Armando "Mannyman" Lopez
Photographer/Editor
WPBT/Channel 2
Associate of Science in Music & Video Business, 1994
Armando "Mannyman" Lopez is a 1994 Music and Video Business graduate who has a lifelong passion and love for music. He is the photographer/editor at WPBT/Channel 2, public television in South Florida.
Mannyman's recording releases include his first CD, "Open Your Mind to the New Millennium," on Mp3.com, "High Radio Frequency" on Mp3.com, and his first Latin CD named "Soy Latino." By late 2002, Cuban-born Mannyman had released his sixth and latest CD, "Amicus Deo Favente." He has had 38 top 40 singles on Mp3.com charts, 14 top 10 singles, and 4, #1 singles. Mannyman is developing television theme songs for upcoming airings in the U.S. and overseas, and he is also working on his Indie-music site -- RhythmQwest.com.
"Susan Pawela was a very influential instructor," says Mannyman, "because she implemented humor into her classes that allowed for her students to understand what she was trying to teach and she made it fun to come to class." One of his fond The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale memories was when he directed a group of students in a big production, "Celebration on 17th Street."
Mannyman's advice to students is, "It takes a lot of hard work and perseverance to obtain your goals. In life and all that is in it, keep in mind it isn't a bed of roses. But remember that in this world you can accomplish everything that you put your mind to. The knowledge is out there and you can never learn enough. The way you use that knowledge will be up to you if you really want to make a difference in your life and others."
Bryan Shein
Radio Disc Jockey
WLYF 101.5FM
Associate of Science in Broadcasting, 1998
Bryan started at Lite FM as a board operator while in school. Once an opening became available, Bryan was moved into the overnight disc jockey position. He can be heard on WLYF 101.5FM at 10 p.m.
Cheryl Fryer
Director of Music Channel Operations
Sirius Satellite Radio
Associate of Science in Broadcasting, 1997
Cheryl Fryer graduated from The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale in 1997 with an associate's degree in Broadcasting. She is currently Director, Music Channel Operations at Sirius Satellite Radio in charge of overseeing daily operations First Wave, a Classic Alternative Rock radio station on Sirius Satellite Radio channel 22.
"I decided to attend The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale because I wanted a hands-on experience in broadcasting and I learned all the basics of radio. Instructor Tom Sherry was always very energetic and kept my attention."
Cheryl states that one of her most memorable college experiences was working at the school's radio station WAIF-FM.
Prior to her current position at Sirius Satellite Radio, Cheryl was the Programming Coordinator for Clear Channel Miami. She assisted in all programming aspects for all of the Clear Channel Stations in South Florida which include: WHYI, WZTA, WBGG, WMGE, WLVE, WINZ, and WIOD.
David Roman
On-Air Personality
Mega 94.9FM
Associate of Science in Broadcasting, 2002
David Roman is a 2002 Broadcasting graduate from The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale whose interest in the entertainment industry began at a very young age. "I have always wanted to be someone who could reach people on many levels and make them laugh and forget their worries even if only for the few seconds. I love entertaining people and being the center of attention, making the marriage of me and radio a perfect one." David is currently an on-air personality at Mega 94.9FM.
While at college, David took advantage of many of the services that were offered. He took a video editing internship which was an amazing experience; however, his goal was radio. Due to that internship David landed a great job producing radio commercials and on-hold message."
David still keeps in touch with some of his instructors. "I would have to say that the years I spent at The Art Institute are some of my most memorable years.
"My advice to all of The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale students, not just Broadcasting, would be to never give up on your dreams. Yes it sounds cliché, but I learned that lesson first hand. Remember, anyone can go to school, graduate, and live out their lives content. But it takes a great person to go to school, graduate, and make a living never having to ‘work' again. Since I was hired in May of 2005, I haven't ‘worked' a single day and I wouldn't have it any other way."
Erika DelSordo
Assistant News Director
Metro Networks / Westwood One
Associate of Science in Broadcasting, 2003
Erika DelSordo, a 2003 graduate with an associate degree in Broadcasting, currently works for Metro Networks / Westwood One in Miami as the Assistant News Director. She reports the traffic for radio morning drive on 850AM and 101.5 Lite FM and she reads the news on 1360 WKAT, which is similar to a wire service.
