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80 maconmagazine.com | June/July 2024 Keep an eye out for more legendary ladies of local media in future issues. See the series's first installment, Del Ward & Angel Irving, in April/May 2024. politicians, business executives, and more. In interviews, she shies away from sharing that aspect of her career, which reflects her humble nature and focus on helping people. Phillis Habersham Malone, owner of Habersham Records – one of the country's oldest remaining record stores – says she and Ellis attended celebrity- loaded listening sessions in Atlanta off and on for years, but that Ellis' feet always remained on the ground. "Consistent with who she is and what's she's all about," added Habersham. Like Cotton, Ellis says radio isn't going anywhere. It and music are married for life, she insists. It's why the mother of two and grandmom of five was smitten by it in the Motor City as a youngster, and why it's still one of the loves of her life. "Even with all the technology and easy access to information, one way or another, people are going to go back to radio because it's a great connector of the community." day as winners of prestigious broadcasting awards. Under Ellis, the television station received several College Television Programming Awards from the National Association of College Broadcasters, sponsored by MTV. Fort Valley State was one of the only Historically Black College and Universities at the awards ceremony, Ellis recalled. A " M A M A M I A" F O R A L L O F M A C O N Most of her career as a media specialist has been spent behind the mike at iHeart Radio's WIBB 97.9 and WRVB V101.7. However, she admits that her strength is as a roaming connector, bringing together the worlds of air announcing and in-person community. "I love meeting people and being in the community. Radio allows me this opportunity." From raising funds for good causes to assisting with health initiatives to promoting hometown businesses, she has exercised her love for community. Joshua's Wish Foundation has been a big beneficiary of her passion. After his transition six years ago due to a childhood cancer diagnosis, she linked up with Joshua Trent Solomon's parents to see how she could help their efforts to commemorate their son's life. Her work with the organization resulted in Ellis securing a posthumous high school diploma for Joshua from Mount de Sales Academy and graduation ceremony on his behalf. "Music is the means by which I connect with people. But when I meet people and get to know them, they feel a part of me and me a part of them. It's remarkable that music allows me to do what I do," she said. Ellis is a true journeywoman and has rubbed shoulders with celebrity musicians, sports figures, "Music is the means by which I connect with people. But when I meet people ... they feel a part of me and me a part of them. It's remarkable that music allows me to do what I do." ABOVE Ellis still broadcasts on 97.9 FM. Find her show on the radio or through iHeart Radio streaming services.