Today we’d like to introduce you to Rashan Ali.
With a passion for sports, empowering young women and the people of Atlanta, Rashan Ali continues to establish herself as a formidable and revered multimedia personality within the sports and entertainment industries.
While attending Florida A & M University as a Broadcast Journalism major, Rashan knew that she wanted to share her voice with the world, and set out on a quest to make that happen. She became heavily involved in the entertainment scene in Atlanta, working for LaFace Records and the personal assistant to the late Lisa ‘Left Eye’ Lopes. Rashan entered a contest searching for new talent on Atlanta radio station HOT 107.9 FM and was handpicked from over 500 applicants to join popular radio personality Ryan Cameron on-air. Her charisma and grace appealed to millions of listeners, which quickly propelled the program’s rating into the #1 position during its 6-10 AM time slot. She then went on to become the host of the “A-Team” Morning Show on the same station. Rashan’s journey in radio came full circle in 2010 when she reunited with Ryan Cameron for a year as the co-host of The Ryan Cameron Show on V-103 FM, Atlanta’s #1 urban formatted station. She later joined new hip-hop station 94.5 as the host of “The Streetz Morning Grind” in 2012.
Rashan’s unique perspective and passion for sports has resulted in sideline reporting for the Atlanta Hawks (2005 – 2009), the Southern Conference Sports Network (2011), the Atlanta Football Classic for NBC Sports Network (2011-2012), college football and basketball for CBS Sports Network (2012-2015) and for the Chick-Fil-A Bowl Preview Show, which aired on ESPN 2 and ESPN U. She was also the Social Media Correspondent for NBA TV’s “GameTime” during the NBA Playoffs (2010 – 2013) and worked on the network’s show “Fantasy Insider” in the same capacity for two seasons. Ali hosted Atlanta and Company After Noon on NBC (Atl). She also hosted Under Armour Highlights of the week on the NFHS Network and “HBCU Playback” on Aspire TV. Ali freelanced for CNN and HLN’s Bleacher Report. and served as the co-host of “Rise Up Weekly” on Atlanta’s CW 69 for the past three seasons. Also, freelanced as a sports anchor on NBA TV. She recently launched her own podcast, “The Cool Soror Podcast” which explores the stories of women and men in black, greek lettered organizations. She recently expanded the brand incorporating all “Cool People.” Rashan currently serves as co-host of “Sister Circle” – a nationally syndicated talk show on TV One.
Ali remains involved in countless charities and organizations. She is an active member of the Pi Alpha Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. In 2006, she founded Sporty Girls, Inc., -a non-profit organization that encourages personal growth through participation in non-traditional sports like golf, tennis, soccer, swimming, and lacrosse. Sporty Girls, Inc. has made an indelible impact on young, female athletes through her Camp Elite, Sporty Tract to Scholarship, Get Girls Sporty and Sporty Clinics programs. Sporty Girls has served more than 1,000 girls throughout the Metro-Atlanta area. Ali recently authored of first children’s book entitled, “Piper Sky’s Pink Popsicle Shoes.”
Ali enjoys spending time with her husband, Brian, and is the proud mother of two wonderful daughters, Bailey and Carter.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
I’ve had many obstacles along the way. Anything worth having is worth working for. That is what has kept me going; at all times.
Radio has taught me my most valuable lessons. The first of many came in 2008 when my local morning show, “The A-Team Morning Show” was replaced by the nationally syndicated, “The Rickey Smiley Morning Show.” I was moved to middays only later to be told that my contract would not be renewed. The day I was let go, I was five months pregnant with my second daughter. My life went from having billboards and buses that shone my face to apply for unemployment. It was the epitome of humility.
Years later at another radio station, I would encounter a similar experience. After playing an integral role in launching the new hip-hop station, my morning show, “The Streetz Morning Grind” was replaced by the nationally syndicated morning show, “The Breakfast Club.” At this point, I knew that life had to offer more for me in this space. It was time for me to really understand the gifts that God had given me.
These are just two experiences that were life altering for me. There are so many. I realized that until I stopped putting my worth in what other people thought, I would never reach my potential. I had to believe that I am worthy. It is not about ego, it’s about believing and knowing that everything you need to go where you are going, is already there.
Women have to take the power into their own hands. Stop relinquishing your power and tap into the power within.
We’d love to hear more about Sister Circle, Sporty Girls, Inc. Cool Soror, Piper Sky.
I do media differently. I have an uncanny way of being able to connect with people in ways that allow them to feel comfortable. I’ve interviewed everyone from 50 Cent to Michelle Obama and each one was intriguing to who it was supposed to resonate with.
I am most proud that my nonprofit has served over 1,000 girls in the Atlanta area. I am also proud that I get to co-host a talk show that is the first of its kind: four Black women on Sister Circle TV.
I feel like I’m one of the coolest people who get the chance to walk this earth. I consider myself to be, “Everybody’s Homegirl!”
Do you recommend any apps, books or podcasts that have been helpful to you?
My podcast: The Cool Soror Podcast
Book: Creative Visualization by Shakti Gawain
I listen to lots of YouTube videos that feature Wayne Dyer.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.rashanali.com
- Instagram: @rashanali (on everything)
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/RashanAli
Image Credit:
Kee Images, Mshon Pulliam
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