Erika says, "Some stories that I write actually make it national and someone could be reading a story that I wrote all the way in California!" She also does various production work for local Miami television stations WFOR, WTVJ and WSVN.
Before entering The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale, Erika was involved in law enforcement. She says that after five years of working with the police department, her life took a 180-degree turn. Her father, Joe Del Sordo, who teaches at The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale, suggested that she should look into a career in broadcasting. She says, "I fell in love with the program immediately. Almost every day at The Art Institute was memorable to me. Not one day was the same as the next. I got heavily involved in the classes, events, and field trips. When you love something, you take it seriously and excel at it. That's what I did, both in school and out of school."
Erika worked at WTVJ/NBC6 while attending The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale and was hired by them a month before she graduated. She later earned Best Video Portfolio for Broadcasting from The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale. Erika attributes her success to The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale and her instructors and she says, "While at The Art Institute, I learned how to be professional in everything I do. The teachers at The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale want their students to succeed." Erika's advice to students is, "Take in all of the knowledge you can possibly get from school. Study and don't study to just learn it for the test that afternoon. Live it…Learn it… Everything I do at work I learned at The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale. I found my niche. This is my career. I'll never forget the day I fell in love with it. And I'm not done falling. Everyday there's something new to learn. That's what I love!"
Erin Engwall
Associate Producer / DJ
CBS4 / 93ROCK
Associate of Science in Broadcasting, 2001
Broadcasting graduate Erin Engwall wears two hats. She is an Associate Producer at CBS4 and a DJ on 93ROCK, South Florida's Pure Rock station.
After graduating in June of 2001, this ambitious alumna went right to work on air at 97FM Country radio station in Lakeland, FL, and later for WBTS, 95.5 in Atlanta, Georgia. Her responsibilities have included Weekends/Overnights, programming, and promotions.
While attending The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale, Erin attributes much of her success as a student to Broadcasting instructor Tom Sherry. "He was always encouraging, and he does everything with a laugh and a touch of lightheartedness. He made sure that we were comfortable with what we were doing and was helpful in teaching us and answering questions."
Erin strongly feels that all graduates should get their feet wet and work as an intern. She says she cannot stress this enough. "Not only does it look great on your resume, it helps you to learn more about your field. When you are starting out, be it interning or your first job, always be willing to go above and beyond what they ask of you. This is the easiest way to advance within the company you are employed with. Don't hesitate to do something just because it wasn't your first choice. It may pay off for you later when your boss sees that you can be flexible."
Fabian Angelis
Sports Producer
Telemundo Network, Inc.
Associate of Science in Broadcasting, 1996
Fabian started at Telemundo as an intern in the Sports Department before he graduated. By graduation he was working as assistant to the producer, and eventuaily moved up to a Sports Producer for Soccer. He not only produces all the live events but also announces the games. This past year he went to the Rose Bowl Parade where he was the MC for Telemundo.
Grads on the Air
BROADCASTERS ARE CONNECTED
Art Institute Grads are Airwave Successes
March 31, 2006 - Fort Lauderdale, FL – From Latin Hip Hop to Easy Listening to Top 40s, when it comes to the gift of gab and entertaining audiences throughout South Florida, the voices of broadcast graduates from The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale transmit loud and clear. Now, while surfing radio stations, television channels, and web sites, listen in for the new voices in broadcasting...they not only have a connection to South Florida but also share the same alma mater.
- Nikki Nite, Weekends 97.3 Coast FM
- Erin Lee, Weekends/Overnights 93 Rock
- DJ Holiday, Weekends WHYI Y100
- David Contigo, Afternoons Mega 94.9FM
- Liliana Gonzalez, Weekends Mega 94.9FM
- Erica Del Sordo, Traffic Jefferson Pilot & NBC
"I've learned more than how to speak properly, like writing for radio and television, how to put a news package together and the reality of working in a high pressure situation," says Liliani Gonzalez, a 2006 graduate who works in production and on-air at Mega 94.9FM.
