Walker Named ’26 MIW ‘Speak Up!’ Mentee
• Mentoring and Inspiring Women in Radio, Inc. (MIW), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to advancing female leadership in radio broadcasting, announced Tracy Walker, General Sales Manager for Connoisseur Media in Saginaw, MI, as the 2026 mentee selected for the Speak Up! Mentorship Program.
Developed in partnership with Media Staffing Network and the late Laurie Kahn, Speak Up! is a year-long mentorship created for a woman working in any department within a small to medium radio market. The program carries forward Laurie’s commitment to helping women build confidence, strengthen their communication skills and use their voices effectively to advance their careers and achieve their goals.
A Saginaw native, Walker entered radio five years ago following 15 years in retail leadership. She is also active in her community, serving as an Ambassador for the Saginaw County Chamber of Commerce and Chair of the Events Committee for the Home Builders Association of Great Lakes Bay Region.
“Learning to trust your voice and having the confidence to use it are essential parts of becoming a strong leader,” said MIW Board President Sheila Kirby. “Speak Up! gives women the opportunity to develop those skills with the guidance of people who understand both the challenges and opportunities that come with building a career in radio. Tracy has already demonstrated a strong commitment to her team, her clients and her community, and we’re excited to support her as she takes this next step in her professional growth.”
Lisa Fields, President of Media Staffing Network, added, “Laurie understood that having great ideas and talent is only part of the equation. She wanted women to feel confident advocating for themselves, contributing their perspectives and making sure their voices were heard. Speak Up! continues that work in her honor, and Tracy embodies the kind of driven, community-minded professional Laurie was passionate about helping succeed.”
Walker commented, “I’m truly honored to be selected for the MIW Speak Up program. I’m grateful for the opportunity to grow, learn from accomplished women in our industry, and continue building confidence in my own voice and leadership.”
