The Young Professionals of Knoxville (YPK) is proud to announce the finalists for the 11th Annual Impact Awards. This signature event has honored local businesses, organizations, and individuals who impact young professionals at work or in the community for more than 10 years. The finalists will be honored and winners announced at the awards ceremony on October 27, 2023.

Event Details

Date: October 27th, 2023

Time: 6:30 pm - 9:00 pm

Venue: The Press Room, 730 N Broadway, Knoxville, TN 37917

“As we mark the 11th year of these awards, we continue our tradition of recognizing outstanding individuals who are making significant contributions in their respective industries, showing leadership in community service, and driving the future of Knoxville,” says Grace Bennett, YPK President. “These awards aren't just about celebrating personal achievements; they're a testament to the rising tide of innovation and excellence that the younger generation is bringing to our city.”

The Impact Awards celebrate the achievements of finalists in eight categories: Outstanding Young Professional, Connect - Individual, Connect - Organization, Develop - Individual, Develop - Organization, Serve - Individual, Serve - Organization, and The Impact Award. Among the finalists are outstanding young professionals, community organizations, business leaders, and esteemed professionals.

The community is invited to join the celebration, honor those making a difference in our community, network with local leaders, and support YPK’s mission to inspire young professionals on October 27, 2023.

Cast YOur Vote Here

Voting is open to current YPK members and will require you to log in using the email associated with your membership. Voting closes October 4, 2023.

Let’s Meet the 2023 Finalists

The Impact Award

The ceremony’s highest prestige, The Impact Award, is provided to an experienced leader whose daily influence challenges young professionals and who casts a vision for our community. This individual is a trailblazer that fosters growth for future leaders and has been a major reason why the strength of Knoxville’s community continues to grow.

MEDIC’s work around diverse donor recruiting is very important, and Kristy has been blessed to be part of that work. She has been able to learn so much in the last two years about Sickle Cell Disease and the need for ongoing African American blood donors. Kristy’s been fortunate to speak with many community members who have benefited from blood transfusions, and whose lives are changed by their work. Additionally, there are many patients in East TN who have special antigens in their blood that must be matched by donors. MEDIC has a reference lab that works specifically to find those antigens, and Kristy is proud to tell the story of MEDIC and the need for blood across our region.
With the help of the team, Kristy was able to earn grant funds for MEDIC to expand its diverse donor recruiting, and is proud to say that they just completed a video that will be key in that effort. They’ll also be helping MEDIC board member James Harrison as he spends the next year raising awareness about blood donation through his training for a spring half marathon. Kristy is honored to be part of MEDIC and the overall contributions they make to the region. They are a vital resource providing lifesaving red blood cells, plasma, and platelets to patients in need. Within the industry, she serves on the ADRP advisory board with other blood bankers from across the country and around the world. ADRP is an association for blood banking professionals providing guidance on new protocols and education to industry leaders. She also serves on the communications committee for America’s Blood Centers and participate in various other industry meetings and conferences.
