The submission window is now open for the 2025 MIW & NAB Leadership Foundation LAUNCH Mentorship Program, sponsored by Mr. Master and Premiere Networks.
LAUNCH is described as a one-of-a-kind mentorship designed to cultivate emerging female talent in radio, with a focus on engineering, audio production, and technical operations.
“This year-long program pairs a rising professional with an experienced industry leader, providing hands-on training, mentorship, and a pathway to leadership in broadcast engineering,” MIW said.
Created in 2023, LAUNCH is a unique mentorship opportunity that pairs a rising professional with a seasoned industry leader to provide coaching and deep exposure to the technical side of the broadcast industry.
“The LAUNCH program is a cornerstone of MIW’s mission to open doors for women in every corner of broadcasting,” MIW Board President Sheila Kirby said. “By focusing on engineering and technical operations, we’re not only providing critical skills and mentorship, but also ensuring that women have a strong voice in shaping the future of our industry.”
The selected mentee will gain hands-on insight into critical areas including FCC compliance, RF systems, EAS, IP-based broadcast systems, automation, and network operations. The program also explores key aspects of IT, remote broadcasting, digital audio, streaming, and systems integration, equipping participants with both the knowledge and connections to lead confidently in the evolving audio landscape. In addition, the chosen mentee will attend the 2026 NAB Show in Las Vegas.
“Whether pursuing Certified Broadcast Technician (CBT) certification or advancing in radio engineering, LAUNCH helps participants turn ambition into expertise,” the MIWs and NABLF say.
NAB Leadership Foundation President Michelle Duke added, “As the industry embraces innovation, we are proud to champion organizations that share our commitment to advancing opportunity and empowering future leaders who will shape the future of local media.”
The submission deadline is September 18.



