In the days when it was rare for women to hold executive and management positions in radio or any business, Irene Runnels was a talented and extraordinary exception to the rules of those days.

Her leadership skills certainly inspired many women to enter the broadcasting industry. At KBOX and KRLD she was greatly admired for her sales and management leadership skills. Today, the Dallas-Fort Worth chapter of the American Women in Radio and Television annually awards the Irene Runnels Scholarship to qualified and deserving young women.