Written by: Maya Perry

“This radio life is so crazy and difficult! Only a bad ass like you would knowingly and voluntarily dive in head-first to such depths. And you do it selfishly because you want to educate, entertain, and inform your people.”

Yesenia Alvarez better known as “Betty Boop” on air is a multimedia personality. To kick off our interview, She describes her start in radio. “Back in 2005 or 2006, I got the opportunity to be the Hip Hop journalist for StreetFlavaRadio.com and I was SO shy at how my voice sounded! In 2011 I interned at WLEY, one of the top Regional Mexican radio stations in Chicago and the Midwest. I was hired as an on-air talent and morning show producer.”

One of the most interesting things I noticed when talking to her, was her chosen on air name. When I asked why she chose “Betty Boop” she explains, I’ve always liked the Betty Boopcharacter since I was a young child. My family would always gift me Betty Boop bags, frames, etc. And it was always a nickname for me up until I went into mainstream radio. Betty Boop, although sexy and provocative, she was a revolutionary. She tackled real-life topics in her black-and-white films.”

Similar to the character, Betty Boop on air herself like to tackle real topics. She states “My purpose is to be my authentic self, to be unapologetic, to stand in my truth and to lead by example. Luckily, I never felt like I had to “find my purpose.” I just felt it. Radio has been my main vehicle to transport my purpose. My brand is that of a multi-faceted person that does not shy away from her gifts. We concluded the interview with her list advice for women seeking radio careers.

1. Know yourself and what you want!

2. Don’t lose yourself in the process.

3. Continue to educate yourself

4. Remember you are in a position many people wish they had. Use your platform to spread positive messages to your audience.