My first full time job in radio came just after my graduation at Fanshawe College. There was a few of us in line for the gig, but I succeeded and the job was mine! It wasn’t until later I discovered that part of the reason I got that job was because I was female and there was a mandate at the time for a more equal work place.

That wasn’t the best discovery ever.

Lots of doubt followed, but I determined that I would work three times as hard to “get up to speed” and make sure I didn’t disappoint the people who took a chance on me. (You know who you are!)

My journey hasn’t been without bumps but I hit my stride; and yet have never really lost that feeling I need to “get up to speed” or let down the people who first believed in me. That insecruity has been part of what has driven my success.

Over the past couple months we have been building the new team at Q103.1 and I made a fabulous discovery as the resumes and audio crossed my desk.

We have come a long way baby!

We had a strong selection of men to consider, but the women! Different sounds, characters and levels of experience, but so much talent! It has been a joy and privilege to listen to so many broadcasters that won’t be hire to help create balance in the work place based on their sex along with a base level of talent. Nope.. these ladies SHINE with creativity, talent and strength. We now have enough wagons to circle and we are. Women are building each other up and pushing each other to new levels of success.

I salut the women who came before me that lit the path in the time when it was toughest. I am just one of the women that are reaping the benifits from the work you put in. I am thrilled by the women I see that will benefit from the doors I have played a role in breaking down.

Is there still a “glass ceiling?” Do we still walk out of meeting dominate by ties and wonder if we are taken as seriously as we should be? On the odd occasion are we still called dear and asked to grab the coffee? Do women still gather and are mystified by decisions made by men on what the female demo will like? Do we still get labeled overly-emotional and/or a bitch when it’s better described as passion and leadership?

You bet. (Seriously even the being called dear and asking to do a coffee run) 

But, more and more men are joining us in the bafflement over sexist behaviour or at the very least are willing to consider that past attitudes might need adjustment. It is an exciting time in radio.

Keep it up ladies, I am thrilled to have the opportunity to witness what’s to come.