Most of her career has been spent in the nonprofit sector. That professional work often leads her to work with other nonprofits in the community. She’s spent many years volunteering in the community with the Community Health Council, United Way of Greater Knoxville, Leadership Knoxville, and various roles with Rocky Hill Elementary School PTO and Foundation boards (current foundation board president). She is currently the president of the Muse Knoxville board of directors and is so proud of the work completed within that organization to diversify their workforce and create a space that is available for all to play. She’s also currently in the Chancellor’s Associates program at the University of Tennessee and is part of the 2024 class of Leadership Blount. She’s a graduate of Leadership Knoxville (2013), and East TN Regional Leadership Association (2018). Kristy has been a previous mentor for TN Promise (was an original mentor with knoxAchieves) and mentor a young professional now that we met through a mutual acquaintance.
Kristy is married with two boys and spends her evenings coaching elementary and middle school cross country in the fall, and track in the spring. Additionally, when there is time, she helps with strength training and yoga for West High School cross country runners. Her motto is always, “if I am not helping then I am hindering.”
She has a great love for our community, and is proud to live, work, and play in Knoxville, TN.
As the Director of Maker Initiatives at the Maker City, Courtney brings not only creativity and a willingness to dive in, but she also brings tactical experience in terms of literal productions, events, and management of people and processes in a way that Knoxville is lucky to have. Her skill allows KEC and Maker City to set a strategic vision that is two, five, or ten years in the future and put a permanent stamp on our city.
Courtney is a versatile marketing and design veteran with extensive leadership and event planning experience. For more than ten years, she has brought her wide-ranging expertise to a variety of creative businesses, both supporting their initiatives with her own skill set and encouraging the growth and creativity of each person she works with. Her experience includes Art Director at Design Sensory; Creative Director at Best Behavior Creative Club; and most recently in-house Brand Manager at Blackberry Farm, where her responsibilities included overall brand strategy, art direction, content creation, outside partnerships, social media management, employee development, photo/video styling and production, and e-commerce communications.
She has served as Programming Chair on the boards of both the American Institute of Graphic Arts and the American Advertising Federation Knoxville and was VP and Communications Chair for the PTO at Mead Montessori School.
Courtney is passionate about facilitating connections, promoting a culture of inclusivity, and aiding in building a strong support system for Knoxville’s Makers. She loves being a part of the imaginative and energized group at Maker City and KEC and has made a tremendous positive impact on the city of Knoxville.
Awards and Honors:
AAF Knoxville – President’s Award, 2016
AIGA Knoxville – President’s Award, 2011

