BMI Singer/Songwriter and Big Loud Recording Artist Lauren Watkins Performs at Rising Through The Ranks Dinner in Nashville

Celebrating its 17th year, Rising Through the Ranks (RTTR), a two-day management training program for female radio executives, was held last week at BMI’s office on Music Row in Nashville. The event is a collaboration between the Radio Advertising Bureau (RAB) and the Mentoring & Inspiring Women in Radio organization (MIW). The sessions featured several presentations by some of the radio industry’s top executives.

One of the highlights of the RTTR program was the RAB dinner held at Martin’s BBQ Downtown Nashville, where BMI singer/songwriter and Big Loud recording artist Lauren Watkins performed. Watkins entertained the audience performing, “I’ll Get Through It,” “Mama, I Made It,” “Marlboro Man,” “Gatlinburg,” “Lose My Cool” and her most recent release “Average Joe & Plain Jane.” In 2024, Lauren opened dates for Morgan Wallen’s One Night at a Time International Tour and this year she hits the road opening for Lainey Wilson on her Whirlwind World Tour. Watkins plans to release new music later this year.

Lauren gathers for a photo after her performance with the 2025 RTTR speakers ( L- R):  RAB’s VP of Professional Development Kim Johnson, Executive Director of the Mississippi Association of Broadcasters Amanda Fontaine, Market Accounting Manager, Radio One Houston/Dallas Erika Sylvia, RAB Immediate Past President and CEO Erica Farber, BMI singer/songwriter and Big Loud recording artist Lauren Watkins, RAB Senior VP, Professional Development Jeff Schmidt, Audacy Former COO Susan Larkin, Vibrant Impact Owner & Guaranty Digital Media Director Kelli Frieler and Cox Media Group (CMG) Radio President Rob Babin.

BMI singer/songwriter and Big Loud recording artist Lauren Watkins takes a photo with 2025 RTTR class and speakers.