Good things happen to good people; just ask Julia Lopez. The talented, intelligent and attractive DJ is the host of the highly rated show "Jewelz En Tu Radio," on 103.5 FM WKTU in Jersey City.
Airing from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m., Lopez provides a fresh treatment to the nighttime radio airwaves with her anecdotes and charm. In her early 20s, she has a command of the station’s party music format, while finding the time to engage in conversations with listeners about relationships, clubs and partying. She also broadcasts live from club locations like Hoboken, Seaside Heights, and New York City.
"Being live at a club is very rewarding. You get to meet and your audience. And they like that," Lopez said during a recent interview.
But Lopez was not an overnight sensation. She worked long hours for several years as an intern at KTU before getting the opportunity to step into the DJ booth for the weekday nighttime shift this past summer.
Lopez was born in Newark and grew up in Montville. As a kid, she said, she would play with a tape machine and record her voice and interview kids in her neighborhood. After high school, she attended Seton Hall University in South Orange, famous for its award-winning radio station, 89.5 FM WSOU. During her three years at the college station, she was a DJ, news and traffic reporter, and finally program director her senior year. As a program director, she gained valuable experience as part of a very competitive radio market that includes New York City stations like KTU. She was also instrumental in the coverage of a fatal university fire that claimed the lives of three freshmen in 2000. During the tragedy, WSOU changed its heavy metal format to a news/talk radio.
"We really pulled together as a community at Seton Hall. The staff worked long hours and everybody in the school was affected by the tragedy," she said.
In her senior year, she won the prestigious Album Network’s Aggro Program Director of the Year Award, and she also found time to work in the promotions department at KTU. She worked along side Lynda Lopez at the station, and eventually, Lopez asked her to go live on the air. About a week after her live broadcast, Lopez was promoted to a part-time air personality.
Being on the air, has allowed Lopez to have a forum to spread a positive message to young women listeners.
"So many females listen to the show, that I have a responsibility to be a positive public figure," she said. "Other young women in the spotlight use their physical appearance for attention, and I have to ensure women that beauty comes the inside."
Throughout her career, Lopez has met celebrities and has been involved in major concerts. She is also a local spokeswoman for the March of Dimes, a national non-profit organization determined to help prevent infant mortality.
For now, Lopez is focused on radio, and she is looking to branch out into other professional endeavors as well.
"I want to master what I do and be able to be involved in a variety of projects," she said.
Catch "Jewelz En Tu Radio" Monday through Friday at 10 p.m. on 103.5 FM WKTU in Jersey City. The station also features a popular morning show hosted by Baltazar and Goumba Johnny. For more information on Lopez call the station at (201) 420-3700 or visit www.ktu.com. q