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Media & Appearances

Where I've shown up — in conversation, on stage, and in front of a microphone. A working archive of the interviews that matter.

Featured Appearance

"I take nothing and make it into something."

On All My Friends Are Dope with Erik “Kalligraphy” Wilson · Converge Media / Black Media Matters

Katoya sat down with her best friend Erik “Kalligraphy” Wilson, co-founder of Converge Media, for a long-form conversation — the kind you only get after a decade of showing up for each other. From growing up in Louisiana, to moving to the Muckleshoot Indian Reservation at 8, to founding ToyBox Consulting — this is the wide-frame version of the story.

They cover: what she actually does as a fractional COO ("I take nothing and make it into something"), why she calls herself a composer of experiences, the corporate harm that pushed her toward mindfulness, the moment she stopped letting other people set her goals, Cameron heading to UW, and the difference between a shell and a butterfly's wings.

Also: the Golden Hour event announcement, the Gucci Mane book recommendation that surprised no one, and one piece of free game — stay sucker free.

1h 23m 2026 Converge Media Interview
From the conversation

Moments worth re-hearing.

I take nothing and make it into something.

On what she does — ~15:20

I'm a composer. Being able to understand what is the rhythm, what is the note, what is the tempo — and put it together.

On her artistry — ~20:20

What I am really good at is helping other folks figure out what's missing.

On the work — ~57:22

Stay sucker free. Make sure you have the right audience for telling your dream and your story to.

Free game — ~1:11:46
The archive

More appearances.

Panels, keynotes and podcasts, added here as they happen.

Katoya hugging Erik “Kalligraphy” Wilson on the Converge Media set
Photo: Converge Media
Converge Media · 2026

The Day With Trae

Where I announced the BELOVED campaign, live on the Converge set.

Voices of Bellevue speakers, September 19, 2026: Sujata Agrawal and Katoya R. Palmer; Katoya with Robin Root James and Susan of SPLASHForward; Grace Wong and Jully Kiama; Miwa Leick; Kavya Sarat; Mayor Mo Malakoutian
Experience Bellevue · September 19, 2026

Voices of Bellevue

I told my story on the Voices of Bellevue stage at Bellevue City Hall, alongside Grace Wong, Jully Kiama, Miwa Leick, Kavya Sarat and Mayor Mo Malakoutian. Video coming soon.

Podcast

In Real Time with Katoya Palmer

My podcast. Mindfulness in the Middle and my other series run as segments of the show.

Listen on Apple Podcasts →
Washington State Nonprofit Conference 2026

Beyond Compliance Theater

A peer-selected, 45-minute interactive session on building accountability systems that strengthen performance instead of just monitoring it. For EDs, boards and senior leaders.

Watch the full session on ToyBox →
Speaking & media

Book Katoya

For podcasts, panels, keynotes and interviews on nonprofit operations, building infrastructure for mission-driven work, food, and staying whole in the middle.

Send a speaking inquiry Book a 30-minute call katoya@toyboxconsulting.net