Honoring the Past, Shaping the Future

The journey of women in media is filled with resilience, innovation, and the power of storytelling.

As future media leaders emerge, they carry forward a legacy built on courage and a commitment to truth and representation.

One notable figure shaping the present and future of student media is Anabella Poland. As General Manager and Advisor of WMSC-FM, Montclair State University’s student-run radio station, Poland led the station to national recognition since taking the helm in 2015. Under her leadership, WMSC-FM earned several prestigious honors, including “Best College Radio Station” and “The Spirit of College Radio Award.”

“As an immigrant who came to the United States of America to pursue a career in journalism, I’ve seen how our unique perspectives drive innovation in media. I mentor students not just to join the industry, but to shape its future. When authentic voices tell stories, we change both narratives and reality. This is how we honor our predecessors while creating new possibilities for the next generation of media professionals,” Poland said.

Poland’s influence extends beyond Montclair State. In 2023, she was elected President of College Broadcasters, Inc. (CBI), underscoring her dedication to fostering the next generation of media professionals. She continues her work as a freelance US correspondent for Argentine radio and television. Her prior career spans significant roles in the industry, including serving as Director of Talent & Industry Relations at SiriusXM, where she coordinated interviews with leading figures in entertainment. She also worked as a Segment Producer for ABC’s “Good Morning America” and contributed to programs like “ABC World News,” “20/20,” and “Nightline,” as well as ABC News Exclusiva, the network’s Hispanic-focused initiative.

Her commitment to student media has earned her numerous accolades, including the Joel Willer Award for exceptional service to student electronic media and the Jeff Tellis Outstanding Advisor Award. Poland holds an MBA with a certification in Business Analytics from Montclair State University and a bachelor’s degree in Communication and Media Studies from Fordham University.

Lately she’s been thinking about the fact that only about twenty-two percent of General Managers in the U.S. are women, which is an improvement from the fourteen percent when she first became GM of WMSC a decade ago.

“I would estimate that Latinas make up less than three percent of that figure,” she said. “Although the number of general managers who are people of color has risen, Latina representation remains low. As a first-generation immigrant, I am incredibly proud to have broken through that glass ceiling.”

The Work Ahead: Challenges and Opportunities

While progress is undeniable, women in media still face challenges like pay gaps, underrepresentation in leadership roles, and online harassment. Reports indicate that women of color, LGBTQ+ women, and women with disabilities continue to encounter barriers to entry and career advancement.

During Women’s History Month, it is especially important to honor the trailblazers and contemporary leaders like Anabella Poland who continue to shape the media landscape. Their stories not only inspire but also serve as a powerful reminder that women’s voices matter—and they are here to stay.

#WomensHistoryMonth #WHM2025 #WomensVoices #WomenInMedia