Gracelynn Shibayama finds her bliss in community radio

Gracelynn Shibayama graduated from UW Bothell with a degree in Media & Communication Studies in 2015. She found her passion in community media shortly after starting at UW Bothell in 2013. UWave Radio was new and opened many doors for her. During her two years, Gracelynn worked her way up the ladder from Promotions Manager to Station Manager by the time she graduated. She credits much of her success to UW Bothell, and specifically, UWave Radio and Amoshaun Toft, for helping her find her passion and direction, culminating in a job she loves.

Gracelynn currently works at KNKX 88.5 FM as Member Relations Coordinator. She assists the Development Department with event planning and the Major Gifts team with donor research, outreach, and tracking. She also supports the Director of Major and Planned Gifts in preparing direct mail campaigns, e-blasts, mail merges, special appeals, and other projects. Her favorite part of her job is assisting the Major Gift department with event planning and execution, involving tasks, such as: communications, response tracking, scouting venues, arranging catering, and drafting budgets.

Gracelynn visited Johanna Crane’s Capstone Portfolio students and offered this advice:

• It can be hard to put yourself out there, but don’t let one failure keep you down. Always keep moving forward.
• Use your time in school to build connections and start networking and meeting people. If you are in a club or a class, or hear about a conference, take advantage of expanding your circles.
• Utilize your schoolwork as evidence of your skills and abilities. Show how approaching things with different lenses allows you to understand and accomplish more.