Hosted by Danaé Reid & Kala J, this show is an informative and entertaining take on current events, music, bridging generational gaps, health & wellness from a millennial's point of view. Each show will recap the top news stories of the day and spotlight ways to improve our LivelyHood. Our hosts will serve us with upbeat energy and youthful perspectives on everything from pop culture to politics, music to mental […]
Kala J. West has dedicated more than a decade of her career to curating the soundtrack of life for broadcast listeners and viewers. As producer and host at Philadelphia’s only Black-owned and operated radio station, West is beloved by loyal listeners for her ability to effortlessly infuse ministry, music, and motivation into the airwaves. Inspired by volunteer work for her church’s AV ministry, West launched a career at George Mason University as a student majoring in Media Production & Criticism and minoring in film and media studies. During her time at the university, West served as the first Black technical director for Mason Cable Network and a founding member of Mason Cable Sports. Upon graduating with a B.A. in Communications, West went on to produce live broadcasts for the University of Pennsylvania athletics and was a podcast host at Temple University’s WRTI Radio. She continued to expand her skill set by taking classes through the Poynter Institute of Journalism and eventually launched KJ Media, a multi-media production and consulting business with a clientele that includes Uniquely You Summit, Inc. (a national nonprofit) and Celebrating Sisterhood LLC; and diverse projects that span political campaigns, documentaries, and stageplays.
Her work at WURD and KJ Media has yielded an honoring for her impact. She is a recipient of The Lenfest Next Generation Fund (2020) and has been recognized by Funtimes Magazine as one of 30 Under 30 people to watch (2017). A staunch believer in service to humanity, West volunteers at Cradles to Crayons, supports Rock the Arts and Children Mental Health Awareness, and is the 2015 recipient of a citation from Senator Art Haywood for her community work.
West is a consummate professional whose creativity, drive, and tenacity are rooted in faith. She accepted the call to ministry in October 2019 and became licensed as a missionary in the Church of God in Christ. West is active locally, regionally, and nationally. She serves as the Youth department Coordinator at The Light Church; Assistant Chairlady in the Youth Department for the Koinonia of Pennsylvania Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction; as well as a Youth Advisory Council member for the Church of God in Christ, and social media manager for the International Youth Department.
In both her professional and personal life, West seeks to inspire others–especially youth in her hometown of Philadelphia, PA–to lean into the essence of her favorite scripture, Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
It is because of the belief that one can do all things with faith and fortitude, that West’s life mantra has also become her truth: “Veni Vidi Vici”. I came, I saw, I conquered.
