10 Questions with ... Ashlee Young "Ashlee On Air"

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

I started as a digital intern at Clear Channel/Jacksonville and was hired as a part-timer immediately following. After one year of doing every job imaginable in the building, I earned my position as an on-air programmer for KKYS and KVJM in College Station, TX in 2015. Since then, I've traveled around the country for the company, providing correspondence for huge events and training with some of my legendary mentors.

1) How would you describe your first radio gig?

A crazy blessing that I didn't appreciate until later -- I didn't appreciate it at the time, but I had some amazing mentors and leaders in the iHeart/Jacksonville building. Endless seasoned vets were right there for me to learn from -- Doc Wynter, Skip Kelly, Cindy Spicer and so many more. Bryan LaRoche was my internship supervisor and my first on-air coach. My OM/PD Tommy BoDean was the first person to give me my on-air slot on WKSL. Everyone on the Urban team really took the time to develop me -- G-Wiz, T-Roy, DJ Q45, DJ Dr Doom, T. May in Promotions, Sherry Ellison ... I was really blessed with an amazing group of leaders in that building. Also, thanks to Brad Thornton of WQIK; he really pushed me to step out of my comfort zone. I may not be here if it wasn't for him encouraging me to stop being scared and take that first step!

2) What is your favorite part of the job?

Results and winning ... is that selfish? Ha ha - but honestly, growing my brands and meeting people, whether they're listeners or also in the industry. I'm still a fan in some cases, so to sit down with artists I've been listening to all my life always blows my mind.

3) What's the coolest promotion you've been involved with recently?

Bringing my friend Brandon Delesline into the company from Revolt TV. I interned for Revolt TV in college and kept a relationship with him throughout the years. A national marketing position opened up; now he's #iHeartMafia. (Everyone at Revolt hates me though, but it's okay).

4) What artist would we be surprised to find on your personal playlist?

I program a Top 40 and HAC, but I am a true Hip-Hop head through and through, plus I'm from the West Coast - so Nipsey Hussle, YG, Kendrick are "powers" in my car.

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

EJ! He just moved to L.A. recently, now on KIIS, and he is phenomenal. He is the most personable Top 40 talent that our company has, in my opinion. But I know he is killing it with Ivey out there.

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

Who is no longer with us, Tupac. I will forever be jealous of everyone who had the opportunity of just meeting or even having a conversation with Pac.

Alive, Jay-Z. He has so much knowledge and memories and successes, I would just want to sit and listen to those "back in the day" stories.

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

I grew up in Tacoma, WA, so it was all about KUBE 93.3. Eric Powers, Sir Mix A Lot, Eddie Francis (who's currently with Dr. Dre at Beats 1) and Tiffany Warner at nights, T-Man in the morning. I would call in almost every day, I loved that station.

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

Most people don't know Charlamagne Tha God kept me in radio with a phone call. I was frustrated with my career at one point, and I reached out to him for guidance, thinking he most likely was never going to respond - but he told me to call him on his birthday, while he was on vacation, having never met me or knowing me from Adam. But he gave me the most encouraging and inspiring conversation that kept me from literally quitting that week, and has been a great friend since then.

Also, Michael Saunders and Tutu Durant are the programming mentors I see regularly. They allow me to train with them in Houston, ask questions, and participate in their day-to-day. I am eternally grateful for them.

Thea Mitchem has really influenced my career as a programmer and being one of the few Black women at that. She helped change the course of my career with her guidance. She's been that voice of encouragement and just pushed me to take everything to the next level. I'm just learning to be a beast in the game, like her.

Also, how could I forget Doc Wynter. When I was an intern in Jacksonville, Doc was the only person who would listen to my airchecks at first - and took the time to critique me. I saw how respected he was in my building and just around the company; he was someone I modeled myself to be like from early on.

But the funniest part is when they are all together - it is hilarious. Just being a fly on the wall, hearing them tell me radio stories "from back in the day," is amazing - I sure wish I was programming in the '90s!

9) What is it about our industry that keeps you wanting to do it for a living?

Representation. I have the ability, the drive, the resilience and the resources, but where are my peers who look like me? There's only a handful; I know it's something bigger than me, so I'm working to change that statistic every single day. But also, it's what I've dreamt of doing all my life. I took broadcasting classes in high school, majored in journalism and production in college. I've been preparing all my life for this role.

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

Don't overlook amazing opportunities just because there isn't a paycheck attached to it!

The best opportunities I've had so far are things I've volunteered or interned for. Also, invest in yourself! I travel often to sit down and learn or to be at conferences and summits. No one's going to give it to you. You have to work for it, every single day.

Which character on a current TV series most reflects your personality?

YARA SHAHIDI as ZOEY on grown-ish. Not only is that show hilarious, but she is literally me, in real life.