Organization Involvement:
Rocky Hill Elementary School, 2022-Present
Mead Montessori School, 2015-2020
AAF Knoxville, Programming Chair, 2016-2017
YWCA Knoxville, Art Educator, 2013-2014
AIGA Knoxville, Programming Chair, 2006-2012
Upon graduating from the University of TN in the field of nutrition and journalism, Kimberly thought she had the ability to save the world one butternut squash at a time. But reality quickly slapped her in the face when she realized that without an oven, a car, a living income, or even a home, making the healthy choice is rarely the easy choice for most people. She quickly transitioned her work from leading with a saviorism mentality to one rooted in empowerment and justice --addressing root cause issues of access rather than trying to find band-aid solutions. Some of Kimberly’s earliest achievements include working to make the Market Square Farmers’ Market the first farmers’ market to accept SNAP (formally known as food stamps) in the state of Tennessee, receiving her first grant tied to preserving knowledge around canning and food preservation, and getting firsthand experience working on farms, in restaurants, at magazines, and even artisan cheesemaking to fully understand the food system.
As time passed, Kimberly realized that in each of these experiences, the biggest barriers in access and equality were policy-related, so she started working at the Tennessee Clean Water Network, a former nonprofit dedicated to clean, safe ground and drinking water. While her passion is food, she learned so much about how intrinsically connected safe drinking water and food preparation are tied. Without clean water, you cannot safely cook and consume healthy food. In her time at TCWN, she leveraged more than $1,000,000 to install water bottle refill stations in distressed school districts and schools across the state. At that time (this was prior to Flint, MI), schools in Tennessee did not test for lead, so they knew that students were being exposed to lead which can cause a host of long-term disabilities and cognitive issues. In addition to mitigating lead, the refill stations also promoted the positives of consuming water over sugar-sweetened beverages through a campaign called “Sodabriety”. Their work was published in academic journals, saw local wellness policies address access to healthy water as a right for students, saw the instillation of more than 150 water bottle refill stations in schools and public places across the state, and saw an increase of students consuming water and a decrease in sugary beverage consumptions. The state legislature eventually mandated that all schools must test for lead in drinking water. In nonprofits, you rarely get to say that you are no longer needed, but her time at TCWN truly allowed her to work herself out of a job thanks to the statewide support and action taken on the county and state level around lead.
After her time at TCWN, she was able to transition back into food systems work through her job as Local Food Initiative Coordinator at Nourish Knoxville. She tripled their annual operating budget by creating their first donor program and applying for funding to increase access to farmers’ market for those who are in poverty throughout East TN. She also took on greater responsibilities countywide, like serving as Chair of the Knoxville-Knox County Food Policy Council. Shortly after starting that role, COVID happened, and she was tapped by the City and County Government to work with the United Way to ensure that everyone had enough food to eat during the crisis. They took a simple approach to build our response – they took an inventory of all the programs providing food assistance, supported those, and built innovative solutions through those existing organizations. They also brought marginalized groups directly to the table to ensure that the needs of those most impacted by food security were at the decision-making table. After COVID was over, they created a report and compiled data and made 211 calls and learned that the community had less of a need for food during COVID than in previous years. The University of Washington and St. Louis and the Center for a Livable Future at Johns Hopkins even did some research with them to find out why they bucked the trend of long lines and food pantries that they all saw on the news, clearly, people needed food more than ever in Knox County, so why didn’t they see the same use in food pantries alone and calls for food? It turns out that they did such a great job within the food access network using grassroots groups and communication that people were able to access food in places that they trusted and where they already were going. They didn’t just rely on pantries – United Way met families with holistic needs at school pick-ups, they instituted deliveries, and even created mobile options. Some of the work she’s most proud of during that time is the creation of a program that purchased food from local farmers (to keep them farming!) and provided it to community members like refugees, low-income housing residents, Latino families, community school families, and Interfaith health clinic clients. The program continues today in partnership with Nourish Knoxville, Beardsley Farm, Battlefield Farm and Gardens, Bridge Refugees, KCDC, and Second Harvest Food Bank of East TN.
Kimberly provides training and mentorship, not just locally, but across the state and the country. She’s been slowly getting her MA in Applied Community Change where she’s learned to serve as a bridge between high wealth individuals, organizations, and municipalities and marginalized communities. Her model is rooted in collective structures that build equitable and just systems. Some of the groups she’s worked with are the South Carolina Food Policy Councils, Johns Hopkins Center for a Sustainable Future, the New York Food Policy Councils, the Tennessee Department of Health, the University of Tennessee, and the University of Tennessee’s Health Science Center. Some of the individuals she works with are black, homeless, Latina, deaf, LGBTQIA+, and more food system leaders, Bill Emerson Congressional Hunger Fellows, graduate level public health students, and Fullbright Fellows.
Awards and Honors:
2010: Young Philanthropist Award from Cityview Magazine
2016: Orchid Award for art-wrapped water bottle refill station in Market Square
2017: Knoxville News Sentinel 40 Under 40 Award for work in Community Health
2022: Introduction Knoxville Winter Class of 2022
2022: Racial Equity Training Program Ambassador

