Shanna Quinn has a full roster with her numerous professional roles. She serves as FM 106.1 WMIL's Program Director, the iHeartCountry Afternoon Drive Personality and, most recently, she joined the Green Bay Packers Radio Network. 

Quinn is the first woman to be a part of the Packers Radio Network broadcast station and will lend her voice and insights on “97.3 The Game” WRNW. 

Originally from Buffalo, N.Y., Quinn is from a long line of women who love professional sports. Both her grandmother and mother are avid fans who ignited the sports spark in her long ago. 

Now, Quinn has the opportunity to show off what she's got and learn as much as she can while thriving in a job formerly occupied only by men.

"It’s an honor to have this position and to hopefully pave the way for other females in sports. But I hope this inspires anyone who thought they couldn’t do something to go all in and prove everyone else wrong," says Quinn.

Enjoy the first installment of this new series highlighting trailblazing Milwaukee women.

OnMilwaukee: Can you give us a timeline of your life – where you've lived, studied and so on? 

Shanna Quinn: I grew up in Buffalo, New York – I'm a die-hard Buffalo Bills fan gone Packers broadcaster – and graduated college from Buffalo State College. I currently live in downtown Milwaukee, and absolutely love it! The fact that I can walk to so many fun places in the city is fantastic. 

Were you always into sports? Did someone in your family introduce you to sports as a kid? 

Yes! Mostly football, and then hockey, which is huge in the Buffalo area. My grandma and my mom were my biggest influences when it came to my love for sports. They had season tickets for the Bills, so I’ve been going to NFL games since I was 5. 

Did you play sports growing up?

I’m definitely not coordinated enough to play sports. I attempted softball and won the Sportsmanship Award quite a bit. But I do love watching them and attending games.

Do you play sports today? 

Does jumping off the couch and screaming at the TV on Sundays count? 

What about this new role are you most excited about? 

I’m most excited about being a part of such an iconic franchise. Prior to moving here, the Packers were always my family’s NFC team to cheer for – yes, that is a thing. Being the first woman to be a part of it is also very exciting. I’m happy to know that other women and young girls will hear the broadcasts and know that they are represented in the sports world. 

What are you nervous about? 

I’m such a perfectionist, and honestly had a lot of anxiety leading up to our first preseason game. It was a lot of pressure, but luckily for me we have an amazing team here at 97.3 The Game. The guys are so supportive, and I’ve already learned so much. 

How have you been received so far, especially as the first female in this role?  

I was honestly thinking that there would be major pushback, but the response on social media – and in real life – has been wonderful. I think that’s a huge step for more females to be able to take on roles like this and feel comfortable doing so. 

How do you prepare before games for this job? 

I listen to Packers and sports-in-general podcasts. I follow a ton of sports and sports journalists on social media. And the Packers are really good about sending out alerts through their app that I have downloaded on my phone. 

Do you feel any extra pressure to succeed being the first female in this role? 

Absolutely. I felt a ton of it leading up to the first preseason game. It’s always nervewracking starting a new job, but being the first fill-in-the-blank to do it, you feel like all eyes are on you. And you don’t want those you’re representing to be let down by your work. 

What are your goals for the future? 

To be Kelly Ripa or Erin Andrews – I kid. Kinda. Not really kidding. I love radio and the fact that I don’t have to get ready for work, but I would love to branch out to TV, and either in the entertainment/pop culture world, or the sports world. 

What do you like to do when you aren't working? 

To be honest, I feel like in some capacity I’m always working. But that’s what’s so fun about this industry. I’m constantly show-prepping with real life experiences and events. But when I do shut it off, because from time to time you have to for your mental health’s sake, I love working out, eating and drinking my way through Milwaukee. And I’ve recently taken up golfing – more so for the cart riding and being outdoors, but I’m working on my patience with putting. 

OK, one more very important question: What is your favorite kind of cheese? 

Oh man – you're asking the girl who has stock in Lactaid this one. It depends on the meal or snack, but overall probably mozzarella. And it’s always deep fried for me with curds. Don’t give me that squeaky nonsense. 

Anything else? 

I remember being told early on in my career that radio “might just not be for you” and here we are, nevermind how many years, down the road. I have the most amazing co-workers here in Milwaukee that have become great friends, and I’m happy that my will to never give up got me here to work with and become friends – and sometimes family – with all of them.