Meet Rhonda Sheron of Atlanta

Today we’d like to introduce you to Rhonda Sheron.

Hi Rhonda, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
DJ Squirt (real name Rhonda , also known in the industry as “I AM DJ SQUIRT”) is a multifaceted music industry veteran, DJ, radio personality, and community advocate. Operating primarily out of Cleveland, Ohio, and Atlanta, Georgia, she has been a prominent and active force in the hip-hop and independent music scenes.Here is a quick overview of her background and what she does:

Early Career (As MC Squirt):
I got my start in hip-hop back in the 1980s as “MC Squirt,” coming up through the rap group “The Flygirls” and releasing music like the 1988 track “I Thought You Knew”.

Broadcasting & Media:
I am a highly visible radio personality, hosting my own platform called “Class Is In Session” and the “The DJ Squirt Radio Show”. That is well-known for showcasing up-and-coming, independent musicians and scouting for talent across the globe.

Industry Leadership:
I serve as a Board Member for the Recording Academy (Class of 2025) and Formally the Regional VP for the Nerve DJs, which is one of the largest DJ coalitions in the world.

The DJ Squirt Academy:
I founded an educational program designed to mentor and manage talent, providing artists with training and tools to turn their music into viable careers. I also spearhead initiatives like the “Splash Tour” to amplify underrepresented talent.

Social Media:
I am very active online, providing behind-the-scenes insights, live promotions and “The Best Damn Interviews” on platforms like myI AM DJ SQUIRT Instagram Profile.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
In this landscape, a common undercurrent is jealousy from some men, who may feel threatened by a woman who commands visibility, networks, and influence across multiple domains—on-air, in programming, and as a founder and board member. This jealousy can show up as subtle undermining of credit, doors left closed in rooms where decisions are made, or resistance to collaborative leadership that centers mentorship and equitable opportunities.

It may also manifest as entrenchment in male-dominated hierarchies, gatekeeping in festival bookings or executive conversations, and a reluctance to acknowledge the depth of a woman’s expertise or the value of her programs. Navigating this requires clear credit, strong contracts, transparent governance, and a consistently professional presence that demonstrates impact through measurable outcomes, while cultivating allies across diverse networks who champion fairness and inclusion.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
“DJ Squirt,” is a seasoned multi-hyphenate in the hip-hop and independent music scenes, by way of Cleveland Ohio and based in Atlanta. I specialize in talent discovery and development, on-air storytelling, and live programming that champions independent artists. I’m known for bridging worlds—curating and spotlighting rising acts on The Class Is In Session Podcast—while also shaping industry pathways through my board leadership with the Recording Academy and my work leading the DJ Squirt Academy.

My approach blends frontline artistry with media-savvy branding and principled leadership, and I’m driven by hands-on mentorship, global talent scouting, and turning artists’ music into viable careers through education, branding, and strategic opportunities like the Splash Tour.

My educational program for independent artists is a particular source of pride. The DJ Squirt Academy formalizes the knowledge I’ve gathered over decades into a structured, scalable curriculum that’s accessible to emerging creators. It’s built on practical, real-world focus: actionable pipelines for budgeting, goal setting, and portfolio-building, plus direct access to mentors, industry connections, and hands-on feedback that helps artists translate raw talent into sustainable careers.

What sets me apart is a rare blend of frontline artistry, media savvy, and principled leadership. I combine decades of performance and radio experience with a track record of community impact and institutional influence—board work, regional leadership, and education. My work centers equity and opportunity for underrepresented artists, shown through initiatives like the Splash Tour and the Academy’s inclusive mentorship model. I leverage a broad cross-market footprint—Cleveland, Atlanta, and beyond—to create diverse, multi-market opportunities for artists, backed by transparent outcomes, measurable impact, and a strong, recognizable voice that consistently champions independent artistry.

Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
When I started out in the hip-hop and independent music space, I quickly learned that clarity about my value was essential. I defined what I brought to the table beyond raw talent—my storytelling ability, my networks, and my capacity to build pipelines for artists to reach broader audiences. I focused on hands-on learning, seeking mentors and real projects, and treated every gig as a mini-workshop that would sharpen my skills. I worked on building visibility across multiple channels—radio, online content, live events—while maintaining a consistent brand so people could recognize and trust my work. I made a point to master the business basics too: contracts, credits, publishing, and rights, using simple templates and always documenting agreements in writing. I built a portable network by cultivating relationships across venues, labels, college and community radio, and arts organizations, avoiding overreliance on any single market or clique.

I designed scalable mentorship and pipeline programs if I found myself in leadership or educator roles, creating clear criteria for success and feedback loops so progress was measurable. Branding and authenticity have always mattered to me; my persona needed to reflect who I am and what I’m building for the artists I work with, ensuring consistency that earns trust with artists, partners, and audiences. I learned to document impact, not just activity, tracking outcomes like bookings, residencies, grants, and placements, and sharing testimonials to demonstrate value to sponsors and collaborators. Safety, boundaries, and advocacy were non-negotiables—setting clear limits for collaborations, events, and studio work, understanding reporting channels for harassment, and leaning on support networks when needed. Above all, resilience and mindset have carried me through the inevitable ebbs and flows of the industry. I’ve built routines, sought constructive feedback, and celebrated steady, incremental progress because long-term consistency often beats bursts of visibility.

If I could distill what beginners wish they knew, I’d say: secure credit and ownership from day one, insist on written agreements, be patient with velocity, seek meaningful, reciprocal connections, diversify your skill set, earn mentorship through demonstrated dedication and reliability, protect mental health and boundaries, document and showcase impact, and stay aligned with your mission to uplift artists and expand opportunities.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.iamdjsquirt.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamdjsquirt
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/iamdjsquirt
• Twitter: https://x.com/IAMDJSQUIRT
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@IAMDJSQUIRT