Nina Chantele is doing what no other woman in radio has done before. Her roles as co-host of Chicago's WGCI-FM's popular morning show,"The Morning Riot,” and midday personality of KISS-FM have made her the first on-air personality to do double duty in a major market. She's even doing two different formats (urban and top 40). Not bad for a woman who never intended to become an on-air personality.
Nina has been rocking a mic since 2002. A feat she attributes to her friend and mentor, radio veteran Rick Party. He noticed something special about the Chicago native and strongly suggested that she turn in an air check to local stations. Two-days later she landed a part-time job at WPWX-FM and within a year was offered her first full-time gig at WMIB-FM in Miami, Florida doing afternoon drive. The former medical billing specialist quickly won over the locals and when the ratings came in she received confirmation that radio truly is her calling. Nina was #1. Offers to voice track WSSP in Charleston, South Carolina and WBTT-FM in Ft. Myers, Florida soon followed. In less than two years in the game this rookie was dominating on three stations! Nina Chantele later moved to KXBT-FM in Austin, TX and then KZZA-FM in Dallas, TX. In 2006, she was asked to return to Chicago as KISS-FM's midday personality and after three successful years was offered additional duties with their sister station, WGCI-FM, as part of the "The Morning Riot.” Each morning, she uses her wit and charm to compliment her two male co-hosts and then quickly changes studios to fly solo each midday. In 2010, she added reporting the entertainment news twice a week on 'Good Day Chicago' FOX, to her already jam-packed schedule. May 2011, Nina was asked to join ABC Chicago's 'Windy City Live', an ensemble program that filled the 'Oprah' time slot. 'Nina Knows', appears every week delivering the latest in celebrity gossip and trends.
With every move Nina Chantele has proven that she can hold her own and bring in the listeners. Her friendly "you can tell me anything" persona intermingled with infectious humor, informative celebrity interviews and hit songs keeps her listeners tuned in daily to receive their dose of Latina love.
In this male-dominated industry, Nina considers herself a spokesperson for women. She diligently seeks to represent strong, intelligent, successful, driven women, while encouraging others to work hard to achieve their dreams. This multitalented communicator has also proven herself to be a desirable commodity in the voice over arena. She has done hundreds of commercials and even landed the position as the national voice of Sean Jean's fragrance, Unforgivable.
Nina Chantele spends her free time supporting charitable causes, using the powerful medium of radio to bring about positive change. Upon hearing of the unfortunate death of Frankie Valencia, a DePaul honors student, she actively worked to ensure the scholarship set-up in his name would become endowed; the first funds will be distributed in the fall of 2011. She also let her support to Children's Oncology Services and its One Step Program for children with cancer at Campfire Ball 2011, as the master of ceremonies. The event was attended by several Chicago celebrities. And the organization closest to her heart is the Kleo Barrett Angel Foundation, which assists the victims of domestic violence. She has also helped launch an initiative to encourage Chicago students to attend school regularly.
Nina Chantele may have gotten into radio by accident, but it is obvious that this was her destiny. Her exemplary work ethic, natural ability to draw others near and love for her craft has kept her elevating to new heights and setting records!
