My name is Renee Yang-Geesler, some of you may know me as Rainjita. I am currently the Co-Director of the KPFA Apprenticeship Program, and am also developing multi media training through the First Voice Media Action Program. I have been at KPFA since 2001, first as an Apprentice, and later as a producer, engineer and now Co-Training Director (with Ms M). For over 25 years, the Apprenticeship Program has been a vehicle for people from under represented populations to gain access to KPFA, and acquire skills in community building, radio journalism and broadcasting. During my time as a media maker, I have seen the power that the first person story has to move people, effect change, and promote healing.

I am running for the KPFA Local Station Board because I believe that for KPFA and the Pacifica Network to flourish, there has to be a conscious effort to facilitate these voices to be heard, and not just be reported about. In this new century of digital technology, there are more opportunities for people to utilize media to tell their stories, build healthy community and create socially conscious entrepreneurial opportunities. With that said, as a community media institution, it is KPFA's responsibility to integrate these tools to engage people and provide access.

As your local station board representative, I will work to bridge the digital divide, and continue to reach out to bring people into KPFA. I will also work to integrate a process of community dialog to promote accountability, healing, understanding and sharing among the people within KPFA.