2021 Youth Intern Cohort Bios2021-08-04T12:48:55-05:00

2021 KRSM Summer Intern Bios

Michel.Be

KRSM Youth Media Manager – Pillsbury United Communities + KRSM Radio
michelleb@pillsburyunited.org

Raised in South Minneapolis, Michel.Be was a long term participant of Pillsbury House + Theatre youth programs. After studying psychology, art therapy and Spanish at Pennsylvania State University, Michel returned to the Twin Cities to focus on making an impact in youth arts programming.

Michel.Be specializes in youth arts development and special education. Having worked in over a dozen day programs and schools in the Twin Cities, Michel has facilitated youth training, classes and workshops with Upstream Arts, AchieveMpls, Penumbra Theatre Summer Institute, Urban Arts Academy, and Youth Environmental Activists (YEA!).

Michel.Be is currently the Youth Media Manager for KRSM Radio and Pillsbury United Communities, developing curriculum and youth led projects focusing on broadcast journalism, media justice and community based narrative.

Michel.Be is also a professional DJ and producer, performing locally and internationally, creating inclusive and revolutionary dance spaces for Black, Indigenous, People of Color, and LGBTQIA+ communities.

Michel.Be

Katie Johns (KJ)

Internship Cohort Co-Leader

Katie “KJ” Johns (Bad River Ojibwe) is a 2015 graduate from St. Olaf College, where they double majored in Theater and Political Science. KJ is passionate about using theater as a tool for community building and social change. Originally from the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, they moved to Minneapolis after college, and currently lives in South Minneapolis. KJ works with Minneapolis Community Education as a youth program coordinator at FAIR High School.

KJ loves working with young people. They’re also a stage manager in the Twin Cities, who has worked with The Guthrie Theater, History Theatre, and Turtle Theater Collective. In the evenings, you can find KJ hosting trivia at various sites around the Twin Cities or trying new restaurants with their friends. In their free time, they love laying around on the couch watching TV with their two cats, James and Lily, loves crafting various things, like embroidery pieces of Simpsons and Bob’s Burgers characters and beaded earrings, and enjoys having wildly random conversations with friends.

Shane K/M “Midnight Samurai”

On-Air Host

My name is Shane Kretz. I am 20 years old, and I was born and raised on the Southside of Minneapolis. I am Black American. I live in the Central neighborhood. I graduated from Edina High School in 2019. In my free time, I enjoy creating music and performing. I love to dance, sing, write, act and play the piano.

I’m still creating and manifesting my empire as an entertainer and orator. Throughout my work, I’ve explored topics of self help and self care, nature, and explored passions. Some of the topics that interest me are music and fiction stories. I enjoy watching stories with a substantial message. Something interesting and special about me is that I can adapt and pick up new skills quickly, especially when it comes to physical activities such as dancing, sports, fitness, and music.

My aspirations are to be a pillar of optimism for those who need guidance and wisdom. I also aspire to become an entertainer and performer. Some of my accomplishments include: performing at the state fair talent contest, starring in a commercial, becoming an artist, and following my passions.

In 5 years, I see myself as a performer. Whether that be acting and/or being a known artist. starring in big projects or creating good music. In 10 years, I see myself continuing that grind, but also having a family of my own.

Shane K/M “Midnight Samurai”
Clairrail

Clairrail

On-Air Host

I honestly don’t know how to describe myself anymore, still just working to figure out what type of person I want to be. But what I can tell you from what I gathered is that being raised by a narcissistic single mother, I tend to overshare… a lot. Wanna hear my big 3?!?
Aries Sun – Gemini moon – Scorpio Rising

Solie

On-Air Host

My name is Soledad but I go by Solie. I am 14 years old, I live in the Powderhorn neighborhood in South Minneapolis and I will be attending Saint Paul Conservatory for Performing Artists in the fall. In school, I enjoy Science and Drama classes. I’d say that I’m a generally chill person who enjoys talking to new people. This year, I’ve been interested in the George Floyd Protests because they were close to where I live.

Solie

Serenity

On-Air Host

I’m a young hmong woman, I live in Brooklyn Center and I will be a freshman at Brooklyn Center Highschool in the fall. I enjoy gaming and shopping during my free-time. I am interested in how teens my age try to be a good role model or be a good example for those who are younger than them.

I’ve participated in hmong events such as fashion shows and dances. I want to be a good role model for my younger siblings and younger relatives by being a ‘straight A’ student throughout highschool. I also want to become a hairstylist in the future.

In 10 years,
I want to see myself standing proud with the rest of my family.
I want to see my parents standing next to me, proud of me working hard at such a young age to be successful and stable in life.
I see myself being happy with my friends and being a better person.
I see myself being more open to others and teaching others how to be mentally flexible.

Nina

On-Air Host

My name is Nina and I am Vietnamese American, born and raised in Minneapolis. I’m going to be attending South high school and I’m super excited to make new friends. Some things I like are watching crime shows like Criminal Minds, watching Studio Ghibli movies and reading. One of my favorite books is The Travelling Cat Chronicles and I recommend that book so much! My favorite Ghibli movie is probably Spirited Away. Roller coasters and things that get my adrenaline pumping like ghosts and haunted houses are also some of my favorite things. Some of my hobbies include watching people play valorant, going to the thrift store, thinking about the future, and making lists.

