Koko reigns as Columbia's most experienced and well known full-time female Radio Announcer and has rightfully earned the title, "Middays 1st Lady." Take one listen and the first thing you'll notice is the warmth and smile in her voice. Making a person's day brighter has always been an important goal of this dynamic Radio Personality.
An Army Brat and Mid-Atlantic native, Koko always loved the microphone. At an early age, she gave her life to the Lord and began singing and playing the piano. While in high school, she excelled in music and the arts and was voted "Most Talented Senior Girl."
It was also in high school that she developed an interest in radio. It was then that she began learning the ropes at the local radio station.
In college, Koko studied TV/Radio Broadcasting and Drama, but an internship at a radio station
is what made her decide that radio would be her lifetime career! Koko later earned a B.S. in Business Management while gaining experience working at a TV and radio station. She quickly became the first known female Morning Drive Announcer in Florence, and Washington D.C. with her signature Radio Soap Opera, "Billy Dee and Koko," and her daily exercise program, "The 15 Minute Morning Workout," and "Koko's Classic Quickie."
Since her humble beginnings, Koko has reached out to hundreds of thousands in almost every format . When asked why she chose to do Classic Rock in her career she said, "First of all, I saw a challenge with Classic Rock. It's the only format I've ever done where you don't use music underneath your voice when you talk. I wanted to master that technique. Secondly, I feel that it's one thing to just have a job at a radio station, but it's another thing to be able to appreciate other genres and be able to relate with different cultures, and that's what I do best."
Koko takes to the airwaves weekdays from 10am -3pm on Fox 102 where she serves a "5 Star Menu of Classic Rock on Koko's Kafe'. She also wears the hat of Public Affairs Director, and Producer/Host and Creator of the Public Affairs Talk Show, "Fox Focus". "I have become a much better person because of it", she says. She has been so inspired by some of her guests that after an interview with a student exchange program, Koko hosted a student from Germany. She formed a team to walk in the American Lung Association Asthma Walk after promoting their event, and "served time" for the March of Dimes...but her most talked about endeavor would probably be the time when she was entombed in a 5,000 lb block of ice for 2 days with no food, no water and no bathroom to benefit Fighting Back of Columbia!
Koko's accomplishments include receiving a Proclamation by Mayor Bob Coble for her work with Fighting Back of Columbia, served on the Board of Directors for the American Lung Association, named Top Corporate Fundraising Team in the ALA Asthma Walk 2002-2005, and received The Award of Merit for Radio Personality of the Year by the South Carolina Broadcasters Association.
At present, she spends much of her time lending support to organizations such as: HOGWYLD, Children's Chance, The South Carolina State Museum, The Cayce-West Columbia Jaycees and more.
She is also active in her church as Minister of Music, where she plays and directs four choirs, and Praise Dance Director. In her spare time she enjoys being with her family, walking, swimming, playing golf, rafting, crocheting, singing, and playing keyboard.
Her current goal is twofold: to help those with disabilities primarily under the age of 65, and to partner with other non-profit agencies who do the same. This website will serve as a tool to do that. She says , " There are numerous disability programs funded by the government, but for those under the age of 65, the process can be long and tedious. I want to raise awareness to this problem and help the many people who struggle to make ends meet." A portion of the proceeds from this website will benefit those with disabilities, and you can help by purchasing products from this site while you enjoy the kontests and games! Thanks SO much for stopping by!
Pic of the Week!
Enter your photo and include your name and a brief picture description for a chance to have it featured in the Kafe' Calendar ! Check back every, Thursday for the photo of the week!
E-mail pic to photokontest@kokoskafe.comAll pics must be original and you must give consent to have the photo printed.
