Today we’d like to introduce you to Jazze Radio-Chica.
Jazze, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
While in college at UTA, I fell in love with radio! Initially, I thought I would be a teacher but that soon changed after I did an internship at a school. I think I was too young for such a big responsibility at that time. I changed my major to Broadcast Management with a Minor in Business and honestly, I’ve never looked back! That was 13yrs ago and I’m so happy that I’m able to work in a field that I love as a career. I got my start in broadcasting when I received an internship at 97.9 The Beat.
After my internship, I was hired as a part-time employee. After years and years of working hard, I was finally offered a full-time opportunity. Currently, I’m the Community Affairs Director and On-Air Talent for Urban One Dallas, which is comprised of 97.9 The Beat and Majic 94.5. I am also the Mid-day host on 94.5 The Beat, which is a radio station in Waco, Texas. I’ve always been a fan of hip hop culture, music, news and community so having a career in broadcast has been a great fit for me.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Absolutely not!!! But, I understand all the challenges I’ve experienced are what makes me who I am today. It builds character. If you want to work in this industry, you have to have incredibly thick skin. Don’t take it personal. I’ve been passed on for many opportunities, promotions, told I didn’t have enough talent, etc. I’m sure we all have stories of someone telling us that we aren’t good enough or you’ll never be successful. If I would have internalized the “No’s,” I wouldn’t be where I am today. I now know I have a gift of being a people’s person, I’m very family and community-oriented and I love to talk! lol I still have some goals I would like to reach but I am also grateful for everything I’ve been able to accomplish.
We’d love to hear more about your work.
At Urban One Dallas, I’m the Community Affairs Director and On-Air Talent for 97.9 The Beat. I am responsible for all of Urban One Dallas’ community initiatives for 97.9 The Beat and Majic 94.5. Recently, we hosted a “Get Connected” radiothon in conjunction with Texas State Senator Royce West and DISD to help families in need of internet access for Virtual Learning due to the Coronavirus Pandemic. During the week of the initiative, over 7300 families called for assistance. Before the COVID-19 Pandemic changed our everyday business model, we would visit schools for career their days, attend job fairs, voter registrations drives, health fairs, walks, etc. Since the pandemic, we’ve had to change the way we promote community initiatives. I’ve been honored to host our Voting and Education Virtual Town Halls; we’ve Stop The Music to address police brutality with community leaders and more.
In addition to our virtual events, I’m also responsible for our Public Service Announcements, our Community Calendar Program, which is a 30-minute program that airs every Sunday on 97.9 The Beat and Majic 94.5. I also host my own show on Saturdays from 9 am-2 pm and on Sunday from 7 pm-12 am on 97.9 The Beat. Every Saturday morning at 9:10 am I feature a woman who is going great things in her community. Maybe she’s an entrepreneur, CEO, Community Activist, or a survivor of cancer or domestic violence for my She Represents segment. Each woman featured is also featured in the Dallas Weekly.
I’m extremely blessed to work for a Black-Owned Company that cares about the community it serves. My General Manager is Tami Honesty and she entrusts me to make sure we are doing all we can for the DFW Community. With the support of leadership, I am able to come up with ideas and plan execution strategies to allow Urban One Dallas be a premiere radio station that super serves its community. In the past six years under my leadership, Urban One Dallas has received 4 Crystal Award Nominations for its outstanding community service, which is a national honor. I’ve been honored and have received many awards from various businesses and organizations such as The Dallas Weekly’s Best In Black Dallas local radio personality nominee, Rolling Out Magazine, Miles Of Freedom Organization, Susan G. Komen, T. A Howard Middles School and more. I also serve on the Young Leadership Board for The UNCF. I’ve also been featured in TV Commercials as a spokeswoman for PCI Healthcare and She’s Happy Hair
In addition to working for Urban One Dallas, I have also worked for another black-owned company Edwards Media which is located in Waco, Texas. Ten years ago, I received my first full time On Air opportunity at 94.5 The Beat under the leadership of Edward Graham and Edward Sanchez. There, I am the mid-day host from 12 pm-3 pm. My show is focused on discussing news, celebrity entertainment, community and more. I’m mostly known for my fun, outgoing personality and my Community activism in regards to broadcast media. I’m also a wife and mother to Madison Maxie.
What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
I have so many but three that stick out are when I was offered my first full time on Air job in Waco for 94.5 The Beat. So many people said I was crazy for even trying to have a career in radio and that just validated my decision to stick with it. (Broke and all. Ha!) Next, I would say my promotion to become the Community Affairs Director because I FINALLY stopped struggling financially and received medical benefits. Lol, This position has also allowed me to help so many people. Lastly, I would say receiving the Crystal Award Nominations, which is a national honor for outstanding community service. It feels good to know all your hard work is paying off!
Contact Info:
- Facebook: Jazze Radio-Chica
- Instagram: @jazzeradiochica
- Twitter: @jazzeradiochica
- Email: msjazze@gmail.com
Image Credit:
Photographer credit on professional picture – Roland Jackson (Apexius Eternus)
Suggest a story: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
