitness gym. I did all the ordering, hiring, scheduling and payroll. We sold smoothies, protein shakes and other supplements. I like to think it helped me with being able to talk to people better. I dealt with so many different personalities.