Mentoring and Inspiring Women in Radio, Inc. (MIW), a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to the advancement of female leadership in radio broadcasting, is proud to announce Kiran Riar as the Celebrating its sixth year, this mentorship opportunity is designed specifically for women in music programming.
The MIW Elevating Women in Programming Mentorship program is a year-long experience that exposes the mentee to the best programming minds in the business through personalized conversations, connections, and opportunities aimed at advancing their career within the radio industry. In addition, the program affords the mentee the chance to attend the 2025 NAB Show in Las Vegas, the premier event for the audio community.
Kiran Riar is an APD and on-air personality working with the legendary WMPS and WHBQ in Memphis, TN. In 2013, she was hired by Flinn Broadcasting as a promotions assistant for CHR Q1075 (WHBQ-FM and within two years was programming and producing for Sunny 103 (WMPS-AM). Since then, Kiran has worked with formats ranging from new alternative (i96/WIVG-FM) to throwback hip hop (Bumpin 96/WHBQ-HD2). She hosts the award-winning Peabody Rooftop Party series, has represented Flinn Broadcasting at the Billboard Music Awards, and was told she has the best teeth in radio by the lead singer of Third Eye Blind. She is passionate about championing local organizations and causes close to her heart. As of 2024, she serves as a pro bono consultant for The Pet Compassion Centers and loves talking to student groups about media literacy and gender equity.
Apart from radio, Kiran enjoys acting and modeling for theatrical and commercial projects, including for notable brands such as; Purina, Nestle, and the Hallmark Channel.
MIW Board Member and Head of Independents for Luminate Data, Haley Jones said, “I’m so proud of our work at MIW connecting talented women. As a former programmer, this mentorship is especially meaningful to me and I can’t wait to share with the bright light that is Kiran!”
“Honored doesn’t even begin to describe how thrilled I am to have been selected as the 2024 programming mentee,” added Kiran. “It is a privilege to learn from such radio powerhouses and gratifying to know there are so many women who want to elevate others within the industry. Everyone at MIW has been so welcoming already, and I can’t wait to get started!”
Past mentees include: Traci LaTrelle, WHUR-FM Music Director and Assistant Program Director, Leslie Scott, Vice President of Digital Audio Content, Audacy Inc.; Grisel Barajas, a rising programming star who passed unexpectedly in 2020; ICE, Amanda Habrowski, Assistant Program Director/Middays Host, iHeart Las Vegas, and most recently Meg Dowdy, Regional Content Director, Townsquare Media.
For more information on MIW and the MIW Elevating Women in Programming Mentorship program, please visit www.radioMIW.com.
