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 Dir., Asst. Promotions Director and left as APD. After juggling my Augusta duties, parenting, and writing stage plays I took a position 11 years later in Albany, GA. I moved on within the iHeartmedia family, and I’m currently the PD/on-air personality in Montgomery, AL for WZHT (Hot 105.7).

1) How did you find your way to Montgomery?

Well, I was minding my own business programming at the iHeart property in Albany, GA 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 (Market Manager) all interested in me being a part of the team.

2) Would you share the mentors and influencers in your life?

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 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. 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) What is it that you like about 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) Do community relations play a role in your programming philosophy?

My commitment to the community is involved in all that I do, whether it's the back to school giveaways, health fares, or dealing with natural disasters. Giving back to the community is essential.

5) Who did you grow up listening to?

As a kid, I listened to Sam Williams, I thought his voice and personality was so 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 skate board 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) How’s your writing coming along?

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. Most of my stage plays have been hosted by my son, who is 14 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 that he would come along to the interview. 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 and my interview took place with Obama 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, hundreds of people were impatiently waiting, and they were disappointed when they saw that I wasn’t him. But when he came out the crowd went crazy, while I stood behind him on the stage watching him shake hands and kissing babies. Finally, here comes Fattz, walking in late. He’s still upset to this day that I left him behind.

8) How do you approach being on the air?

Being relatable and personable is important. There are so many stories I tell on air that I believe people can relate to. Whether it’s me sending shout outs to the moms 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) What does the future of radio look to you?

Bigger and better. Not going anywhere.

10) How do you see yourself 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.