Michael Smith-Porter, Marketing Chair

A Memphis native, Michael Smith-Porter came to Knoxville in 2010 for college. He fell in love with the city and never left. Currently, Michael works as a project coordinator for the University of Tennessee. When he’s not at work, you can find him spending time with his loving partner, Jordan; playing with their energetic dog, Boots; and enjoying Knoxville’s many craft breweries.

What has been your favorite experience with YPK?

The 2018 Summer Party at Smokies Stadium. YPK had rented this really nice bus to drive everyone from Knoxville to the stadium and back. When we got there, we had a private porch to watch the game and a BBQ buffet.

Besides the awesome game and food – I really enjoyed that night because the bus ride allowed me to get to know folks I didn’t know before then (sitting close to someone on a bus for 30 minutes will do that to you).

Who or what inspires you?

Currently? Dr. Brené Brown – she's a research professor who has spent the past two decades studying courage, vulnerability, shame, and empathy. Her last book, Dare to Lead, inspired me to be more courageous at work and in life.

What I love most about her writing is she’s very down to earth and provides real, practical tips to practice courage, vulnerability, and empathy in everyday life.

What is your favorite quote and why?

“It’s the not the destination, it's the journey.” ― Ralph Waldo Emerson

Sometimes I find myself obsessing over the next big thing….the next job, next big trip, and on and on. When I think about that quote it reminds me to be grounded in the present.  

Stephanie Windsor Slosser, Marketing Co-Chair

Stephanie Windsor Slosser is an HR and Communication professional who currently works at RSI EnTech, LLC in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. She attended Central Michigan University and obtained a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in Marketing and a Master of Science in Administration focusing on Human Resources. She currently is a SHRM certified professional, a certified Strategic HRBP, and is a TN Achieves Mentor. In her spare time, she loves to travel, visit Disney, and loves to spend time with her husband, Sam, and her dog, Gus.

How do you think Young Professionals of Knoxville contributes to our community?

I think that Young Professionals of Knoxville contributes to our community by living by our motto of connecting, serving, and developing. We are always looking of ways to be valuable to our community by connecting with leaders that can help make positive changes within our community. We strengthen the community by serving on organizations that impact a wide range of individuals and causes within our community. We volunteer our time at organizations that have missions to make Knoxville a great place to live. We also work to develop our skills with professional development activities, so that when we are leading the organizations in our community we will be able to continue to shape Knoxville into a place everyone would be proud to live in.

Name 3 things on your bucket list

My bucket list consists mostly of traveling. I want to travel to Europe and experience England, France, Germany, Ireland, and Italy. I also have a bucket list of traveling and staying at every Disney Resort. I have already visited Disney World in Orlando, and Aulani in Hawaii. Lastly, I would eventually like to be a “snowbird” and have a lake house in Michigan during the summers.

What are you passionate about?

I am really passionate about education and continuous learning. I believe that formal learning, technical programs, training programs, and continuous learning are pivotal to a thriving community. I feel that a lot of issues could be solved if we strengthened our education programs and gave more access to education to all individuals.