I was 8 years old when I received my first radio. AM, of course.
I spent hours standing by my bedroom window tuning out the static on a whole new way to experience music, news and storytelling. I couldn’t stop listening even though I’m sure my 8-year-old self didn’t understand most of the content.
Many nights, my parents said goodnight and imagined I would fall asleep listening to the radio. Some mornings, however, they found me – still awake. Still listening from the night before. My parents must have had the “she’ll sleep when she’s tired” attitude as they never discouraged me from tuning in.
The next year, I received an alarm clock radio for my 9th birthday. It’s the only present I remember. Access to the FM dial set my life on a trajectory to listen, learn, and experience as much music as I could. Classical, Gospel, Pop, Reggae, Soul, Blues, Country…. I managed to fit in some news and talk radio from time to time. I might still have that alarm clock radio.
Music is the reason I became a KBOO member. I value music programming that reflects the Portland community. Radical news and public affairs along with the diverse music programming are my motivations for maintaining my KBOO membership. The Movement, Parsing Sound, Tonalli, and Afro-tainment are my favorite broadcasts.
I have been a Portland resident since 2003. Over the years, my relationship with KBOO has grown – first I was a listener, then I became a member. In 2016, I increased my support for the station by becoming a volunteer. 6 years later I was appointed to KBOO’s Board of Directors. I am now finishing my first 3-year term and seeking re-election.
As a volunteer with KBOO I worked with the Development & Events Committee. I led the planning team for the KBOO’s 50th Anniversary Block Party and have supported Book & Record Sales along with other community events. I have also participated in phone-banking activities for drives.
As a KBOO Director I served on committees including the Executive Committee, Development Committee, Nominating Committee, Finance Committee and Management Bargaining Committee. I am most proud of the work, along with the Board’s, to hire KBOO’s new Station Manager. I also led the planning workgroup for KBOO’s 55th Birthday Block Party.
I have professional experience in project management and strategic planning that I will share with KBOO’s Board as it continues work on its new multi-year plan. In all my work at KBOO, I will pay close attention to justice, equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging (JEDIB) and to KBOO’s Beloved Community commitment. I have time to serve as a director and a passion for KBOO Community Radio. I will help propel both the Board and KBOO to a successful and strong future.
