WACO, Texas — Rachel E. Pate is returning as host of Downtown Depot, KWBU’s monthly conversation show about the people, places and ideas shaping the greater Waco area.
With its focus on local economics, government, business, and civic life, Downtown Depot is where listeners can get beyond the headlines and into the conversations that affect daily life across the region. From local business development and entrepreneurship to public policy, municipal government, community investment, and the decisions that influence Waco’s future, the program creates space for informed, accessible discussion.
Known for her lively presence, thoughtful questions, and deep connection to the community, Pate helps guests unpack the issues and opportunities that matter to residents, business owners, nonprofit leaders, and local decision-makers.
“I’m excited to be back with Downtown Depot,” said Pate. “There is so much happening throughout our communities, and I’m looking forward to talking with the people who are helping shape what comes next.”
Pate is a community leader and advocate with a strong commitment to Central Texas. Through her work with the Cen-Tex African American Chamber of Commerce, she brings firsthand perspective on the entrepreneurs, organizations, and community leaders helping create a stronger and more connected regional economy. Downtown Depot will invite listeners into timely conversations about the region’s economy, government, businesses, and civic life—one thoughtful conversation at a time.
“Rachel has a great way of getting people to talk about what they’re doing and why it matters,” said KWBU Station Manager, Brodie Bashaw. “That’s a big part of what makes Downtown Depot work. The community has changed a lot since the program began, and we’re happy to have Rachel back to help us continue those conversations.”
KWBU thanks Kennisha Thornton for hosting Downtown Depot for the past six months while Pate stepped back from the program to focus on other civic and personal projects. Kennisha will be the host of a new show in partnership with Rogue Media, Beneath the Surface, beginning this fall on KWBU.
Downtown Depot airs the first Friday of each month on 103.3 KWBU.
About Rachel E. Pate
Rachel E. Pate is a Central Texas community leader and Interim Executive Director and CEO of the Cen-Tex African American Chamber of Commerce. Rachel is committed to advancing civic engagement, economic opportunity, entrepreneurship, and meaningful connections among the people and organizations serving the region.
About KWBU
103.3 KWBU is Waco and Central Texas’ public radio station, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, providing trusted news, thoughtful conversation, and distinctive cultural programming that informs, inspires, and connects the communities it serves. KWBU brings listeners local reporting alongside acclaimed national programming while creating a platform for Central Texas voices, stories, music, and ideas. Through broadcast, news, and community engagement, KWBU works to strengthen an informed and connected region.