Ruth Presslaff Named MIW 2026 Trailblazer

RADIO ONLINE | Tuesday, April 21, 2026 | 0:01am CT

Ruth Presslaff

Mentoring and Inspiring Women in Radio has named Ruth Presslaff as the recipient of its 2026 Frances Preston Trailblazer Award, recognizing her leadership and long-standing contributions to advancing women in radio.

The honor, MIW's highest accolade, was presented during the NAB Show 2026 on April 20. Presslaff was recognized in a public interview with Erica Farber at TV and Radio HQ, followed by a formal presentation at the organization's annual Lipstick & Lobster Dinner.

Named after longtime Broadcast Music, Inc. President and CEO Frances Preston, the Trailblazer Award honors women who create opportunities for others and help shape the future of the radio industry.

Presslaff, founder of Presslaff Interactive Revenue, has built a career spanning on-air roles, station management, and executive positions in affiliate relations and network sales across multiple major markets. She is widely recognized for her early adoption of emerging technologies to drive revenue growth, including interactive voice response systems, digital marketing strategies, and first-party data initiatives.

She has launched and sold her company twice and later served in enterprise sales at Second Street Media. In addition to her business accomplishments, Presslaff has played a key role within MIW, including serving as Board President and helping guide the organization through its transition to a 501(c)(3), positioning it for long-term growth.

MIW Board President Sheila Kirby credited Presslaff with helping expand the organization's reach and impact, citing her leadership and commitment to mentoring women across the industry.

In accepting the award, Presslaff pointed to the influence of past MIW leaders, including Denyse Mesnik, Kay Olin, and Heidi Raphael, and acknowledged the support of broadcasters who embraced her vision for integrating technology into media and advertising.

Based in Southern California, Presslaff continues to mentor and advise emerging leaders while remaining active as a speaker at industry events, including those hosted by the National Association of Broadcasters and other media organizations.

She joins a list of past Trailblazer honorees that includes Deborah Parenti, Corinne Baldassano, Laurie Kahn, Michelle Duke, and Christine Travaglini, among others.