Outstanding Young Professional

The Outstanding Young Professional Award is given to someone who lives the values of YPK: Connect, Develop, Serve. This individual also contributes to their respective professional field through their passion and dedication. This person can be seen as the standard bearer for the traits and values we believe organizations and our community at large attribute to consummate professionalism.

Remember COVID-19? Right. Well, that pandemic clearly impacted all of us. Daily routines, future plans, businesses all had to pivot. Jade Adams, however, (you know, our future best friend) is used to pivoting.
A couple of years ago, she was planning on being a doctor who took photos as a hobby.
PIVOT: she became a professional photographer with a casual microbiology degree.
Starting a business as a young Black female was not easy in Knoxville (she hadn’t even officially finished college before making the launch), but Jade has embraced the adventure.
“There’re not many people who look like you, you know?” she said, “So I love getting to highlight the people who do.”
Soon, people began seeking her out as a safe person to capture their moments and be a part of their stories. You can see it all over her photography page. Beautiful photos of all kinds of people grace the screen: Black people, White people, LGBTQ couples, interracial couples, the list goes on. There’s just a lot of love.
Remember how she pivots?
Well, a few months ago, she was a professional photographer with a plant hobby… but as social distancing kept being a thing, she decided it was time, yet again, to pivot. Now Jade has added a new title to her resume as well: Plant Mom Extraordinaire. She’s been Plant Mom Extraordinaire for a while now. In fact, her home was busting at the seams with them. These plants (or “plant babies” as she calls them) have always been serenaded and misted, pruned, and ogled at, but now… they’re also for sale via her new business venture: Oglewood Avenue.
Friends, Jade is not going to let you kill her plants. No, buying plants from Oglewood Avenue is personal. In fact, you don’t buy them at all. You adopt them. They’re her babies, after all.
As you stroll through Oglewood Avenue and search for your new green child, she’ll also help you find the perfect pot, the perfect window in your house, the perfect plant friends to make your indoor jungle (or, hey, solitary tiny cactus – no one’s judging here) live long and prosper. As much as she cares for her plants and her customers, Oglewood Avenue has even bigger cares. Jade is already using her new business to spread awareness and make change for the Black community – from action-oriented giveaways to donating a portion of her profits to activist groups. “More plants will be added daily, and I will work my tail off to not only educate, but spark dialogue. We, as people, can do better,” Jade stated in a Instagram post last summer.
Oglewood Avenue primarily sells indoor houseplants but also specializes in harder to find varieties, statement plants, and specimens that are unique and interesting. Oglewood continues to innovate by offering rotating plant selections that change weekly, planters and hard goods, workshop classes, fun events and markets, and educational seminars.
"While our main purpose is to be a place to get plants, I think our second purpose is to be a place where the community can come in, chat, and share information," says Adams. “We noticed that while most people want to become plant parents, they do not necessarily know how to start the hobby. We educate our customers so they can leave confident and knowledgeable about the plant they purchased. When they have successfully grown one plant, it is easy for clients to want to come back and purchase more based on the knowledge and expertise we provide from the beginning.”
Awards and Honors:
2023 Pinnacle Business Award, Minority Owned Business Excellence Award
2022 Women to Women Award, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority
HGTV Handmade Series Host, Houseplants 101
COVID's Entrepreneurship Explosion Article and Mention, Forbes
The Next 1000, Forbes
22 Small Businesses to support in the south mention, Vogue
Meet the plant parents Article, BET
Interior Plant Stylist for brands such as Lululemon, Nike, Dicks Sporting Goods
Instagrams @shop post and reel feature, Instagram
West Knoxville Lifestyle Cover, 2022
100 Knoxville Business Accelerator Program + Scholarship Winner, 2021
100 Knoxville Business Accelerator Program, Mentor 2022-2023
Legal Aid of East Tennessee is a non-profit organization that gives FREE civil legal services and representation to East Tennesseans in need. Most of their clients are low-income or part of a minority group, or both. They see many legal issues that are the direct result of the systemic imbalance that exists in the community and around the country. LAET’s priority is to help those most in-need, such as those experiencing poverty, those who are disabled, families with children, elderly people, victims of domestic violence, and those at-risk of homelessness.
Emily specifically works to enforce tenants’ rights and with all types of civil legal issues in their Mental Health Law Partnership with the McNabb Center. Her philosophy is that if her time can change the life of at least one client positively in even a small way, then all of the time and work put in is worth it.