The Broadcasting associate's degree program at The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale prepares students for the industry by offering courses that allow students to graduate with a sense of connection to the South Florida community. Instructors have many years of industry experience in their field, which enables them to prepare students for modern technology with innovative digital radio equipment and the latest software programs. Students transmit their own radio shows, broadcasting world wide at www.aiflradio.com, a frequency that never loses a signal. In addition to the celebrity of on-air broadcasting, many graduates begin successful careers in production and promotion positions at television and radio stations as diverse as Telemundo/51, NBC6/WTVJ, and 101.5 LITE-FM.
Heidi O'Brien
Format Coordinator
SIRIUS Satellite Radio in NYC
Associate of Science in Broadcasting, 2003
Heidi O'Brien graduated in 2003 from The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale's Radio Broadcasting program with an associate degree. Currently, Heidi is a Format Coordinator for SIRIUS Satellite Radio in NYC. She works on three channels: The Pulse, Starlite, and Folk Town and performs various tasks including music scheduling, writing, and producing The Pulse music news.
Heidi was born and raised in Miami and originally attended the Birmingham Institute of Art and Design in the U.K. with the initial intention of becoming an Interior Designer. Later she decided on a career change and says, "The small campus and class sizes were the main things that eventually convinced me that The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale was the place for me."
Heidi attributes much of her success to The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale and many of her instructors. Soon after joining The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale, Heidi experienced one of her favorite experiences of having her own radio program on The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale's WAIF-FM. Later she got an internship with Clear Channel Miami which eventually turned into a part-time position and then a full time job. "I've been fortunate enough to have worked on a variety of events with a variety of artists. It was always a rush working backstage at these shows and I am never bored. I have to say, though, that the highlight of my career was meeting Sting!"
Heidi's advice to students is, "If you are lucky enough to get an internship for a company in your field take full advantage of it. You may be asked to do a lot of grunt work, but take it in stride, everyone has to begin somewhere. Eventually, if you show them that you are prepared to do anything to achieve your goals then most likely you will be fortunate enough to work in your intended field. Don't be afraid to take chances!"
Kamia Bryant
On-Air Personality "Nikki Nite"
97.3FM "The Coast"
Associate of Science in Broadcasting, 1999
As soon as she enters a room 1999 Broadcasting graduate Kamia Bryant's effervescent personality shines through.
Known as "Nikki Nite" on 97.3FM "The Coast" radio station in South Florida, she has "paid her dues" in the broadcasting arena and has become one of South Florida's prominent on-air personalities.
Kamia has helped many South Florida hot spots increase their business through her promotional efforts such as GameWorks in Miami, Café Iguana Beach Place in Fort Lauderdale, Bermuda Bar in North Miami Beach, and Vodoo Lounge in Fort Lauderdale. Ani Martinez, Marketing Manager for GameWorks said appreciatively, "Our number (of patrons) in the arena bar went up considerably compared to the previous week.
Thank you, Nikki Nite and your crew for a great promotion!" Nikki has had the opportunity to meet mega music celebrities Boyz ll Men, Vitamin C and others.
Growing up in North Florida, Kamia came to The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale with a dream. To make her dream a reality she forged through her studies with a determination to succeed. While in school, she was involved with Teen Live Wire on WAXY 790AM. She also got her "foot in the door" with Clear Channel Communications by working in the Music Research department and as a Board Operator. " Upon graduation, Kamia moved to Mobile, Alabama and made a name for herself at WYOK as "Nikki Nite" – the weekend overnight talent.
"My education at The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale has helped to prepare me for the real broadcasting world. Just to say the name The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale and that I am a graduate is a huge advantage," according to Kamia. She is thankful for instructors such as Tom Sherry for teaching "straight from the heart." Modest about her success, she wants students to remember, "Always thank God for what you have and never think it is not possible. Never say it can't happen, say it will happen!
Liliani Gonzalez
Copywriter / On-Air Personality
Clear Channel / MEGA949
Associate of Science in Broadcasting, 2006
Liliani Gonzalez, 2006 associate's degree Broadcasting graduate, is a change-of-career dynamo who realized she could have a career in radio and television industry and get paid for being creative. This was especially of interest since she is married with children and wanted to get into the industry as fast as she could.
