Meet KVRU Advisory Board member Lila Kitaeff Lakehart!
Lila leads RadioActive, KUOW’s youth radio program. They have worked with hundreds of students to produce feature stories, podcasts, and short audio stories. They have taught media literacy and filmmaking and led youth media programs for organizations including Reel Grrls, Adobe Youth Voices, Native Lens, Reel Queer Youth, and the World Affairs Council. Read Lila’s bio.
Q&A with Lila
What do you love about KVRU 105.7 FM and Community Radio?
Community radio is so special because it connects people together in an accessible and joyful way. It’s one of the few places where communications networks are truly by and for the community, and that is powerful. I love KVRU in particular because the Rainier Valley is such a diverse community with such a rich history in Seattle. As a born and raised Seattleite, the Rainier Valley is a place where I’ve lived and played and worked over the years. KVRU is deeply rooted in this community and is all about celebrating and supporting its diversity and uniqueness, and that is something I am truly grateful for!
What excites you about this opportunity?
I’m excited to be able to support KVRU with my time and energy, and to share any knowledge and experience that may be helpful. As a white person, I hope to step back and be a behind-the-scenes supporter to strengthen and amplify the wonderful work of the majority BIPOC KVRU staff and community members.
What in your past helped prepare you to serve KVRU?
I have been volunteering in community radio since 1998. I am deeply passionate about media justice and media literacy. I’ve been working to share media skills and amplify the voices of marginalized communities as a youth media educator for almost two decades.
What do you hope to do in this role?
I was a part of KVRU’s advisory board when the station first started up, and I’m excited to come back and see how the station has grown and understand its current needs. I hope to start by getting to know the staff and volunteers currently involved with KVRU, and to find out how I can support community training and other initiatives.
