Meet Erica DeLong
Today I am happy to introduce you to the face behind the voice. I met Erica at the Women Empowerment conference that I attended last October. The moment she spoke I knew that I wanted to feature her on the blog. I love following along on her Instagram stories, they are a hoot for sure. So sit back and meet Erica DeLong, radio personality. Also, a quick reminder if you missed any of the profiles you can click here to catch up.
Tell me a little bit about you.
Hi, I am Erica DeLong from Durham NC. I am in my mid-30s, wife, and mother of two sweet babies. Also a rescue fur baby mom. I’ve been doing radio since college starting with an internship on G105. I moved to NYC 2 weeks after graduating college to work in Radio. I balanced multiple on-air radio jobs for a while, adding Detroit and California to the mix. I then returned home because I worked all the time and missed my family. I’ve found a great balance here in the triangle because I do what I love (radio) and blessed to be surrounded by the ones I love. (Family and great friends)
Tell me about your business.
Radio is a fun, 24/7 job where the main goal is to entertain and make people feel good, stay connected to the community and be real. It’s a pretty wonderful job. I love being my authentic self.
What struggles have you faced in your business?
Radio is a male dominate business so I’ve worked very very hard to prove I am worthy and have a voice. Even when at times others may have “advanced” and they were undeserving, I’ve stood strong and worked harder. Tho it may have been a struggle at times… I’m a woman and you can’t knock us down, we’re determined creatures! I’ve grown thick skin so I’m proud of this and the fact that I worked hard.
How have you overcome those struggles?
Kind of answered in the last question…. but I never gave up. There may have been times I needed to give myself a pep talk or hear from a friend BUT I’m blessed and I have to make sure I’m always brought back to that. And those who inspire me…. they work really really hard for what they have so never give up.
Who were your mentors growing up?
My parents of course….and grandparents… they’ve always been right by my side and supported me so I owe many thanks to them for helping guide me along. Even at times, they didn’t agree with me (like staying the night to learn radio at times during college) they supported Also Oprah! She had nothing and built an empire. I always said I wanted to be like her.
If you were to give advice to a woman going into the field you are in what would it be?
Be your authentic self. Tell the truth. Believe in yourself. Have confidence because it will shine through and always stay humble.
Have you found that being a woman in your field is harder or easier? Tell me about the advantages and disadvantages of being a woman.
Yes. Women have been looked at as 2nd mic or giggle boxes! Not anymore… we are proving we can easily lead the pack and succeed.
Have you ever have to overcome a hostile work environment?
Someone will always want your spot and you can’t hate them for wanting growth for themselves. Instead of letting negative feelings fill your head… take this as an opportunity to grow. Be on Your toes. Get Better! Everyone is replaceable so never stop growing. So the answer is no…. because I didn’t allow for it to happen but there’s potential for that in every job.
What made you decide on your chosen field?
College internship. Fell into it and never looked back
Anything else you would care to share.
We all have big dreams! Never doubt yourself…. if you can dream it or envision it… you can make it happen.
Thanks for featuring me. You rock and love seeing these other women shine / getting to know more about them!!!
Thank you for agreeing to be featured. You are amazing