Executive Director and Founder
Tisha Mays founded aMAYSing Kids Inc. in 2021 after an impactful career in broadcasting. She began her journey at WJUC 107.3 radio in Toledo, Ohio, after graduating from the University of Akron in 2005 with a B.A. in Radio and Television Broadcasting. A PhD Candidate in the School of Media and Communication at Bowling Green State University (BGSU), Tisha is set to defend her dissertation in Fall 2025. Her research focuses on how children use podcasting and video media creation to express their identities and engage with their communities. Tisha also holds an M.A. in Strategic Communication with a Specialization in Interactive Media from BGSU, as well as a Teacher Education Degree from Eastern Gateway Community College.
At the University of Toledo, Tisha is a Professor and Faculty Advisor for WXUT 88.3, the university's radio station. She teaches courses such as Audio I, Audio II, The Art of Podcasting, Media Producing and Performance, Social Media I & II, and Communication Principles and Practices, emphasizing experiential learning and practice.
Tisha is deeply committed to advocating for students and served as an Equity Champion for the Student Experience Project, a university initiative aimed at fostering a sense of belonging on campus. She has contributed to various department and college-level committees, including Recruitment and Retention, Curriculum and Assessment, Summer Policy, and faculty searches, among others.
She has actively participated in national panels on topics such as Recruitment and Retention During Covid Years, Black Voices in Podcasting, and Teaching Audio Production, and has facilitated professional development panels on child literacy, workforce development, and college pedagogy.
A passionate community advocate, Tisha has served on numerous boards and committees, including the YMCA of Greater Toledo, MLK Kitchen for the Poor, American Advertising Federation of Toledo (AAF), Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP), National Communication Association, Broadcast Education Association, and Jack and Jill of America, Inc.
Tisha’s experience as a substitute teacher in Toledo Public Schools inspired her to create aMAYSing Kids Broadcasting and Media Mentorship Program. Through this initiative, she addresses the reading gap by encouraging children to engage with media creation. Tisha also launched an Integrated Media Program for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Her work provides college students with internships to gain hands-on experience in media production.
Known for her enthusiasm, leadership, and motivating personality, Tisha is deeply committed to serving her students and community. Through aMAYSing Kids, she partners with schools and organizations to empower young people through media education year -round. She also works with schools to develop and implement integrated media programs.
About aMAYSingkids
Evidence
According to the Ohio Department of Education (ODE), 71.4% of struggling readers reside in economically disadvantaged areas, 30.3% have disabilities, 4.6% English Language Learners, and over 50% attend high-needs schools. Studies show that students who are not proficient at reading by 3rd grade are three times more likely than their peers to not graduate on time. Speaking and listening come before reading and writing. In fact, oral language development is the foundation of written language and may be an early indicator of child’s ability in learning to read in write. Research suggests children begin with listening comprehension in grades Pre-K -5 and reading comprehension in grades 6-8 (ODE, 2022).
Our Vision
To prepare our youth to contribute to the community and become successful in a changing society while creating a pipeline to broadcasting.
Our Mission
aMAYSing Kids Broadcasting leverages broadcasting and mentorship to improve reading writing and communication skills. Our educational program to students of all ages, with an age-appropriate curriculum. While becoming prepared to be college and career-ready, students will utilize broadcasting and journalism to share creative stories with their peers by learning television, radio/podcasting, and music engineering. Programming intentionally served children where literacy and graduation rates are historically low.
Our Site Coordinator/ Social Media Manager
Crystal Smith
aMAYSing Kids is thrilled to have Crystal Smith apart of the aMAYSing Kids Nation! She currently studying at the University of Toledo, getting her Bachelors in Media Communication. She has an AA in Political Science and an AS in General Studies of Sciences. She is eager to work with the youth and help out in her community.
Unlock Your Potential with aMAYSingkids Incorporated
Career Development
Take your career to the next level with our career development courses. From resume writing and job searching to interview preparation and networking, we offer courses that can help you achieve your career goals.