"I chose The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale because they offered the program I was looking for and they had fast-paced classes," says Liliani. "I liked the fact that I could graduate within two years. I loved every class, every teacher, everyone at the school was incredibly helpful and attentive from the front desk to the financial aid office to the admissions office. I loved the fact that I got hands-on experience in most of my classes. I was able to do a radio show from the school's radio studio. Also I was able to edit video with the industry-used software. That is a plus for me."
While at school, Liliani was so serious about her future career that she aggressively pursued internships. "I completed my first internship at MTV Latino. I worked as a production assistant. It was an amazing experience. I learned so much and the best part was that I got to work at the MTV Music Video Awards. I met Lil' john, Gwen Stefani and Lenny Kravitz! All this work helped me build a resume. Six months later I took another internship at Clear Channel Miami for Y-100's morning show and I'm still here."
College internships turned into full-time employment. Liliani began as a part-time producer, and she is currently on-air morning show talent at Clear Channel's MEGA949. In addition to this position, Liliani is also the copywriter for all the stations in the Miami Clear Channel cluster including Y-100, 103 THE BEAT, MEGA949, LOVE 94, BIG 105, and two AM stations.
"I work six days a week and I love every minute of it," says Liliani who hopes to one day be a program director of a Spanish radio station. Her advice to students about school and about her world is, "Pay your dues, work hard, intern, intern, intern. I cannot stress it enough. Once you are in, work hard so they notice you. You need passion and drive to be successful."
Liz Collin
News Reporter
WCCO
Associate of Science in Broadcasting, 2001
2001 Broadcasting alumna Liz Collin is currently a news reporter at WCCO in Minneapolis, MN. Prior to this position, Liz covered news in Pennsylvania, Minnesota, Florida, South Dakota, and Kansas.
Liz's work has been recognized by the Education Writer's Association, the Kansas City Press Club, and in 2004 Liz received the Media General D. Tennant Bryan Award for hard news reporting for her investigation into a Kansas military school that eventually lead to the president's resignation at the school.
Liz has been an active member of Big Brothers Big Sisters for five years. She's also involved with the American Heart Association and Alzheimer's Association.
The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale influenced her in infinite ways. Says Liz, "I learned the people who get far in this business are the ones who are passionate about it. The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale emulates that. I moved from Minnesota and found a family environment at The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale that helped me remain focused on what I wanted."
Liz's advice to students is, "First and foremost to pursue your major for the right reasons. If you do, you won't have any trouble in the ‘real world' and nothing will surprise you. You have to be willing to work for free, to expect to volunteer your time, to do a lot of somethings for nothing! Don't expect that because you're out of school that you are done paying your dues. Above all, have faith and believe in yourself and always remember that we make a living by not what we get but what we give!"
Sonia Parissos
News Reporter
Univision
Associate of Science in Broadcasting, 1998
Sonia and her husband were owners of a restaurant called Sonia's Diner. It was quite a successful venture for them that averaged about $20,000 in weekly sales. They were quite proud of their establishment however Sonia felt that something was missing in her life. She was afraid that she was wasting her time. She had always wanted to be a broadcaster and the restaurant business was so far removed from that. Her husband was concerned about her happiness and she recalls him saying "Do what you think is going to make you happy, but remember out there are lines of people wanting the same job you want so you've got to be prepared!"
Sonia immediately registered for classes at The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale in the field of broadcasting aspiring to be an announcer when she completed her degree. She worked hard and stayed on track and completed her degree in just two years. While in school Sonia took a part-time position with Univision Network (Hispanic Broadcasting) as a broadcaster.
Upon graduation, she became a full time producer at Univision Network. Currently, Sonia the weekend news reporter for Univision 23, covering community news, live at 6pm and 11pm. Previously, she was the talent producer of the show called "El Bla-Blazo," and contestant coordinator for the show "A Million" which involves casting in New York, Chicago and Florida.
The moral of this story is clearly never, ever give up on your dream! Sonia is currently a news reporter at Univision.