Anjali McGuire ’87 | Finding Her Voice, Inspiring Others

From the halls of Roger Bacon to some of the nation’s biggest media markets, Anjali McGuire ’87 has built a career on connecting with people, uplifting communities, and using her voice to make a difference.

For more than 35 years, Anjali McGuire ’87 has made a career out of connecting with people. Whether behind a microphone, in front of a television camera, hosting a live event, or advocating for her community, McGuire has used her platform to entertain, inform, inspire, and empower. But long before she became known professionally as Anjali “Queen B” McGuire, she was a Roger Bacon Spartan discovering the confidence, leadership, and sense of purpose that would help shape her future.

A Career Built on Connection

A Cincinnati native, McGuire's professional journey began in local television at Cincinnati's NBC affiliate, where she worked under the guidance of longtime broadcaster Curtis Fuller. Her radio career launched in 1992 at 100.9 FM The Wiz before taking her to Louisville, Minneapolis–Saint Paul, and Tampa Bay.

The name “Queen B” originated during her time at B96 in Louisville, where she was affectionately known as the “Queen of B96.” The nickname eventually became part of her professional identity, one she has carried for more than three decades.

Throughout her career, McGuire has achieved No. 1 ratings across multiple audience demographics, been named iHeart Radio Personality of the Year twice, received the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award, and earned an honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters. She has also interviewed some of the most recognizable figures in entertainment and public life, including President Barack Obama, First Lady Michelle Obama, Prince, and Beyoncé.

Today, she continues to work as a media and television personality, influencer, professional host, voice-over artist, community advocate, and brand ambassador. She also appears as a guest panelist on WFLA-TV’s Daytime and looks forward to returning to the radio airwaves.

Despite the many accomplishments along the way, McGuire traces much of her foundation back to her time at Roger Bacon.

“Roger Bacon helped shape my confidence, character, faith, and commitment to service,” she reflected. “The school encouraged me to embrace my individuality, develop my voice, and recognize that leadership also means creating opportunities for others to feel valued and included.”

Finding Her Voice at Roger Bacon

That voice began to emerge through a variety of activities and leadership opportunities. McGuire served as a Student Senator, participated on the Dance Committee and in the Student Librarians Group, and was a member of the Spartan Marching Band, where she played clarinet.

The marching band experience proved especially influential. Under the direction of Mr. Neil, the band incorporated dance movements inspired by historically Black college and university (HBCU) marching band traditions. That exposure sparked an interest that would eventually lead McGuire to Central State University, where she became a Central Belle dancer with the Invincible Marching Marauders.

Several teachers and staff members also left lasting impressions. She remembers the positive energy of principal Fr. Jim Bok, the humor and personality of Brother Gene, and the encouragement of Mr. Diaz, who served as faculty moderator for Via Nia, a multicultural student organization she helped establish.

Her English teachers also made an impact. Mrs. Moors-Dressing, in particular, challenged McGuire to become a stronger communicator. After receiving a B on a paper she thought was excellent, McGuire remembers her teacher explaining that she had “strung together a lot of nice words without really saying anything!”

It was a lesson she never forgot.

“She pushed me to communicate with greater clarity and purpose, and she made me a better writer,” McGuire said.

Leading with Purpose: The Legacy of Via Nia

Perhaps the most meaningful part of her Roger Bacon experience was helping to establish Via Nia, a multicultural student organization dedicated to promoting cultural awareness, inclusion, leadership, and unity throughout the school community. McGuire later served as the organization's president.

For all four years of her time at Roger Bacon, Via Nia organized the school's Black History Program, creating opportunities to celebrate Black history, culture, talent, and achievement while bringing the entire school community together.

The organization also extended its impact beyond the classroom through school assemblies, community outreach, an Adopt-A-Family holiday drive, and collaborations with other student groups.

“Via Nia was much more than a school club to me,” McGuire said. “It gave students a place to celebrate our cultures, use our voices, serve the community, and help create a welcoming environment for everyone.”

Looking back, she recognizes how those experiences helped awaken the leader and community advocate she would become.

“Radio gave me a microphone, but Roger Bacon helped teach me how important it is to use my voice with purpose.”

Building on a Strong Foundation

Following graduation, McGuire continued her education at Central State University, earning her degree cum laude in 1991. Her college experience provided even more opportunities to lead, perform, and represent her community. During her freshman year, she earned the title of Miss Bronze, served as an Alpha Sweetheart, and was named Miss Black and Gold for Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., for two consecutive years.

She also became a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. Her time at Central State further developed the confidence, poise, and leadership skills that would become essential throughout her broadcasting career.

Through the years, McGuire has remained committed to the values that first took root at Roger Bacon: faith, perseverance, service, and community.

“I have learned to approach difficult seasons with prayer, resilience, and the belief that every chapter can teach us something,” she said. “I also learned that we are not meant to navigate life alone. The relationships we build, the people we support, and the communities we serve are essential parts of both personal and professional success.”

Advice for the Next Generation of Spartans

That commitment to encouraging others is also reflected in the advice she shares with today's students.

“Embrace what makes you different, because that may eventually become your greatest strength,” McGuire said. “Work hard, remain teachable, build genuine relationships, and always treat people well. Your reputation will often enter a room before you do.”

She also encourages students to remain open to unexpected opportunities, continue learning, and never be afraid to reinvent themselves. Most importantly, she reminds them to use their success to open doors for others.

Family, Faith, and Spartan Pride

Family remains another important part of McGuire's story. She is the proud mother of her daughter, Suriya, whose accomplishments include a standout high school basketball career, playing collegiately at the University of Miami, and competing professionally overseas. Suriya has also built a successful modeling career, appearing in television commercials and billboards and working with Nike and Jordan Brand.

The Roger Bacon connection runs throughout McGuire's family, too. Her sister, Nandita McClain-Garbett, graduated in 1986, just one year before Anjali, and her brother, Maurice McClain, is also a proud Spartan.

From her early days as a student leader at Roger Bacon to a nationally recognized career in media, McGuire's journey reflects the power of embracing individuality, finding your voice, and using it to make a difference.

“Cincinnati will always be home, and I remain deeply proud of my Roger Bacon roots,” she said. “I hope my story encourages today's students to believe that where they begin does not limit how far they can go.”

Roger Bacon is proud to celebrate Anjali McGuire ’87 and the many ways she continues to live out the values of a Spartan—using her talents, influence, and voice to uplift others and make a lasting impact in the communities she serves.