If you’ve been to our events and stopped by our booth lately, you’ve no doubt met Hannah Hylen. A shining star in our Summer Marketing Internship, she signs up for everything and can’t wait to have a chat with you at our free summer events. Look for her constant smile and positivity and you’ll know why Hannah embodies the KCRW spirit!
Where did you grow up and do you have any siblings?
I was born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland. I spent a lot of my youth on the road with my mother and middle sister being homeschooled, or as my Mother liked to call it, “car-schooled.” (Fun fact: I’ve been to 45 states!) I have two older sisters, both of whom live on the East Coast.
What is your current occupation?
After spending two years working full-time as a nanny and dog walker, I’m now a full-time Santa Monica College student working part-time as a babysitter.
What is your fantasy occupation?
I want to create or work for an organization that uses music and communication to help youths deal with their inner struggles. I lost my father to cancer at the age of 12, and found it hard to talk about my struggles with my family, friends or a therapist. I didn’t start to open up or heal until I got involved with a music community, where I learned to talk about all of my struggles and ended up helping other people heal along the way. I’d love to turn that into a career someday.
When did you first discover KCRW?
I first listened to KCRW when I was nannying in Burbank a few years back because the child’s mom would leave the talk radio segments playing in their home. I became hooked this past fall when I first heard an episode of Morning Becomes Eclectic and was excited to hear a program that fit my musical taste as well.
How did you find your way to our station for volunteering?
I tried to get involved last fall, but since KCRW is so loved I had to wait until this summer to start volunteering by enrolling in their Summer Marketing Internship Program.
What’s your current volunteer position and how long have you been at it?
I am currently a Summer Marketing intern, and I have held this position since the beginning of June.
Favorite volunteer moment?
My favorite moments by far have been those spent interacting with KCRW listeners. Whether it’s explaining the summer happenings of KCRW at the KCRW summer events booth, helping callers at the front desk of the KCRW office or just gushing with listeners about the amazingness that is KCRW, I’ve enjoyed every minute!
If you could get on the mic and say one sentence on the air, what would it be?
“I’m your host, Hannah Hylen, and I’m ecstatic to welcome Coldplay into the studio for a live performance of their first album, Parachutes!”
(A girl can dream!)
What song have you hit repeat on lately?
I saw Sylvan Esso at an event sponsored by KCRW last month and have been listening to their self titled album on repeat ever since! I especially like their song H.S.K.T. Other songs I’m loving right now are The Griswolds’, “Beware the Dog,” Cold War Kids’, “All This Could Be Yours,” Alt-J’s, “Left Hand Free,” Pepa Knight’s, “Rahh!” and Yuna’s, “Rescue.”
Favorite book, movie?
My favorite books are The Perks of Being A Wallflower, The Alchemist and the Harry Potter series. My favorite movies are Elf, Stepmom, Catch Me If You Can, and The Shawshank Redemption.
Favorite thing to do outside the station (hobbies, recreation, etc.)?
I spend as much time as I can riding my bike around Santa Monica enjoying the endless sunshine. Besides that and enjoying music and going to concerts, I love cooking healthy meals, watching children’s movies with (or without) children, quoting the Office, and facetiming with my niece and sisters on the East Coast.
What does KCRW mean to you?
KCRW has become such an important part of my life in a short amount of time. I knew as soon as I stepped into the offices back in April to find out about the Summer Internship Program that KCRW could easily become a home away from home for me. Never have I entered an environment filled with so much kindness, humor and acceptance. Everyone I have had the pleasure of working with have been so welcoming and excited about life. KCRW is a place I always look forward to going to because I am always surrounded by awesome and wonderful people who are passionate about improving the world.
Hannah is a fantastic example of the amazing team we have out at our events around town this summer, so when you see her, say hi and give her a high-five! She’ll stamp your Summer Passport and tell you all about the rest of the fun happening this season. I checked the sign up sheets, and Hannah is on deck for a WHOPPING 8 events this month. Go Hannah!
