10 Questions with ... Kimberly 'Kimmie' Marquez

1. What got you into radio?

My love for people, music, and pop-culture. I first got into radio, at 18 years old, through a local internship in Fresno at KBOS. I was there for a year. I spent the next year at KSEQ where I became the morning show producer and then midday show host.

2. What did you dream of becoming when you were a kid?

I always wanted to be an actress or something to do in media and entertainment industry. I remember I used to always "host" family parties. My mom would bring out the retro VHS camcorder and I'd stand in front of it with a hair brush as my microphone and pretend to be "live" and would just get carried away reporting on what was happening in the moment. It was awesome!

3. What aspects of your radio game would you like to improve?

I think interviews. I'm always trying my best to provide great content to my listeners. Always making sure they get the best seats in everything, and I think improving my interviewing skills when it comes to special guests, will only make the ride that much better. There's always room for creativity.

4. What do you think are your strengths as an air personality and team member at Q97.1?

My positive energy, competitiveness, teamwork, creative mind, producing skills, woman's perspective (as the only woman at Q97.1) and hungry for growth.

5. What's the best part of being on air in the place you grew up and went to college?

The connection I have with the people of the Central Valley from all age groups. The best part is that I can confidently talk about the places I have visited, the people, and culture and make myself extremely relatable to others. My passion for youth leadership in the Valley. I love using my platform to share my story and encourage those who might've grown up in the same hood as I did, to go after their dreams! Anything and everything is possible if they set their minds to it. If little Fresno native Kimmie could do it, so can they. Hard work and determination will get them here or even higher. Never give up!

6. You've been involved in pageants and in modeling. What role do/did they play in preparing you for radio or vice versa?

I got into pageants nearly three years after already being on the radio. I think as a young professional in the radio industry, I have all of the confidence I need to be in front of judges during a one-on-one interview and not feel nervous or intimidated. I love being on stage and in front of a crowd. Competing in pageants requires working the stage. So, I just absolutely enjoy myself every time!

7. If you weren't in radio, what do you think you'd be doing professionally?

I love kids so much, so I think I would have been like an elementary school teacher or something that involves working with kids. They are the best.

8. What do you like to do in spare time you have?

I like to catch up with my friends and have some family bonding time, go to the movies, or just simply relax. I do so much every day that sometimes all I want to do is just be home and do nothing.

9. If you could be on any TV reality show or game show, which would you want to be on?

Keeping Up With The Kardashians. Say what you want to about them, love them or hate them, they live their best life. Their life is literally an everyday vacation! Getting glammed up for special galas/events, traveling to exotic places, making special appearances, etc. Who wouldn't want their dream job to be THAT? A vacation. Think about it!

10. What's your impression of the TV show, The Bachelorette?

I like to imagine being myself in the girl's shoes, and in my humble opinion, I just don't think a woman should have that type of pressure in trying to find their prince charming (same goes for men). It's crazy to me thinking that I'm going to find who I want to spend the rest of my life with by only meeting and knowing a guy through a short period of time. I'd also personally feel bad having to say, "Sorry guys. You guys weren't good enough for me because I'm choosing him over you all." I mean, pretty much. It would be way too much pressure for me. I still like watching it though, haha!

If you had to eat one type of meal every day for a month, what would it be?

Italian! I love pastas. Raviolis are my favorite!

In 5 years, I see myself ___?

I see myself with a business of my own, having filmed a few movies as a professional actress, still in the entertainment industry, and getting ready for retirement. Well, it's always nice to dream, right?!