Hello
WPFW FM Members, Programmers, Engineers, Staff and Volunteers
My name is Michelle Thomas; I am a candidate for the office of WPFW – FM LSB Vice Chair seeking your vote in the 2027 Pacifica Local Station Election.
I began listening to WPFW – FM when I moved to the District of Columbia in 1994. I recognized in 2025 that I am a Super Listener of WPFW – FM and other radio station programs.
We Need More Than Ever a Strong Public Radio Station Rooted in Community
Let me introduce myself and share my qualifications to perform in the role of LSB Vice Chair in 2027. I received an excellent education in NYC Public Schools and from my direct participation in social movements during the mid 1960’s – late 1980’s. In college I produced and hosted a Jazz + Soul Radio Program, on WVKW. I worked four years as a Science Researcher before attending medical school. I remained active in many organizations and campaigns against Police Brutality, in opposition to War, in promotion of Human Rights, in support of Anti Colonial Struggles and chronicled Healthcare Disparities in the African American Community during the11 years of medical training.
I worked as a Trauma Surgeon at DC General Hospital until it closed. I worked at Hadley Hospital as a Critical Care MD, I had private practice in Prince Georges County MD. I am past President of PG Society of Health Professionals (NMA), we raise significant annual funds for the Dr. Henry Wise Scholarship. I have been a Health Information Resource for the cable television CTV- MD, produced and hosted a 30-minute TV program “Health Access”.
In 2025 I realized that my WPFW membership required more than a larger monetary donation. Hence, I began to attend WPFW sponsored community events, the 5K Run-Walk, 2025 Home Rule Music Festival, Mid Atlantic Jazz Festival, Community Town Hall Meetings. I wanted to understand the relation of community to the radio station. I must state there is not enough Community in Public Radio and not enough Radio in Community. There are human and digital solutions to improve community WPFW relations. WPFW has increased membership, but too many folks see themselves as donors. We must solve this problem if we want to be relevant.
I thought it important to understand the strategic plan of WPFW leadership, the mechanics of the LSB so that I could “dovetail” my help. In the past 6 months I have attended all public LSB, Finance, and two Outreach Committee meetings. I will attend the next public Programmer’s Committee meeting.
Great News! WPFW Financials are Solid and LSB has Dedicated Members. When Community comment opened some of my suggestions were received with enthusiasm.
In June 2026 I was eligible for election to the current LSB and I have won election. As Current LSB Member I Work for Community via WPFW- FM DC, MD and VA
Communication, Collaboration, Next Generation Leadership Recruitment Starts Today!
Vote Michelle Thomas 2027 WPFW LSB-Vice Chair
Thanks