Presleigh Bearden Named 2025 Speak Up! Mentee by MIW

RADIO ONLINE | Wednesday, August 13, 2025 | 11:59pm CT

Presleigh Bearden

Mentoring and Inspiring Women in Radio (MIW) has selected Presleigh Bearden, Social Media Manager and air personality for iHeartMedia's Little Rock and Fayetteville, AR markets, as its 2025 "Speak Up!" mentee.

The "Speak Up!" program, created in partnership with Media Staffing Network and its late founder Laurie Kahn, is a year-long mentorship designed for women in small to medium radio markets. It aims to build confidence and sharpen communication skills, encouraging participants to effectively "speak up" to advance their careers.

Bearden, who is heard on KHKN (Hot 94.9) in Little Rock and KMXF (Hot 101.9) in Fayetteville, is known for her on-air style and close connection with listeners. In addition to her radio work, she serves as the On-Field Emcee for the Arkansas Travelers minor league baseball team. A small-town Arkansas native, she balances her broadcasting career with life as a wife and mother to two children, Jagger and Jovi.

"Presleigh's energy, authenticity, and commitment to her work make her a wonderful fit for the Speak Up! program," said MIW Board President Sheila Kirby. "We're looking forward to supporting her growth and helping her further develop her skills over the next year."

Media Staffing Network President Lisa Fields called the program "a meaningful way to honor the industry Laurie loved while carrying her vision forward for the future."

Bearden said she is eager to embrace the opportunity. "I'm so excited to learn and grow and soak up all the wisdom I can this next year. This is such an incredible opportunity to work alongside and learn from women who have paved the way in radio."