Today marks my 25th YEAR ANNIVERSARY at Research Director, Inc. WOAH!!! For some reason I don’t keep track of my work anniversary date. So I’m always surprised when my boss acknowledges it. If not for the pandemic, we’d be celebrating together. PS: I haven’t seen my work husband, Fred since I left the office last March. He’s been holding it down without me. I hope he forgives me.

To think this journey began prior to working at RDI. At Howard University I majored in Broadcast Management. In a School of Communications class taught by Professor Carver at Howard, he would always growl that “Most of you won’t be working in communications…” I made him my teacher BBF and when connecting after I graduated, I’d be so excited to share where I was working. And, he’d be so happy and proud hearing that I was working in my field of study. First in advertising as a media buyer and now as a research consultant for radio stations across the U.S. Well, Professor Carver, who became Dr. Carver passed some years ago, but I’ve never forgotten him and the impact he’s had on my life to this day.

Today, I dedicate this 25th anniversary to you Dr. Carver, hoping you’re smiling down on me with that smirky smile and the same feeling of pride. I’d like to also give a Bison shout out to Dr. Merritt, Professor Hull (RIP), and Carol Dudley, who are/were other impactful Howard University “School of Communication” faculty who taught, supported, and/or mentored me along the way.

Here’s a special thank you to Julie Heath, who as a previous partner at Research Director, Inc., interviewed me at her kitchen table (before we moved into an office building), hired, and modeled and inspired me to be the radio research consultant that I’ve bloomed into.

Let’s not forget the current partners, Marc Greenspan (who at that time also owned that kitchen table) and Charlie Sislen, who continue to teach me all they know, and have allowed me to spread my wings and support the company to thrive and grow as The Ratings Experts.

And, a warm thank you to all including my radio industry clients whom many I can now call friends. From working with stations across the U.S. owned by Radio One, Cumulus, Renda, Crista, Local Media, Audacy, etc. It has and will continue to be a wonderful journey.

I am truly grateful and blessed for the experiences and the people I get to work with (and those who’ve gone on to other pastures). I’m also amazed and blessed to have been able to flourish in various roles through the years (supervisor, customer service director, product development) where I’ve had the opportunity to learn, grow, and be of contribution to my colleagues and clients. Oh, and that has allowed for paying the mortgage and partaking in all of the wonderful things that give me joy and purpose. Can you dig it?

Well, I’m going to get back to work and earn my keep. Yabba Dabba Dooooo!!! And, as Pop would say, “Have a good day. Be safe. Don’t work too hard. Love!” Be blessed. Be grateful. Be safe. Be well. Enjoy. Peace. Live. Love. Namaste. #BeDoLove #FindYourZen #LivingOutLoud #LiveAndBreatheYourSoulFULLPurpose #RadioWorks