KVRU 105.7 FM is pleased to announce that Luzviminda Uzuri “Lulu” Carpenter also known as #LuluNation, has joined the staff as Station Manager. Carpenter is an educator, arts producer, grassroots and policy change organizer, and media justice advocate.
As an educator, she teaches performance and media arts at the social justice and STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) focused Seattle Girls’ School along with working at organizations like YouthCare, YouthSource, and Franklin High School. Grassroots and policy organizing include founding and directing the Alphabet Alliance of Color and serving as Co-Chair of the City of Seattle LGBTQ Commission. Within the art field, she has collaborated with On the Boards as cultural ambassador, worked as an Operations Manager for Historic Seattle which manages the art and community venue Washington Hall, and directed the Ladies First monthly arts and music show, a project of Communities Against Rape and Abuse (CARA) to bring in multiple national and international artists to Seattle. Overall, Carpenter has blended her talents and sees through the lens of education, art, and advocacy.
Carpenter is also known for her live broadcast and podcast show #LuluNation + Crew with Mr. B, where she talks to community members working to change the world through art, music, and activism. She put her passions on the air waves with the support of the founder of Hollow Earth Radio (HER), Garrett Kelly. “I am thrilled to further advocate for community radio in this management role at KVRU. My heart is dedicated to providing access to radio, media, and technology to communities whose voices need to be heard. I love being at the intersections of all my communities and building pathways to knowledge,” said Carpenter.
Carpenter’s work has been recognized in the following places, among others: PechaKucha Seattle: #BlackLivesMatter “Examining Identity in the 21st Century”, New FM Hyperlocal Radio, and Women Who Rock. Her work has also been highlighted in Seattle Weekly cartoons by E.T. Russian.
Carpenter succeeds outgoing Station Manager Sharon Maeda. Under Maeda’s leadership from August 2017 to November 2019, KVRU broadcast weekly news, public affairs, and cultural programs; built production studios; led free training workshops; and logged over 10,000 hours of volunteer participation. “I’m excited to welcome Lulu as the new station manager,” said Maeda. “As a teacher, artist, and community organizer, Lulu will bring new expertise and energy to KVRU.”
Lulu Carpenter is available for interviews. Contact her at lulu@kvru.org or 206-496-1180.
Photo by Naomi Ishisaka