In her work with tenants, she mainly defends evictions. Knox County has had a steep increase in evictions that not only affects low-income families but has begun to affect middle-class families and elderly tenants who have lived in their communities for decades. Regardless of who she is working with, her goal is always to make sure that she increases her client's chance of housing stability, whether it is getting them more time in their current home, connecting them with resources to find a safer and more suitable home to move to, or keeping them housed where they currently are.
Emily also aids tenants in enforcing safety and habitability standards, ensuring that landlords do not discriminate against those in a protected class, enforcing disabled tenants' rights, and helping with issues like illegal utility shut offs by landlords or failure to repair essential services like water, plumbing, air conditioning, or heat.
The McNabb Center is a non-profit organization that aids clients with mental health treatment, substance abuse treatment, and provides social and victim services. They employ therapists, case workers, psychiatrists, and other providers to serve many different areas of the community. Legal Aid has a Mental Health Law Partnership with McNabb in which their attorneys can accept all types of civil legal cases referred to LAET from McNabb staff.
In Emily’s role in this partnership, she is able to aid clients with things like disability applications and appeals, consumer issues, orders of protection, property disputes, consumer/debt issues, and give advice on several other issues, such as divorce and custody. She is personally stationed at the Youth Center within McNabb and enjoys aiding the minor clients of the McNabb Center and their families. Legal Aid has several other attorneys working in Knox County, Blount County, and Sevier County at their Adult treatment centers as well.
Legal Aid of East Tennessee is a non-profit organization that gives FREE civil legal services and representation to East Tennesseans in need. Most of their clients are low-income or part of a minority group, or both. They see many legal issues that are the direct result of the systemic imbalance that exists in the community and around the country. LAET’s priority is to help those most in-need, such as those experiencing poverty, those who are disabled, families with children, elderly people, victims of domestic violence, and those at-risk of homelessness.
Joining Legal Aid of East Tennessee (LAET) in 2021, Jackson has made a significant impact in the Elder Law and Benefits Law programs, which encompass vital aspects of estate planning, consumer defense, family law issues, housing, administrative law (such as social security, food stamps, unemployment, and tenncare), and more. LAET is a nonprofit law firm that provides FREE civil legal service to low-income individuals and families meaning that Jackson is the last line of defense for most people he encounters.
Jackson's dedication to his work is truly commendable. Not only is he highly respected among his colleagues, but he is also held in high regard by his clients, who often express their gratitude and admiration for his exceptional services. One client's touching testimonial perfectly captures the profound impact Jackson has on people's lives, bringing them peace and hope after years of hardship.
"I could not afford a lawyer. If it hadn't been for [Jackson], I would still be worrying about my will. Jackson explained every question so I could understand very clearly. Thank you very much." -Anonymous LAET Client
Beyond his professionalism and dedication, Jackson's unique personality stands out. He possesses a remarkable ability to find humor and levity in every situation, which serves as a source of inspiration and motivation for his colleagues. His ability to balance seriousness with a lighthearted approach is truly admirable and adds a positive energy to any environment. Through his remarkable contributions, Jackson has transformed numerous lives in just a few short years, making a lasting impact that resonates with those he has helped.
In conclusion, Jackson's exceptional qualities, outstanding accomplishments, and unwavering commitment to his profession make him a standout candidate for the outstanding young professional award.
Ali joined Axle Logistics in 2016 and has been an invaluable asset to the company's rapid growth and continued success. Over the past seven years, her leadership and dedication have been instrumental in steering Axle toward achieving significant milestones, such as expanding its team to over 450+ employees and achieving revenue/sales of over $770 million. Her expertise has been central to the development of Axle's comprehensive training program, which has undoubtedly played a pivotal role in nurturing a highly skilled and motivated workforce.
Beyond her profound influence within Axle Logistics, Ali has been instrumental in strengthening the company's ties to the Knoxville community. Her relentless efforts have led to the establishment of strong relationships with the University of Tennessee and various non-profit organizations. By actively participating in community events, fundraisers, and volunteering with esteemed organizations like Boys & Girls Club, Big Brother/Big Sister, and East TN Children's Hospital, Ali has exemplified her caring, supportive, and optimistic nature.
