Lynne Hayes-Freeland is the 2019 Onyx Woman Leadership’s Woman of the Year

The relationship with other women has been EVERYTHING. There are so many little things that you wouldn’t know or couldn’t know unless someone was willing to tell you, and when I came into the business there weren’t a ton of women here, so we had to help each other and watch each other’s backs.

Lynne Hayes-Freeland General Assignment Report Host/Producer, “The Lynne Hayes-Freeland Show”

1.Why did you choose this profession? When I entered college, I was an accounting major. I wanted to follow in the footsteps of my mother. I realized quickly it wasn’t for me. I started hanging out at the college radio station and the rest was history. I fell in love!

2.  What role has the support of other women played in your success?The relationship with other women has been EVERYTHING. There are so many little things that you wouldn’t know or couldn’t know unless someone was willing to tell you, and when I came into the business there weren’t a ton of women here, so we had to help each other and watch each other’s backs.

3. What does receiving this award mean to you? For other women to understand the struggle, the trials, tribulations, and the successes mean the world to me, especially women of color. This is not an easy journey, but I am grateful to have other women along with me.

4. What advice would you give to other women who want to go into your field?Be open, be willing to try non-traditional avenues. This business is changing and fast. You have to be willing to stretch your comfort zone to try and reach your goal.

5. What would you tell other women about overcoming obstacles? There will always be obstacles. There will also be people or things that stand in your way. Don’t let them. Get your sling shot…and put your faith in your higher power.

6. What was the bravest thing that you have ever done that got you where you are today? I tracked down a very controversial interview with Minister Louis Farrakahn. He was keeping his location a secret because he feared for his life. I worked HOURS trying to find him, ended up at his hotel room around 11:30 at night, and he granted us the interview for our tenacity in finding him.

7. How have you evolved over the years? In my career I have come full circle – from radio to TV back to radio. But the one constant I have found is you have to stand in your OWN truth, whatever that is, for it will never disappoint.

 “The Lynne Hayes-Freeland Show“Airs:  Saturday  6:30 AM On The Pittsburgh CW channel 15 – Sunday 6:30 AM on KDKA-TV Always on WWW.KDKA.Com

On May 4, 2019, we will be honoring Lynne along with 18 other women who have been selected for their contributions to other women. For early registration, go to https://onyxwoman.com/vip-onyx-woman-leadership-award