Katilee Thomason

At 12 years old, Katilee Thomason got her first guitar. Since then, she's written and performed hundreds of songs that bring her closer to her faith and Chickasaw heritage. "I've had my guitar for over 20 years, and it's seen me through my happiest and my saddest hours," she says.

Katilee studied commercial music at the Academy of Contemporary Music at the University of Oklahoma. Today, Katilee brings her music to churches throughout her community, hoping to "share inspiration and hope and joy with audiences."

Not only is Katilee a 10th-generation Oklahoman, but she is also a proud Chickasaw. "I'm grateful for the identity that [being Chickasaw] has offered me in such a big world where it can be difficult to find your place," says Katilee.