Ali's passion and leadership have led to her assuming the role of Vice President of all Learning & Development at Axle, a testament to her dedication and expertise in this field. Her influence in the company has been profound, and she has made a significant impact on each Axle employee's development through her energetic, collaborative training style and deep knowledge of the transportation industry.
One of the most remarkable qualities that sets Ali apart is her genuine desire to uplift those around her. She is not only focused on her personal success but also on the growth and advancement of her colleagues and the community. This selflessness is evident in the way she has used her leadership position to uplift her community, working tirelessly to support various charitable causes.
Ali Fraley's unwavering commitment to excellence, her ability to inspire and motivate others, and her dedication to making a positive impact on both Axle Logistics and the Knoxville community make her a truly deserving candidate for the Outstanding Young Professional award.
Awards and Honors:
2022 40 Under 40 recipient
2022 YWCA Tribute to Women award: Business & Industry
Friends of Literacy Board Member and Development chair
Marketing Department Advisory Council Member: University of Tennessee Knoxville
Professional Sales Forum Advisory Board Member: University of Tennessee Knoxville
Employer Advisory Council: University of Tennessee Knoxville
Created curriculum and Co-Facilitate for the University of Tennessee Knoxville MARK499-2 course: a one-of-a-kind course offered at UTK created to allow students to experience sales and entrepreneurship while still on campus. This is a 3-credit course and fulfills an internship requirement.
One of the six buckets that Ali oversees at Axle is the philanthropic arm (scope of responsibilities is all aspects of organizational development which also includes recruiting, onboarding, training, marketing, HR). This has given her the opportunity to work with countless non-profits throughout Knoxville, assisting with allocation of funds while also helping create and participate in service projects throughout surrounding neighborhoods in North Knoxville.
Elisha Jewell is an influencer and innovator when it comes to bringing new ideas to challenge the status quo. She possesses a multitude of skills, including technology integration, research, identification of efficiencies and best practices in the website development process.
She is an information science professional with over a decade of experience in planning and implementing programs, community engagement and development, technological innovation, information literacy and research. Elisha has worked in a variety of roles in libraries, archives, special collections, non-profit and community organizations, media, movie and the music industry.
Elisha currently works as a web developer at MoxCar Marketing + Communications, which has delivered comprehensive, strategic and goal-oriented full-service solutions to leading local, regional and national organizations for more than 30 years.
As a front and backend web developer Elisha creates, manages, and maintains websites for the company’s clients. This includes data management, analysis, integration and security, information architecture enhancement and navigation, UX/UI research and human-computer interaction.
Since arriving in Knoxville, she’s helped serve the community in a multitude of ways. She previously served as the director of grants and development at The Bottom, a non-profit bookshop and multi-use community space that is fostering change and togetherness, celebrating culture and engaging the creativity of Black people in Knoxville. In her tenure, she secured more than $95,000 in grant funds for arts, culture and literature programs for the East Knoxville community. She continues to volunteer her time.
Research and technology drive her to keep pursuing new things. In 2020, she founded Lib3, a Web3 startup that provides Blockchain-powered marketplace and publishing services for professionals in the cycle of academic publishing to combat systems of inequitable pay in academia.
Elisha earned a Master of Science in Information Science (MSIS) from the University of Tennessee in 2022 and a Bachelor of Arts in music with a vocal performance concentration from LeMoyne-Owen College in Memphis in 2020. Elisha is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
Awards and Honors:
UT School of Information Science, 2020 Access and Diversity Fellow
Music Service Scholarship, 2018
LINKS, Incorporated Scholarship, 2018
Elmer Roe Deaver Scholarship, 2017
W.E.B. DuBois Scholarship, 2017
Hancen Sale serves as the Government Affairs and Policy Director for the East Tennessee Realtors Association. Outside of work, Hancen serves as a mentor with tnAchieves, a board member of HomeSource East Tennessee, on the Knoxville Chambers Infrastructure Council and on the Young Alumni Board of the Haslam College of Business at the University of Tennessee Knoxville. In 2022, Hancen was the recipient of the Knoxville News 40 under 40.
Hancen has been a fantastic partner to Young Professionals of Knoxville. In 2022, he volunteered his time to serve as a panelist during YPK's Intro to Government event.
Ultimately, Hancen has established himself as one of the local real estate experts over the last year. He works closely with citizens, realtors, and government to create policy that reflects the needs and wishes of Knoxville's people. He has played a pivotal role in promoting awareness for the housing needs of individuals within the Knoxville Community.

