Born, raised, and currently living in Parkland, Racquel Goldy has the much-coveted job as the on-air personality during the afternoon drivetime on Revolution 93.5 FM in Miami, South Florida’s home for EDM (electronic dance music).
By her own admission, the popular TV and radio host, interviewer and content producer is a workaholic and isn’t afraid to say it. She loves what she does. “I’m always working. I go to work, I come home, I prep my show or I’m researching djs or whoever’s coming in for interviews. I live and breathe the music/entertainment industry but that’s why I’ve gotten as far as I have and I don’t take it for granted.”
A 2011 graduate of Marjory Stoneman Douglas, Racquel largely credits her confidence to pursue a multimedia journalism major and a minor in theater at FAU – the earliest foundation of her subsequent success – with a class she took in high school.
Knowing that she wanted to major in broadcasting once she got to college, she thought the high school’s peer counseling class would give her some much-needed skills. “Peer counseling helped me with public speaking because you wouldn’t know it now, but I was really shy. I was a competitive dancer growing up, and obviously you don’t talk in dance,” she said.
It was during senior year when the teacher encouraged her to go to school for broadcasting and told her, “You’ve come so far, I’m very proud of you, you can do this,” that she truly believed her goal of a career in entertainment was attainable. “That was my moment,” Racquel said. “I knew my dream was working out the way I wanted it to.”
While at FAU, Raquel found herself hungry to immediately get hands-on experience so she started her own YouTube channel Off The Racq, where she interviewed musicians and athletes as well as interned at Y100 Miami, iHeart radio Miami.
After her college graduation, Racquel started working for an online digital music website, Stage Right Secrets. She found herself as their country music correspondent covering award shows, music festivals and events, traveling back and forth to Nashville often, while still living in Parkland.
Her biggest break came in 2017 when she got a job with the Florida Panthers as their in-arena host as well as the host of the BB&T Center’s digital event productions.
After 2 ½ years with the Florida Panthers and perfecting her craft as an on-air personality, Racquel found herself at a crossroads in her career. She would not be going back for another season with the NHL team and was unsure about what turn her career path was about to take. “I applied to maybe 50 jobs a week. Seriously, I’m not joking, and would hear back from maybe two if I was lucky and that was with someone putting my resume in the right person’s hands.
“For me, it was never about quitting because I know this is what I’m supposed to do with my life, but it was definitely scary.”
Racquel’s talent, experience and perseverance finally paid off. “I got the job at the radio station after going in and auditioning a couple of times on their morning show. I waited a month and finally got the call that I was waiting for. I never thought I would have the afternoon drive show by myself, never having worked in radio fulltime before. For the station to believe in me, I’m beyond grateful for that,” she said.
What is Racquel’s advice for students aspiring to a career like hers and who are determined to succeed? “Work hard. Know that you definitely will go through trials and tribulations. Roll with the punches. Never quit or second guess yourself because new doors and possibilities open up, ones you never thought would happen.
“And last but not least, surround yourself with good friends and family because they are going to keep you going mentally and physically.”