10 Questions with ... Reka

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

I started at Howard University on the college radio station WHBC. After an internship at KISS-FM in Seattle WA, I was offered a position by the one the only Marcus D in 2005. In 2008 I landed in Indianapolis. How? Amazing!! Now under the direction of Tim Rainey, I am Music Director!

1) What led you to a career in radio?

My friend Kyle told me I should "try out" for the radio station (at Howard) during my sophomore year because he said "You're crazy and your personality would be good on air." So I did ... the rest is "herstory."

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

Oprah. I would pick her brain soooooooooooooooooooo much. I have been saying I want to be 'Oprah' since junior high. Who gets the Oprah 20th box set for Christmas? Me!

3) Are you wearing more "hats" than you have in the past?

Middays, Music Director, Promotions ... yes, and all my hats look like Kate Middleton's. Absolutely, and I wouldn't change a thing. I love it!

4) What is your favorite part of the job?

I used to get in trouble for talking. Ask my parents, 'Rosalyn & Rickie.' Review every single report card ... "nice young lady, she just talks too much." And now I'm getting paid to talk! Dear Teachers: I get the last laugh!

5) What is the most challenging part of the job?

Right now it's learning/remembering who is who as far as label reps go. I'm really bad with names ... I mean, really terrible!

6) What artist would we be surprised to find on your iPod?

The Script -- "For The First Time." Love that song. Lyrically, it's the bomb.com.

7) What's one thing that would surprise many people to learn about you?

Every time I tell someone I'm from Seattle ... I mean every time ... I get, "Wow, there are black people up there?" Laugh Out Loud. So I guess that's surprising?! Oh, and I have a lower back tattoo which my "brother" Mikey V (who does nights here) calls a "tramp stamp." We fought over this!

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

KUBE 93. Chet Buchanan was my boy! I was super-young and I remember meeting him at a Renton High School event (I wasn't in high school yet but my mom was the Vice-Principal) ... so cool! And Eric Powers still has a special place in my heart (shout out to Julie Pilat too).

9) Looking back, which years hold the best musical memories for you and who were your favorite acts at that time?

Early 2000s. I tell you I was in love with Nsync. I still have all my ticket stubs, articles, magazines ... any and everything Nsync. Never got rid of them. Collecting dust at my parents' house! Nsync 2020 is my motto. Plus Aaliyah. I still have all her stuff that I collected as well. I cried like she was my best friend when she passed. RIP.

10) What is the one truth that has held constant throughout your career?

Be yourself always and the listeners will come.

What ringtone do you have on your cell?

Beyonce - Count Down. Word!