MIW Names Late Laurie Kahn to Receive Trailblazer Award

RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, April 12, 2023 | 4:39pm CT

Laurie Kahn

Mentoring and Inspiring Women in Radio (MIW) names the late Laurie Kahn, Media Staffing Network Founder and MIW supporter, the 2023 MIW Frances Preston Trailblazer. The award, named for music industry pioneer and longtime BMI President and CEO Frances Preston, is MIW's highest accolade. It is presented annually to a woman who, through her leadership and accomplishments in the industry, champions and creates opportunities for other women in radio to further their careers.

Kahn, well known and respected by her radio industry colleagues, died in October, 2022. She began her radio career in Kansas City, moved into sales management in Chicago and then established Media Staffing Network in 1993. As a mentor throughout her career, she strived to help people be as prepared as possible to land their dream jobs.

The MIW Trailblazer Award will be presented during the 2023 National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) Show, specifically during the We are Broadcasters awards program on the Main Stage, Tuesday, April 18 at 10am following the presentation of the Radio and Television Engineering Achievement Awards.

Accepting this honor on Kahn's behalf will be her friend and business partner since 1998, Patty Kincaid. Kincaid is currently Media Staffing Network's Vice President & General Manager.

MIW Board President Ruth Presslaff commented, "As so many of us know, Laurie built a successful company dedicated to helping media professionals grow their careers. What I suspect most do not know is that her devotion to this industry, and particularly the women it employs, compelled her to spend some of her very precious and limited time leading to her passing working with MIW to create the Speak Up! Mentorship. The very first mentee has been selected and will be announced shortly."

Media Staffing Network Vice President & General Manager Patty Kincaid added, "Receiving the MIW Trailblazer Award is a wonderful honor, and I am proud to accept this award on behalf of Laurie Kahn and her family. Laurie was committed to helping people find the career of their dreams, a mission all of us at Media Staffing Network strive to continue every day. We are grateful for this tribute and know Laurie would be very proud to be recognized."

When the 2023 MIW Trailblazer Award is presented, Kahn's name will be included in an illustrious group of media professionals who are esteemed for their leadership and dedication to the radio industry. Prior honorees include Michelle Duke (2022); Christine Travaglini (2019); Julie Talbott (2018); Mary Quass (2017); Beth Neuhoff (2016); Kim Guthrie (2015); Diane Sutter (2014); Weezie Kramer (2013); Caroline Beasley (2012); Ginny Hubbard Morris (2011); Lynn Anderson (2010); and Erica Farber (2009).