Shilynne Cole
Shilynne Cole is an accomplished radio executive, award-winning voice actor, and dynamic on-air personality with more than 35 years of experience in broadcast media. Based in Greensboro, North Carolina, she currently serves as a Program Director and Brand Manager, overseeing two heritage radio stations—WQMG-FM and WJMH-FM—while also hosting an afternoon show. Her role requires a blend of creative vision and operational leadership, as she manages programming, advertising, music strategy, and partnerships with record labels, all while maintaining a strong connection with her audience through an engaging on-air presence.
A lifelong passion for radio led Shilynne to pursue a degree in broadcast journalism and ultimately build a career rooted in storytelling and connection. Although she initially considered transitioning into television news, her love for radio kept her firmly planted in the industry, where she has since made history as the first woman to program two heritage radio stations within the same market. Her leadership has contributed to major industry recognition, including a Billboard Award for station excellence, and she has been honored by Radio Ink as one of the best program directors in America. Known for her authenticity, collaboration, and commitment to continuous growth, she has remained a respected and influential voice in the field.
In recent years, Shilynne has expanded her creative reach into voiceover work, launching her own business, Shilynne Cole Voiceovers, in 2021. Her talent and dedication quickly earned her industry recognition, including a SOVAS Award for her TV and film narration work. Whether behind the microphone in a studio or leading large-scale radio operations, she brings a sense of gratitude, energy, and joy to everything she does. Passionate about inspiring others, Shilynne continues to leverage her voice—both literally and figuratively—to connect with audiences and leave a lasting impact across the media landscape.
• Benedict College- B.A.
• Sophus Award for TV Film Narration (January 2024)
• Billboard Award for Medium Adult R&B Station of the Year (2006
• For WQMG)
• Recognized by Radio Inc. as one of the best program directors in America
• Cafe Mocha Legend Award as a trailblazer for women in radio (2018)
• World Voices
• NAVA (National Association of Voice Actors)
• Society of Voice Arts and Sciences
• Homeless/unhoused population outreach
• Salvation Army partnership
• Back-to-school giveaway for lower-income families (partnering with community organizations that mentor young girls)
What do you attribute your success to?
I've always wanted to learn more. I've always wanted to know how things worked. Most of my friends would call me a workaholic, but it's not that I am one, it's just that I love what I do, and I think that's key, loving what you do. You enjoy it, no matter the ups and downs. I think that's top of mind for me. I've always been curious and passionate about learning, and that drive to understand how things work has really fueled my career. It's not about being a workaholic, it's about genuinely loving what I do every single day.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I ever received was just be yourself. Regarding radio, be yourself, have fun, and listen and learn. Sometimes we get into a situation where we start to be more recognized and sometimes think that we may know more than we actually know, but I think the most important thing is that you can never, ever learn enough. Be the eternal student. Stay inquisitive. You have to remain curious and always be open to learning, no matter how much success you've achieved.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Never give up. Learn all you can learn, be a sponge. Work hard, and always be open to a little communication as far as how can I do this better. Always seek to be better at whatever it is you're doing, no matter what field you're in. How can I be better at this? Being a woman in a field that's predominantly men came with a lot of hard lessons, but I was happy to keep going and keep learning and keep expanding my horizons as far as radio was concerned. So my advice is to absorb everything you can, work hard, never give up, and constantly ask yourself how you can improve and grow.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
In radio, the biggest challenge is that radio has been downsizing a lot. People are losing jobs on par with the economy. Having to do more with less is probably the biggest challenge right now. The industry is going through significant changes, and we're all being asked to stretch our resources and capabilities further than ever before while maintaining quality and staying competitive.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Just being honest, being loyal, be a giving person. Keep your heart open. I think that's the most important value to me, is a person who's honest, a person who cares, not only about themselves, but they care about other people and what's going on around them. People who don't have time to complain about what they don't have. People that have a grateful heart. These values guide everything I do, both professionally and personally. It's about showing up with integrity, caring deeply about others, and maintaining gratitude no matter what challenges come your way.