I am really proud of getting awards from every single core academic class in 8th grade at my graduation ceremony. Something interesting about me is that when I was born, I immediately grabbed a pair of scissors and swung them around. My cousin says I’m really good with cutting straight lines so I guess I was born to be a good paper cutter. One of my biggest aspirations is to become a veterinarian, or have some type of career involving science and being hands-on. Another dream of mine is to just get into a good college and buy a bike!

Michael

Michael

On-Air Host

I currently live in NE Minneapolis, on a pretty chill street with some pretty chill neighbors. There are many things I am passionate about, but in a nutshell, I would say Technology, the World, Society and Religion. These topics make me the person I am today. Something I want to aspire to in the future is to finish school, have a good part-time job and go to college. The things that I want to study are AutoMechanics, Electronics, Theology or Computer Technology.

During my free time, you’ll either catch me off guard with a Nintendo Switch, using my iPhone, shopping online (for stuff I don’t need)or being a silly goose.

Max J.

On-Air Host

My name is Max, I live in Minneapolis and I am currently a junior in high school. I am Hmong and White. In my freetime I like to find something productive to do. I’m interested in a variety of topics because life is very interesting. In my episodes I’ve talked about basketball, music, movies, generations, etc. In 5 years, I hope to be making money doing something I enjoy like being a professional sportscaster.

Max J.

Chris

DJ

My name is Chris, I am 20 years old and I graduated from high school in Eagan, MN. In my free time, I like to be outside and go for bike rides. I love enjoying nature and hearing the birds chirping. I love listening to music a lot and it helps me calm down when I’m not in the best mood. Music is also part of who I am.

Daeliyah aka DJ Unesyde

DJ

I was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota. I live in South Minneapolis and I attend Bloomington Kennedy High School. My nationality is American I am of Black and Latina descent. My interests include fashion and clothing. Music is a really passionate pursuit of mine when it comes to song writing and executing the lyrics I come up with (currently I’d like to make my own instrumentals too).

This past year, I saw and was a part of my very first protest which started at the Capital and ventured on the highway during the pandemic, a pandemic that consisted of the tragic murder of George Floyd. I felt very empowered with everyone coming together, shouting and demanding peace on young and all Black lives.

Daeliyah aka DJ Unesyde

Eric

DJ

My name is Eric. I’m the second oldest out of 4. I’m 16 years old and I will be a Junior at South High in the fall. I am Mexican American. My parents were born in Mexico and I was born in the U.S. During my free time, I like to play videogames with my friends, listen to music and read books. Something interesting about me is that in 8th grade, I won the “Math Student of the Year”.

I am passionate about Imagration because I think people should have the right to move or go wherever they want, even if they weren’t born there.

In 5 years, I see myself being a chef.
In 10 years, I see myself owning a restaurant where I would give out the leftovers to homeless people.

Makayla aka DJ Sir.Lee

DJ

I attend Brooklyn center high school. I live around the Minnehaha Falls area.I am a very bright and creative person. I feel like I can do anything I can put my mind to with motivation. I am part of the spiritual community because I feel like there is more to life than basic thoughts. My hobbies are art and gaming.

Something that I am passionate about is my art work. I really want my art to get noticed and be spread out for the world to see. In the next 5 years, I aspire to become popular and successful in my art career.

Makayla aka DJ Sir.Lee
Sherli aka DJ KVA

Sherli aka DJ KVA

DJ

I attend Hiawatha Collegiate High School. I live around Lake Street in South Minneapolis.
I would describe myself as passionate, outgoing, quiet, and open-minded. I’m a part of the Latinx community, my parents are from Ecuador. I love Korean R&B and K-Pop, also R&B Hip-Hop and Rap. I love to play video games. Recently. I’m a Leo. I like to spend my time mostly on TikTok but not making them.

I’m really passionate about cosmetology. I intend to pursue that as my career. I aspire to be someone my siblings can look up to and be looked at as a good example.

Max Y aka DJ Max

DJ

Punk rock lightning bolt from South Mpls. I go to Washburn high school.
Some of my favorite things are guitars, records, synthesizers, plants, drawing, animating, video feedback, poetry, sci fi, & sweaters.
I am in an extremely cool band called Frank & the Rats.
I have no idea what exactly I am going to do in the future but I hope to be able to make a difference in the world through art!

Max Y aka DJ Max

Max F. aka Mac and Cheesy

DJ

I go to Fair Highschool and I live in Hennepin county. I am passionate about art and people. In the future I wish that I can live happily. I love doing things for myself and others so, I wish that I can work for myself and be with the people I love.

Gabe

DJ

I live in the Powderhorn Neighborhood and I attend South Highschool. I am really passionate about video games. In 5 years, I want to be a bike mechanic or have a profession where I can do mechanical work.

