Sarah Cummings, Director of Radio Content for iHeartRadio Canada and Orbyt Media, is this year’s recipient of the Trailblazer Award.
The award – formerly known as the Rosalie Award, in honour of trailblazing CKLW music director Rosalie Trombley – was rebranded earlier this year as the Trailblazer as the organization expands its reach to include women across radio, television and podcasting.
The Trailblazer Award celebrates a woman in broadcasting who has demonstrated outstanding leadership, career achievement, innovation, and mentorship, while significantly contributing to the growth and evolution of the industry.
Cummings started her broadcasting career in Chatham in promotions. She went on to hold programming roles in Niagara, Ottawa, Kitchener, London, Hamilton, and Toronto, making history in 2017 as the first woman PD to helm CHUM 104.5. She was appointed to her current role in 2021, helping shape national content strategy, talent development, and the future of audio.
Cummings has also demonstrated a commitment to mentorship and industry growth, serving as Vice Chair for FACTOR, co-chair of Niagara College’s Program Advisory Committee for Radio, TV & Film, and contributed as a member of the Audio Executive Committee for Numeris.
“We are honoured to recognize Sarah Cummings with the 2025 Trailblazers Award,” Nancy Brown Dacko, Chairperson of Trailblazers. “Her career is a testament to passion, perseverance, and purpose, and her impact continues to shape the next generation of Canadian broadcasting.”
Cummings will accept the Trailblazer Award during Departure Honours, an industry reception taking place during the upcoming Departure Festival + Conference in Toronto on Wednesday, May 7 at Hotel X Toronto, running concurrent to Radiodays North America.
