Philadelphia Broadcast Member Spotlight: Rachel Viggiano

Rachel Viggiano attributes her career in broadcasting to a fateful conversation, the love of a morning show and manifestation.

“My grandmother, who was deemed legally blind after a car accident that completely shattered her face, was eavesdropping while I was discussing with my parents what I wanted to do with my life. She interjected, and said ‘Raque’ (in her off-the-boat Italian accent) ‘You need to be on the TV.’ When I asked her why, she said, ‘Cause you’re so beautiful.’ So, in our truly direct Italian nature, I responded … ‘Well how the heck do you know; you’re blind,’ and though we were all joking, she was not. She simply said, ‘I can hear how beautiful you are’ — and right there is where my definition of beauty changed completely.

“I learned in that moment that you don’t have to be seen to show your beauty from within. You can paint a picture with your words and create the imagination of the mind for those who can’t see. You can be a voice for those who may not have one. And you can be a companion for those who may need it, without even knowing. I also remembered how much I loved listening to [radio host] Elvis Duran growing up, and always loved the idea of waking up with my best friends, lounging in our comfy clothes and just gabbing the day away. So that’s when I told myself I was going to pursue radio — to paint that picture for people like my Mom-Mom!”

After an internship at iHeart Media in 2014 as a rising junior in college, Viggiano told herself she’d be back in that building one day as part of a 10-year plan after graduation. She did it in three years, and has been in her position as a midday host for Philadelphia’s Q102 for the last six years, which paved the way to her joining SAG-AFTRA.

“When thinking about being a SAG-AFTRA member, I can only appreciate the legacy that this title holds. It feels like sisterhood or a well-connected community filled with absolute stars, and oftentimes I have to pinch myself to believe that I share the same union as Jennifer Aniston. But my experience with SAG-AFTRA has been nothing short of alleviating. We all have work frustrations no matter what industry you’re in, but SAG AFTRA has truly made me feel heard, validated and protected within the six years I’ve been able to be a part of it, and I’m forever grateful.”

Now 30, Viggiano’s recent milestone birthday may take the cake as far as celebrations go.

“I was in full denial about turning 30, in which case I was fully prepared to just ignore that it was happening. But then, as I was grieving my 20s, I thought it’d be a missed opportunity to not highlight all of the amazing small businesses and local vendors that I’ve had the pleasure to work with over the years who have helped me grow into my success today. So I figured, if we’re gonna party, it might as well have a purpose!”

And on Feb. 10, she held the festivities at City Winery in Philadelphia to benefit Emancipet, a network of nonprofit veterinary clinics that make high-quality pet care more affordable, available and compassionate.  

“I decided to put all of these small businesses in a room and give the people in my life the opportunity to experience all of the amazing things that I have in the last decade. And with their donations of products and services to our raffle, we were able to raise over $2,100 for Emancipet. And in the end, made turning 30 feel a lot more rewarding.”

Photo by Brandon Cornelius