Calynn

DJ

My name is Calynn or just Kei. I am currently attending South Highschool and I live in the Minnehaha neighborhood. I am passionate about exploring the world around me and being creative in different ways. In the future I hope to travel the world. I hope to be an exchange student in college so that I can travel abroad and study music.

Aanis

DJ

I currently go to Metro Schools College Prep.
I live in the Portland Franklin neighborhood.
I am 15 years old and I am Somali.
I like to play games or sleep in my free time.

Shontia "Tia"

Shontia “Tia”

DJ

I love music. I am very creative. I love to eat Mexican food or any food, and always dipped in fashion. I am an Aquarius which is a water sign, and I also love making music and writing music as well. I live in the Phillips neighborhood and I go to South Highschool.

Sanoya

DJ

I live in the Uptown Neighborhood and I will be attending South Highschool. I am very fun to be around, I have a lot of friends, I love to have fun, I love music and I love animals.

Sanoya
Nasrudiin

Nasrudiin

Content Creator

I am Nasrudiin. I am 15 years old. I was born in Africa and I grew up in Minnesota. I like traveling, and I enjoy playing and watching sports. When I grow up, I want to be a CEO and hopefully own my own company.

Nyah

Content Creator

I go to Hopkins Highschool and I live in Heritage Park. My passion is to inspire others. In the next 5 years I want to be a songwriter, journalist or an entrepreneur.

My passion is to inspire others by doing and find what I love to do most. I enjoy singing, drawing, cooking,dancing, writing,and playing sports. I like these things because it helps me be at peace. I don’t know what my passion is yet but I know someday when I find it , it will be great.

Aliya

Aliya

Content Creator

I’m Aliya, I was born and raised in South Minneapolis and I am fifteen years old. I live in the Phillips Neighborhood. I really enjoy playing basketball and video games. I also watch a lot of anime and love talking about my favorite characters. I enjoy reading fantasy/sci-fi but I would love to hear some recommendations from other genres. I am also interested in social justice, governments and war.

I aspire to be stress free in the future.

Jennifer

Content Creator

I am from Minneapolis, Minnesota. I’m Hispanic and live in the Corcoran Neighborhood. Some of my Interests are psychology, painting, reading or listening to music while dancing. My favorite genres of music are R&B, Latin Pop and Rap. I love fictional romance/drama based books! I’m into social justice and religion, and I am catholic.

Throughout my work, I got the chance to explore and be more educated on MMIW (Missing Murder Indigenous Women) and write about my interests. I am very passionate about my future and I aspire to complete everything I put my mind to.

I would describe my articles as a perspective of an actual teen. I also believe my work can have relatable thoughts mixed in with the topic and can catch attention from other youth.

Jennifer
Chimual

Chimual

Content Creator

I write stories.
My name is Chimual, I’m at the age of 15 and am currently in high school. I like art and literature just in general, that’s why I write.
One of my gig goals for the future is to go to a University.
Five years from now, I would have probably started my own life in college.

I would describe my work as:
Occasional thoughts.
Plots or concepts I feel like can influence many others, and not just me.
Things I like.
Stories I read up on or things I’ve experienced personally before.
Dreams or ideas that I form.

Ruweyda

Content Creator

I’m ruweyda. I go to St. Louis Park High School. I live in the Phillips community. I am Somali. Both my parents are from Somalia and immigrated here. I like to watch movies, read books and play basketball in my free time.

Some topics I’ve explored in my work are Palestine and the stuff that is happening there. I have also covered Police Brutality and Affordable housing. Some topics I am interested in that aren’t what I wrote about are law and the criminal justice system specifically regarding people that have been wrongly accused.

Some goals I have for the future are to hopefully have my own business and go to law school. In 5 years I see myself in New York going to University.

Aisha

Content Creator

I am going to be a Sophomore at St. Louis Park High School. My cultural background is Somali. I like to play games, watch youtube, or read even though I haven’t been reading much this summer.

I explore more detective suggested topics and my favorite topics to explore are unsolved cases, and then I try to solve them. Some unsolved cases from back in the day made me confused about society because the answer was there multiple times but people ignored it. I’m not a very interesting person.

In 5 years, I see myself in college studying to be something that makes a lot of money.
In 10 years,I see myself travelling the world with my spouse.

Emmett

Content Creator

My name is Emmett. I go to Fair Highschool and I’m going to be a Senior this year. I live in Windom Park in Northeast Minneapolis. I’m a Transgender/Queer person in a small family of other Queer folks. Some are blood and some are chosen family, but we are all family just the same. I love to read, play video games, and do creative projects. My favorite video game series is “The Legend of Zelda”.

I’ve explored lots of topics in my work, ranging from social movements, to tips, to just my own opinion on certain topics. I’m interested in so many topics I swear there is something new every week. I love learning about new things.

Emmett

Betelehem “Bettie”

Photojournalist

I will attend South High School in the fall.
I live in the Powderhorn neighborhood
I am passionate about soccer and rescue animals.
I aspire to graduate from high school and explore something new afterwards.

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