Rodney M. Washington
Chicago,IL
Summary
Dynamic media personality, experienced host, and accomplished DJ with a decade of expertise in radio, live entertainment, and community engagement. Passionate about creating memorable experiences through music, storytelling, and audience interaction. Dedicated to mentorship, event curation, and fostering strong partnerships to amplify voices in entertainment and beyond. Seeking opportunities to expand my influence in media, brand partnerships, and community-driven initiatives.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
Deejay and Host
University of Notre Dame
08.2015 - Current
- Host Men's Basketball and Football Games
- Engage the crowd during downtimes and timeout periods
- Handle giveaways, raffles and special moments during games
- Highlight youth and special guests
- Engaged guests at special events by playing fun, lively songs and encouraging dancing.
- Participated in community events and fundraisers and professionally represented station.
- Generated repeat business through superior performance quality and exceptional professionalism during engagements.
Founder and Executive Director
PepRally Takeover
07.2014 - Current
- Company Overview: Non-Profit Organization
- Outreach to middle and high school about hosting celebrations, maintain correspondence with school faculty
- Coordinate musical guests, DJ and talent for each event
- Cultivate healthy relationships among board members and community partners to host charity events
- Handle payment between vendors, school entities, and talent
- Spearhead and host an Annual Secret Santa Gift Giveaway for over 500 youth each year
- Conduct over 100 school visits, performances and guest appearances annually
- Non-Profit Organization
- Developed strong partnerships with other businesses to allow for collaboration and more significant opportunities for growth.
- Built a positive organizational culture that fostered creativity, innovation, and employee engagement.
- Oversaw financial management activities such as budgeting, forecasting, and cash flow monitoring for improved financial stability.
- Established a successful business by identifying market needs and developing innovative solutions.
- Delivered exceptional customer service by addressing client concerns promptly and effectively resolving issues.
Radio Personality, Producer, Street Team
Power92.3 Chicago WPWX
08.2012 - Current
- Spearhead and host 'TheLitPit' weekly radio show, Monday - Saturday 6pm-10pm
- Raise radio ratings across tenure with radio station
- Mentor upcoming deejays and hosts
- Host radio show
- Notable interviews with artists: Chance the Rapper, Jeremih, Dreezy, Tobi Lou, JuiceWorld, Jack Harlow, Marlon Waynes, MoneyBaggYo, Saweetie, BIA, Tink, Saba, Designer, BowWow, Lil Baby and more
- Create interactive content and distribute prizes to engage with listeners and audiences
- Increased show ratings by 5% yearly
Disc Jockey
SiriusXM
Chicago, Illinois
08.2018 - 01.2021
- Host of The Hip Hop Nation radio show since 2020
- Curate playlists of Hip Hop artists
- Establish relationships with artists and interviewees to book features and promote the Sirius brand
- Engaged guests at special events by playing fun, lively songs and encouraging dancing.
- Participated in community events and fundraisers and professionally represented station.
- Interviewed special guests and took callers' questions and song requests on air, using exemplary communication and client engagement skills.
- Received positive feedback from clients for outstanding communication skills throughout the planning process.
- Built rapport with fellow industry professionals resulting in fruitful partnerships on joint projects or referrals.
Education
Bachelors of Communication -
Chicago State University
Chicago06.2012
Bachelors of Arts -
Graceland University
Lamoni, IA01.2010
Associate Degree in Arts -
Morton College
CICERO, IL01.2009
Skills
- Radio Hosting & Production – On-air personality, show production, and content curation
- Event Hosting & Emceeing – Experienced in high-profile live events, concerts, and sports games
- DJing & Music Curation – Skilled in live mixing, playlist development, and audience engagement
- Public Speaking & Audience Engagement – Strong ability to captivate and energize diverse crowds
- Interviewing & Media Relations – Conducting high-profile artist interviews and press coverage
- Community Engagement & Non-Profit Leadership – Founder of community programs and initiatives
- Brand Partnerships & Sponsorships – Experience securing and maintaining corporate sponsorships
- Social Media & Digital Marketing – Expertise in content creation, brand promotion, and audience growth
Accomplishments
- Accolades & Accomplishments
- DJ/Host, Coca-Cola Stage at BET Awards (2018)
- DJ, March For Our Lives Rally (2018)
- Featured on What The Funny (WTF) with Marlon Wayans (2018)
- Host, SocialWorks OpenMike (2018-2020)
- Host, A Night at the Museum with SocialWorks (2018-2019)
- DJ/Host, Nickelodeon SlimeFest with Chance the Rapper (2019)
- Featured on WGN Chicago’s Very Own (2019)
- Featured on "It’s a 312 Thing" Billboards (2019)
- Host, Chicago HBCU Football Classic (2019)
- Host, Chicago NBA All-Star Weekend (PUMA & Foot Locker Event) (2019)
- Host, Mountain Dew Artist Showcase (2019)
- Host/DJ, Reebok ComplexCon (2019)
- Featured on The Jam (2020)
- Host, Lyft City-Wide Community Bike Ride (2020)
- DJ, Notre Dame Shamrock Series (2021)
- Host with Barack Obama at Southside YMCA (Obama Foundation & Pep Rally Takeover) (2021)
- Host, Winter Planning Kickback with the Mayor of Chicago & First Lady (2021)
- Launched & Curated Jordan Summer Series (2022)
Sponsorships
- Champion
- Reebok
- Belaire
- Budweiser
- Hennessy
- Wilson
- Lyft & Divvy Bikes
- Jordan Brand
- JD Sports
Accolades And Accomplishments
- DJ/Host Coca Cola Stage at BET Awards 2018
- DJ March For Our Lives Rally 2018
- Featured on What The Funny (WTF) with Marlon Wayans 2018
- Host for SocialWorks OpenMike 2018-2020
- Host A Night at the Museum w/SocialWorks 2018-2019
- DJ/ Host of Nickelodeon SlimeFest W/ ChanceTheRapper 2019
- Featured on WGN Chicago's Very Own 2019
- Featured on (It's a 312 thing) Billboards 2019
- Host of The Chicago HBCU Football Classic 2019
- Host Chicago NBA All-Star Weekend PUMA & FootLocker Event 2019
- Host Mountain Dew Artist ShowCase 2019
- Host/ DJ Reebok ComplexCon 2019
- Featured on The Jam 2020
- Host Lyft City Wide Bike Ride for the Community 2020
- DJ of The Notre Dame Shamrock Series 2021
- Host W/ Barack Obama at Southside YMCA with Obama Foundation and PepRallyTakeover 2021
- Host Winter Planning KickBack with Mayor of Chicago & First Lady 2021
- Launched and Curated the Jordan Summer Series 2022
Timeline
Disc Jockey
SiriusXM
08.2018 - 01.2021
Deejay and Host
University of Notre Dame
08.2015 - Current
Founder and Executive Director
PepRally Takeover
07.2014 - Current
Radio Personality, Producer, Street Team
Power92.3 Chicago WPWX
08.2012 - Current
Bachelors of Communication -
Chicago State University
Bachelors of Arts -
Graceland University
Associate Degree in Arts -
Morton College
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