Jalisa Bass

Laura Florez

I was born in Bogota, Colombia and I’m currently studying at Bellevue College. I’ve lived in the Seattle area for about 6 years, and I’ve always been interested in radio broadcasting and podcasting.  I’m passionate about helping others and impacting people’s lives through powerful stories.

Widder Sessions

Widder got into radio because her mom was always listening to it.  Fast forward ten years later, she loves listening to and editing Hard Knock Radio, Converge Media, Democracy Now and the cool stories produced by students from Nathan Hale High School (C89.5).  Widder works on the Grit, KBCS local stories and any other opportunities that come up at the station.

Firdous Khezrian

Firdous grew up listening to public radio, listening closely to the stories told through the car radio.  Observing and contributing to the culture and societies she is a part of drives her fascination with the media. Her involvement in KBCS marks the beginning of what she hopes will be a career engulfed in storytelling and advocacy.

Margaret Prescod

Margaret Prescod is an activist, author, journalist, and host/producer of the Sojourner Truth radio program out of KPFK, Los Angeles.

Davey D

Davey D contributes to The Grit on KBCS. He is a host and producer for Hard Knock Radio, the hip hop culture and politics program produced at KPFA, Berkeley, CA.

An award-winning journalist, hip hop historian, deejay, and activist, Davey D grew up in the Bronx and graduated from UC Berkeley.

He writes for the San Jose Mercury News and teaches at San Francisco State.

Davey D speaks at high schools, universities and community centers throughout the country on hip hop, politics, and bridging the digital divide.

Adria McGhee

Adria was born and raised in Omaha, Nebraska but made Washington her home. She graduated from Bates Technical College with a focus in Broadcasting Audio/Video Production.  She moved on to advanced video production studies at Bellevue College where she was a work study student in the KBCS news department.  Adria enjoys turning raw media into something the audience can relate to, and being a part of the KBCS news team.

When Adria isn’t working or chasing after her kids, she loves designing and creating wearable couture.

Kevin Henry

Kevin P. Henry has over 30 years of professional experience as a journalist, talk show host, and diversity/equity/inclusion consultant. Kevin’s experience in broadcasting includes hosting the public affairs show, Voices of Diversity, on KBCS-FM, 91.3, and the television show of the same name for Bellevue TV.  Kevin also hosted Bellevue Today and Northwest Urban Forum on KKNW-AM, 1150. In addition, he has provided voiceovers for radio and television stations in the Seattle area. As a journalist, Kevin has written for print and online publications, covering entertainment, travel, and social issues. Today, he is a contributor to KBCS-FM and works as a workforce trainer and consultant in the healthcare industry.  From 1994-2015, Kevin managed the Diversity Advantage program for the City of Bellevue (WA).

Jesse Callahan

Jesse Callahan is an editor and producer for KBCS’s The Grit.  Jesse started collecting records at 12 years old after inheriting his Dad’s record collection. He would spend his weekend at record shops on Seattle’s “The Ave”  in the University District. His love for music landed him a job as Music Director at KAOS 89.3 fm in Olympia where he also had a show called Soul Story Hour.

Although Jesse’s radio adventure started with his passion for music, it has since evolved. As an avid radio and podcast listener, Jesse became inspired by radio theatre and story telling. He also has “chops” in music production and interviewing through his radio show and other endeavors. He uses a range of these skills in crafting stories that are hopefully educational, entertaining and/or emotionally engaging for listeners.  The invisibility of radio and its power to reach people easily will always inspire Jesse.

Outside of radio, Jesse loves his dog Chance and the game of baseball. He loves the outdoors and has lived and worked in the PNW for his whole life.  He also has a passion for digital art.

Gol Hoghooghi

Gol’s forte is catching people on the street to ask about current affairs.  Gol likes to amplify the voices of the communities who are not often featured in the mass media.