10 Questions with ... Miss Monique

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

Originally from Flint, MI, I moved to Detroit attending Specs Howard School of Broadcast Arts. Shortly after graduation, I worked as a board op in Detroit to be hired months later in Hattiesburg, MS as a night personality. A little over three years and a son later I was hired in Augusta, GA as the midday host. During my almost 11-year stint I was Asst. online content Director, Asst. Promotions Director and left as Asst. PD. While juggling parenting and writing stage plays I took a position 11 years later in Albany, GA. Twenty-seven months later I am now PD and on-air personality in Montgomery, AL for Hot 105.7.

1) Congratulations on the new job, how it all happen?

Well, I was minding my own business here in the big city of Albany when I got a call from Steve Powers (Nashville). We talked and he was aware of me having a strong desire to grow within the company and from that call lead to the call from Long John (my new SVPP) and Jackie Toye (my new Market Manager) all interested in me being a part of the team. Being in Albany was a challenge, but I believe that this experience has prepared me for Montgomery and I appreciate the opportunity I was given.

2) Who've been some of your influences?

I'd have to say my mother (Faith). Throughout most of my life growing up she struggled with parenting, drugs, her career, her marriage and now that all those things are behind her. She's raised her children, been clean from drugs for over 25 years, loves what she does for a living and is in a happier place in life. Being extremely close to her, I witnessed most of what she's been through which some would say wasn't a positive influence at all but her past and my past has positively influenced me to being who I am now.

3) Why do you like programming?

I love music and how quickly is created. Researching and learning what's hot and what's not excites me with hopes that I continue to make the right programming decisions to continue growing as a PD.

4) How important is community relations to your programming style?

My commitment to the community is involved in all that I do. Whether it's the back-to-school giveaways I've orchestrated to the Flint, MI water drive and giveaway, giving back to the community is essential.

5) Who were some of the people you grew up listening to and why were they were some of your favorites?

As a kid, I listened to Sam Williams, I thought his voice and personality was soooo awesome. I listened to the radio all the time, but never thought a little girl from Flint could actually "be on the radio." Sam made it sound easy. Then before I moved to Detroit for broadcasting school, there was "Super Dave" ... he gave me my first "unofficial" internship. Not sure if he had a car or not, but he would ride around town on his skateboard or bike and jot down names to shout people out on the radio the following evening. I thought that was so cool. He stayed connected to his community.

6) Could you tell us about your writing?

Funny, I'm glad that you asked. I'm also a playwright. I've written and produced eight stage plays. All of them bring some type of awareness back to the community with subjects like HIV awareness, Human trafficking awareness, Breast cancer awareness, Teen violence awareness, Domestic violence awareness and more. I actually have one I'm currently writing that will debut in Augusta in November, it's called "When push comes to shove." Most of my stage plays have been hosted by my son who is 13 now. He started hosting them when he was about seven.

7) Do you have a favorite radio story?

Okay, so our former President Barack Obama's campaign rep contacted me asking if I wanted to interview him. I was so excited, of course I said yes. My then Manager "Minnesota Fattz" was equally excited because he figured that since he arranged the initial call and tagged along to the interview, he would be included as well. So, the day came and we were supposed to meet Obama's people at about 1p and at 12 or so, Fattz wasn't at the radio station to meet me so I left him. How could I leave my boss, I thought, but at the time, Barack was more important. So, I get to the school where my interview took place with Barack in a broom closet-sized room. I was so nervous. The interview seemed to have run over because when I exited the closet and walked out into the gym where hundreds of people were impatiently waiting they were disappointed when they saw that I wasn't him. Funny but when he came out the crowd went crazy and while I stood behind him on the stage watching him shaking hands and kissing babies, here was Fattz, walking in LATE. He's still upset I left him.

8) What do think are some of the important elements to being an on-air personality?

Being relatable and personable is important. There's so many stories I tell on-air that I believe people can relate to. Whether it's me sending shout-outs to the mom's like myself touching and agreeing for a child support increase, or just talking in general about single parenting and the struggles to balance it all with a career.

9) How do you see the future of radio?

Bigger and better. Not going anywhere.

10) What do you see yourself doing in five years?

Being proud of my son, who will be in college. Watching one of the scripts I've written in the movie theater and still in radio and loving it.

Is there something you do or have done that would surprise people?

I used to ride a motorcycle, a Honda CBR, but stopped riding after a friend of mine was killed on hers.