Hey Mofos! I wrote this out on Linkedin and decided as long as it is, it's a blog. So sharing it here to spark you to think about who has inspired your career?
Who is a woman who has inspired your career? #IWD25
When I decided to step in front of the camera after experiencing numerous rejections in the newsroom, I couldn’t help but look to women like Ananda Lewis for inspiration. I vividly remember watching her on "Teen Summit," where she effortlessly connected with young people and I was locked in when she went over to MTV. I followed her journey as she transitioned to hosting her talk show, and I admired how she built a career that not only entertained but also empowered others. That was the kind of career I wanted, a career that inspired and impacted people.
In 2020, as I rebranded Check the Rhymes TV, Ananda was one of the first to encourage me. She graciously agreed to be my first guest and her support meant the world to me. She taught me the importance of staying true to your passion and purpose, even when things don’t go as planned. Ananda’s belief in me, even when I was just starting out, continues to fuel my journey today. Shoot, her hair was the inspo for my Check the Rhymes wig lmao.
What speaks volumes is that, when Ananda has news to break, she comes to whatever platform I’m on, always reminding me that I’m on the right path. Her encouragement and trust have been a guiding force, and I’m forever grateful for her support.
Another woman I have to shout out is Cynthia Horner.
When I think about women who’ve shaped my career, Cynthia Horner, the Editor-in-Chief of Right On! Magazine, stands at the top of the list. Growing up, Right On! wasn’t just a magazine; it was a voice, a guide, and a window into the world of Black culture, music, and entertainment. I admired how Cynthia was able to balance the responsibilities of an editor while serving as a role model to little brown girls like me that wanted to interview the stars.
Having the opportunity to connect with Cynthia later in my career for Shondaland, it was a turning point. If you let her tell it, I revived her career, but no, she gave me life and an opportunity. When I decided to venture in front of the camera for the first time doing a satellite media interview, I had nowhere to place it, not a YouTube channel, nothing. She let me use her platform to share that interview and I'm forever grateful.
She not only encouraged me to keep pushing forward, but she also gave me the invaluable insight of an industry insider who had seen it all.
Cynthia’s ability to navigate the fast-paced, ever-changing entertainment world with grace and wisdom is something I strive to emulate every day and not let folks play in my face.
Her leadership in journalism, particularly at Right On!, has shown me the importance of storytelling with integrity, amplifying voices that deserve to be heard, and maintaining authenticity while moving with the times. I am so grateful to both of these women for their guidance and for being a constant source of inspiration.
~Meik
