On November 19, young professionals across Knoxville got cozy at home, dressed in their best cocktail attire, to virtually attend the 8th Annual YPK Impact Awards and November General Membership Meeting.

The evening began with YPK President Britney Sink recognizing all of the accomplishments of YPK in 2020, despite facing adversity during the COVID-19 pandemic. From hosting Knoxville City Mayor Indya Kincannon via Zoom to adopting a road through Keep Knoxville Beautiful, the year was filled with firsts! Attendees also took a moment to celebrate our 2020 Leadership Certificate graduates, who spent six weeks with regional experts learning best leadership practices and ways to impact the community.

We then had the pleasure of honoring three young professionals based on their impact, philosophy, community involvement and overall leadership. Richelle Ballenger received the YPK Member of the Year award, and Deisha Finley and Nick Wilson received the Outstanding Young Professional awards.

Vrondelia "Ronni" Chandler was the evening’s Impact Award winner. She received the highest award of the night in honor of the impact she makes as Executive Director of Project GRAD Knoxville and, specifically, in the lives of young professionals.

Other big moments included voting in our 2021 Board of Directors and enjoying a speech from our Impact Award winner and keynote speaker, Ronni Chandler. Thank you to everyone who attended this event and to all of our members for a wonderful year. Watch the full event below!

2020 Impact Award Winner Keynote Speech