For Immediate Release
April 22, 2022
Contact Information

National Association of Black Owned Broadcasters (NABOB)
knickens@nabob.org

(BPRW) Michelle Duke is the Recipient of the 2022 MWW Frances Preston Trailblazer Award

The National Association of Black Owned Broadcasters Telecommunication Education and Management Foundation (NABOB) and The Media Sales Institute Foundation (MSI) want to "CONGRATULATE" Ms. Michelle Duke, President of the NAB Leadership Foundation and Chief Diversity Officer, on being the recipient of the 2022 MWW Frances Preston Trailblazer Award. This prestigious award is given annually to a woman who, through her leadership and success in the industry, champions and creates opportunities for other women in media. Michelle will receive the award at the NAB Show in Las Vegas, on Sunday, April 24th, during a special main show event.

Michelle stated “I am so honored to receive this award and humbled to be amongst the amazing women who have received this before me. I’m lucky to have had many women help to shape my career path, and can only hope to leave a similar legacy.” She is the 12th recipient of the Trailblazer Award. It was first awarded to Erica Farber, President and CEO of RAB in 2009.

Michelle has over 28 years of experience in the media industry. She received her Bachelor of Science in journalism from Middle Tennessee State University. Michelle started her career, as a reporter for the Nashville Banner and later moved to the Newspaper Association of America, where she was director of leadership programs. She joined NAB as the director of Diversity and Development in 2005, promoted to vice president of Diversity in 2009, elevated to president in 2019 (overseeing the Foundation's day-to-day operations); and in 2020, promoted to Chief Diversity Officer.

Michelle has been listed in Radio Ink Magazine's "Most Influential Women in Radio" and has served on the national board of the Alliance for Women in Media Foundation, and the Washington Literacy Center, as well as others.

Jim Winston, President of NABOB states " Working with Michelle over the past 15 years, the broadcast industry has been a benefactor of her continuous commitment to diversity and inclusion. Michelle lives the true meaning of a Trailblazer"

Jeffrey P. Myers, Developer of The Media Sales Institute Program (MSI)© states "I met Michelle when our company presented the (MSI) program to NAB in 2005. From that day since, I have witnessed her championing causes of the under-represented; and receiving the MWW Frances Preston Trailblazer Award is another well-deserved recognition."

Congratulations, again Michelle for a stellar career in media.