Leona Oliveros, Classical KING Host Fellow 2023-24

Introducing our new Classical KING Host Fellow for 2023-24, Leona Oliveros. Not your ordinary radio host, Leona brings a unique blend of passion for education and a deep-rooted connection to the music of the Pacific Northwest, and with roots in both the Philippines and the Pacific Northwest, Leona should feel right at home at Classical KING. By trade, Leona is an educator, sharpening the minds of students of all ages across the South Sound. Currently, Leona works as an adjunct professor at Highline College in the High School Engagement and Academic Success program where they – in addition to teaching – co-lead the Racial Equity Team collaborating with their peers to develop culturally relevant professional development opportunities for staff.

With all of their passion for education, it’s no wonder that Leona’s first introduction to music began in their school days, participating in their school’s band programs from elementary through early college. Even today, Leona continues to be a strong supporter of local musicians and an advocate for community building, learning, and connection through music. What truly makes Leona’s journey to Classical KING special is their own personal connection to our station – growing up with KING FM on the car speakers as they rode around the region with their dad. It’s a memory that proves how music can knit our lives together, and it makes us all the more excited to have Leona on our team.

In their application for the Seattle Arts Fellowship with Classical KING, Leona expressed their strong desire to contribute to our mission of enriching Seattle’s cultural landscape through music and outreach. With a deep passion for equity work and an appreciation for local arts and music, Leona aims to create an inclusive and antiracist environment for all to feel a sense of belonging. Towards this, they bring six years of valuable experience from the public school setting, where they actively engaged in equity-based initiatives, including conference presentations and leadership in professional development programs. With such a community-centered background paired with the skills and perspectives gained from their teaching career, Leona brings an undeniably strong set of communication and engagement expertise to Classical KING that will surely translate to supporting arts and culture in the Seattle community.

So, as we welcome Leona Oliveros to the Classical KING team, let’s celebrate their passion for education, their love for the arts, and their dedication to making the world of classical music more inclusive and accessible. We’re looking forward to the wonderful journey we’ll embark on with Leona by our side, and we can’t wait for you to tune in and experience the magic they’ll bring to the air on Classical KING.