Kathryn Cloward, known professionally as Kathryn the Grape®, is a #1 bestselling author, award-winning songwriter, children's entertainer, educator, media executive, entrepreneur, and Certified Social-Emotional Character Development Instructor. In 2025, she was honored as Children's Music Artist of the Year at the Josie Music Awards in Nashville and is a Voting Member of the Recording Academy and multi-time GRAMMY®-balloted artist.
Kathryn's career has been guided by a lifelong commitment to leading by example through service, entrepreneurship, education, and the arts. Her leadership and mentorship have been recognized with honors including the 79th District Woman of Distinction Arts Award, the San Diego East County Chamber of Commerce Women in Leadership Award, and the Women Changing the World Inspirational Woman Award.
In 2010, Kathryn founded Kandon Unlimited, Inc., an independent media production and publishing company dedicated to creating, owning, and distributing original content with complete creative integrity. He work expanded into music with the label launch of Kandon Music in 2015 and SELebrating Music™ in 2026, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to advancing youth success through music, art, storytelling, social-emotional learning, character development, and shared experiences that help children and families thrive.
Through her heart-centered Kathryn the Grape® books, songs, videos, and live performances, Kathryn creates joyful learning experiences that help youth build confidence, understand emotions, strengthen relationships, and make kind, responsible choices that support lifelong well-being.
Committed to bridging education with creative media, Kathryn served as a credentialed classroom teacher in 2022 and 2023 with San Diego Unified School District. This experience strengthened her expertise in student engagement, inclusive education, autism support, and the practical application of social-emotional learning in today's classrooms.
Kathryn is currently pursuing a Master's in Education with dual certification in Social-Emotional Learning and Autism, further expanding her research-informed practice while developing innovative educational resources that empower youth, families, educators, and communities.
Kathryn has generously donated her time, creative expertise, and resources to writing and producing mission-driven books and music supporting individuals and organizations, including Rady Children's Hospital Auxiliary, The National MPS Society, and SAY San Diego. She has also helped individuals bring their meaningful stories and missions to life, including writing and producing the Have Hope music album for Michelle Hopkins in support of rare disease awareness, and writing and publishing the memoir of San Diego's beloved Father Joe Carroll (1941–2021), Father Joe: Life Stories of a Hustler Priest, along with the companion children's book and song, Father Joe's Six Golden Seeds.
Today, Kathryn continues to unite entertainment, education, and purpose through a shared mission of advancing youth success by helping children build confidence, character, emotional well-being, and healthy relationships that strengthen families, communities, and the future.
