After earning her degree in Broadcast Journalism from the University of Wisconsin Whitewater, Hayley Tenpas spent five years in the television industry before making her radio debut. This unforeseen yet rewarding change came after her first bundle of joy entered the world, “I found myself wanting to find a career that provided better balance as we grew our family. I left my job in TV in June of 2017 and spent 10 precious months at home with my new baby girl. During that time I realized how much I missed connecting with my community and amazingly I was approached by a local talk radio station, WHBY, to see if their
programming might be a fit for me”, Needless to say, it was love at first mic!
There are a few occupations out there that can make your kids see you as a “cool mom” and let’s be honest, a radio host is definitely one of them. When asked about what keeps her motivated in a fast-changing industry like radio she responded with, “My kids! I have three littles and knowing I'm helping to share information and connect with organizations that impact our community, that could impact them, matters. I know that the organizations I'm featuring now could be something we need down the road .” She then went on to say, “Sometimes I speak with school groups and the girls' eyes light up when I say that I'm a radio host, that means everything. I think more positives I see are when my female colleagues are promoted. Sure, we've had women leave their on-air roles but in many instances, it's to pursue bigger opportunities up the radio chain. Our GM is a woman and her lived experiences were critical in getting a pumping room in our building, amongst many, many other things. Representation matters, right? So when we see that happening I think it's encouraging for all of us, even when things don't seem like they're moving.”
With all the highs of her career so far, there also come lows. Hayley spoke briefly about her struggle with comparing herself to others- mainly male counterparts and how she’s able to overcome those doubts, “I've doubted my ability to be as "connected" to our community based on my availability outside the office. It can be a dangerous comparison game. I've found comfort in knowing there really is space for all of us on our platform and that my thoughts and interviews are just as needed as theirs.” Yes indeed, and if there weren't a space, you can leave it up to the women in radio to create one!
The Wisconsin native’s inviting, fun, and naturally curious mindset, makes being a radio host sound like a dream, she didn't leave without noting “You need to enjoy conversations and the ebbs and flows of the community you live in. You need to have fun. People really can tell when you're smiling through the airwaves!”