In a media landscape saturated with noise, there are a few voices that rise above—voices that don’t just inform or entertain, but inspire. One of those voices belongs to Mina “SayWhat” Llona, a dynamic force on radio, TV, and digital platforms whose career reflects more than ambition; it reflects intention. Whether she’s hosting her evening show on SiriusXM’s The Heat, reporting for The Philadelphia Tribune, podcasting on Mina’s House, or mentoring young talent through the Recording Academy, Mina’s mission is clear: use every platform she touches to uplift stories, create impact, and leave a legacy.

But behind the polished microphone and public persona is a woman deeply rooted in purpose, guided by values passed down from her mother, and driven by a fierce dedication to both her craft and her family. Mina is not just working in media—she’s reshaping it.

A Website, a Brand, and a Vision

“Get a website,” Mina says plainly, the way someone might tell you to drink water. It’s that essential.

While today’s creators may rely heavily on Instagram grids and YouTube reels, Mina believes in having a digital home base—a central hub that displays your full body of work. She uses her website not just as a portfolio, but as a professional tool when applying for jobs or pitching collaborations. “People click,” she says. “They want to know who you are.”

For her, building a personal brand isn’t just about recognition—it’s about ownership and accessibility, especially in a fast-paced media world that changes by the day. And when opportunity knocks? Say yes—even if you feel unprepared.

t’s a mindset that pushed her to try DJing years ago, only to realize it wasn’t her calling. “I sucked,” she laughs, recalling a night in the club overwhelmed by headphone chaos. “That’s when I realized I wasn’t a DJ—I’m a radio person. I’m a talker.” And talk she does, with honesty, clarity, and heart.

Fueled by Family, Grounded in Grit

At the core of Mina’s work ethic is a familiar figure: her mom. “If you’re going to do something, do it right,” was a mantra in her childhood home—and not just words, but actions. She recalls her mother learning to cook during pregnancy, pouring over books, asking for family recipes, and practicing relentlessly. “She’s an amazing cook now,” Mina beams, “and it taught me the value of investing in yourself.”

That same drive now powers Mina’s approach to motherhood. She’s committed not only to showing up for her daughter, but modeling resilience, especially in an industry that often romanticizes the grind without acknowledging its cost.

Beyond the Glamour: The Real Work of Media

One of the biggest misconceptions about Mina’s job? That it’s always fun.

“I love what I do,” she clarifies, “but it’s still work. I get physically and mentally tired.” From writing articles to hosting radio shows, attending events, and managing motherhood, her days are full. “People think being at a concert or an artist event is glamorous,” she adds. “But it’s still a work event.”

What’s harder is learning to “turn it off.” Passion, she admits, makes it easy to blur the lines. She used to send emails at 3 a.m.—not out of obligation, but excitement. Now she pre-schedules them for a more reasonable hour. “Since becoming a mom, I’ve had to be more intentional about balance,” she says. “Sometimes, I just need to be on the couch watching Netflix and eating chips.”

Expanding the Vision: From Audio to Visual

Mina doesn’t have one dream—she has many. And they evolve.

Her latest? Bringing her voice and vision to TV or other visual formats, perhaps even through documentary storytelling. “I don’t know exactly what that looks like yet,” she says, “but I know I’ve built a foundation.” She’s already present across platforms—radio, podcasts, TV commentary, journalism—and wherever people consume content, she’s there.

She’s also exploring new forms of storytelling, including writing a book about motherhood and navigating professional life. It’s raw and real—about her C-section delivery, identity shifts, and the parts of motherhood people often skip in public conversations. “Nobody really told me what to expect,” she says. “So I share those stories on-air, and other moms reach out saying, ‘Thank you.’”

That gratitude fuels her. It tells her she’s on the right path.

Documentaries and Law Degrees?

True to her multi-hyphenate nature, Mina is also eyeing new terrain: documentary filmmaking and possibly a law degree. She once filmed a documentary in college and hasn’t forgotten the thrill of visual storytelling. “The core of what I do is telling stories,” she says. “The platform might change, but the heart stays the same.”

As for law school? She’s intrigued—especially by the idea of becoming a music attorney, given her minor in music business. But she’s also honest with herself. “If I can’t give 100%, I won’t do it,” she says. “That’s how I know it’s not the right time. But it’s on my mind.”

Legacy: What Mina Wants to Build

When asked what she hopes to build through her career, Mina doesn’t hesitate: security and generational wealth for her daughter.

Her mother, who once had a radio stint in Peru, was told it wasn’t a “real job.” Decades later, she fully supported Mina’s passion for media. But while her mother laid the foundation, Mina is building a different kind of future—one where her daughter won’t have to figure things out alone. “I didn’t have someone in the industry to guide me,” she says. “I want to be that for my daughter, no matter what path she chooses.”

And then there’s the bigger goal—to leave a mark. “Like Beyoncé’s song I Was Here,” Mina says, “I want to contribute something meaningful. I want people to say, ‘She did that.’”

Words to the Next Generation

For young women in media, Mina offers clear, heartfelt advice:

Work hard. Advocate for yourself. Don’t let anyone tell you no.

She remembers someone once told her she’d never land a radio job in New York right out of college. “But I got my first full-time gig at SiriusXM when I was 21,” she smiles. “Just because someone says no doesn’t mean it’s true.”

She encourages young creatives to find their yes people—those who see their potential, want to help them grow, and offer real support. “Keep those people close,” she says. “It’s easier to work with someone who sees your greatness.”

And finally, she urges everyone to use the free tools at their fingertips. “Social media is powerful. Use it to showcase your work.”

From a mic to a memoir, a podcast to a purpose, Mina “SayWhat” Llona is building a media empire with heart—and she’s doing it her way.