RAB & MIW Celebrate Rising Through the Ranks Graduates

RADIO ONLINE | Friday, August 22, 2025 | 10:18am CT

Radio Advertising Bureau (RAB)

The Radio Advertising Bureau (RAB), in partnership with Mentoring and Inspiring Women in Radio (MIW), has announced the successful completion of the 17th annual Rising Through the Ranks program. The initiative began virtually on August 12 before continuing in person August 19-21 at BMI's Nashville headquarters.

This year's program brought together 26 broadcasters selected through an application process to participate in a two-day curriculum designed to address the unique challenges and opportunities for women in radio leadership. Sessions covered leadership development, team culture, and work-life balance, with a focus on practical applications participants can bring back to their organizations.

The 2025 program featured an extensive roster of industry leaders and experts, including Erica Farber, immediate past president and CEO of RAB; Kim Johnson, vice president of professional development at RAB; Sheila Kirby, president of MIW; and award-winning artist Trisha Yearwood. Additional speakers included executives from Cox Media Group, Audacy, Seven Mountains Media, Xperi, Salem Media Group, and others.

Support from industry partners also enhanced the program. Mr. Master provided classroom materials, and Xperi sponsored the program's lunches.

"Over the last 17 years, we have seen more than 465 broadcasters graduate from Rising Through the Ranks and propel their careers, as well as their companies, with the knowledge and skills gained," said Mike Hulvey, president and CEO of RAB.

"It's an honor for MIW to be part of this program every year," added Sheila Kirby, president of MIW. "We congratulate this year's graduates and cannot wait to see and support their successes throughout their careers."

2025 Rising Through the Ranks Graduates

Alabama

• Rebecca Carroll - Rockey City Broadcasting, Huntsville

• Lauren Merrill-Stakelon - Audacy, San Francisco
• Michelle Truong - Audacy, Brooklyn (actually New York - grouped below)

• Wanda "Wanda P" Patterson - Cox Media Group/Hot 106.5 FM, Jacksonville
• Jillian Sagat - Cox Media Group, Jacksonville
• Cassie Reimold - Salem Media Group, Tampa
• Whitney Zarder - North Central Florida Media, Saga Communications, Ocala

• Lauren Smith - Cox Media Group, Watkinsville

• Laura Roberts - Illini Media Group, Champaign

• Kadie Daye - Adams Radio Group, Valparaiso

• Margie Goehring - Ottumwa Radio Group, Ottumwa

• Mallory Bouslog - Marketron Broadcast Solutions, New Orleans

• Kayla Schneider - Hubbard Radio, Alexandria
• Sheena Ziegler - Hubbard Broadcasting, Brainerd

• Amanda Long - Broadcast House Media/NRG Media, Lincoln

• Slone Terranella - Beasley Media Group, Las Vegas

• Meredith McDermott - Connoisseur Media, Farmingdale
• Kate Savage - Audacy, Farmington
• Michelle Truong - Audacy, Brooklyn

• Bridget England - WFTK 96.5/Cumulus Media, Cincinnati
• Jess Palmer - iHeartMedia, Cleveland

• Nicole Eubank - WSM, Nashville
• Kari Stoddard - Midwest Communications, Nashville

• Jennifer Butman - Community Broadcast Partners, Abilene

• Susan Terwilleger - Saga Communications/Charlottesville Media Group, Charlottesville

• Lori Roberts - Seven Mountains Media, Parkersburg