DALLAS, TX (April 13, 2023) - Mentoring and Inspiring Women in Radio, Inc. (MIW), a 501(c)(3) charitable organization dedicated to the advancement of female leadership in radio broadcasting, names the late Laurie Kahn, Media Staffing Network Founder and loyal MIW supporter, the 2023 MIW Frances Preston Trailblazer.
MIW’s Trailblazer Award, named for music industry pioneer and longtime Broadcast Music, Inc. (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.
Laurie Kahn, well known and deeply respected by her radio industry colleagues, passed away in October of 2022. Laurie 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 10 a.m. following the presentation of the Radio and Television Engineering Achievement Awards.
Accepting this honor on Laurie’s behalf will be her friend and business partner since 1998, Patty Kincaid. Patty is currently Media Staffing Network’s Vice President & General Manager.
MIW Board President Ruth Presslaff comments, “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 adds, "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, Laurie 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).
About MIW:
Mentoring and Inspiring Women in Radio, Inc. (MIW) is a volunteer 501(c)(3) charitable organization of top-level female radio professionals, from across the country, who are dedicated to using their influence and resources to help other women in radio broadcasting develop management and leadership skills. The MIW organization is equally committed to advocating for the advancement of women to senior positions within the radio industry. For more information, please visit www.RadioMIW.com.
About NAB Show:
Nab Show, held April 15-19, 2023, in Las Vegas, is celebrating its centennial year as the preeminent conference and exhibition driving the evolution of broadcast, media and entertainment. It is the ultimate marketplace for next-generation technology inspiring superior audio and video experiences. From creation to consumption, across multiple platforms, NAB Show is where global visionaries convene to bring content to life in new and exciting ways. For complete details, visit www.nabshow.com.
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