Connect – Individual

The Connect Award is given to an individual or organization that works to welcome and unite the Knoxville community through an event, action, or space. This award is focused on the opportunity for personal connection and growth that comes with human interaction.

Zach and Alexis have been passionate about serving Knoxville for a long time. As co-owners of Remedy Coffee, they love connecting people through a place where people can network, have a conversation, study, talk to their barista, or even watch local musicians perform. Through hardships with staffing and staying afloat during the pandemic, they've maintained the sacredness of the space at Remedy and have cultivated one of the most comfortable and safe "homes" to go to in Knoxville.
This year, Alexis has led and managed the official opening of the Zero/Zero Wine Bar. They are passionate about their wines being natural and sustainably produced - and this same attention to detail shows in the quality of their coffee at Remedy as well.
The Hills possess an admirable dedication to making Knoxville a place where people want to be. They care deeply about their staff and the ethically sourced products they provide, while also being good neighbors to the communities that encounter their businesses. Not only do they connect people, but they also connect businesses in our city, and collaborate effectively and professionally to help make our city better.
She's not just a photographer and writer, but also a dedicated advocate for community arts. With a diverse work background, Liz has dipped her toes in various fields, notably events, fundraising, and hospitality, bringing a wealth of experience to her endeavors. A proud Knoxville native, Liz has always been enamored with the vibrant community spirit of her hometown. From a young age, Liz has been driven by a profound desire to help those in need, a passion that echoes in her every venture. Naturally, her compassionate heart guided her towards the non-profit sector, where she could make a real difference. She's volunteered her time and talent with organizations like Dogwood Arts, Positively Living, Knox Heritage, and Big Brothers Big Sisters. Always ready to meet new faces and explore the undiscovered corners of Knoxville, Liz continues her journey, making connections and uncovering local treasures.
Liz’s first job right out of college was at the thriving Knoxville Visitor's Center, delighting in the opportunity to welcome visitors to the city and share her personal recommendations for the best places to dine, shop, and soak in some live music. It was during these lunch breaks, savoring the live music on the Blue Plate Special, that she learned about WDVX, a community radio station, that is not just about music but about the people who love it. Liz found herself amidst a community of music enthusiasts, much like herself, and instantly felt at home. Ever since she was a child, she had dreamt of a career that allowed her to enjoy the outdoors and listen to music - a dream that felt so much closer to becoming a reality in the heart of WDVX. And indeed it did! Liz was soon offered a position at WDVX as the events coordinator. This role gave her the chance to plan and execute fundraising events and concerts, allowing her to blend her love for music with her knack for organization. In this position, she worked directly with volunteers, forming lasting bonds that continue to this day. But Liz didn't stop there. She went on to hone her skills and passion in community radio, dedicating over a decade of her life to stations including WDVX, WUOT, and WUTK. And she was just getting started.
Diving into the heart of Knoxville, articulating its pulse through words, and illuminating the hidden gems of the community is exactly what Liz has been doing as a seasoned writer for Metro Pulse, Knoxville Magazine, and currently, VIP Knoxville. She takes immense pleasure in casting the spotlight on local businesses, individuals, and nonprofit organizations, presenting them in an engaging and appealing manner. Her writing is not just about narrating tales, but creating meaningful connections. She bridges the gap between people and organizations they might not otherwise discover, fostering a sense of community. Covering the vibrant events these organizations conduct is indeed enjoyable, but what's even more thrilling for Liz is getting to know the individuals orchestrating those events. Having roots in the nonprofit sector, she understands the tremendous effort and careful planning that goes into fundraising and event management. Through her engagement with VIP Knoxville, she's established deep connections with board members, volunteers, staff, and supporters of numerous nonprofits in Knoxville. Her work, thus, is more than just writing—it's about making a difference, one story at a time.
Imagine capturing the perfect moment - a burst of laughter at a gala, the beauty of a newly listed home, or the intense focus of a sports player. That's the world Liz Lyons immerses herself in. Her love for photography is not just a pastime, but a growing passion that has led her to explore various genres such as real estate photography, portraits, and even sports! But there's a particular subject that she adores the most - animals. Capturing their essence is a delightful challenge. You see, it's all about getting on the same wavelength with them, understanding their world, and then snapping that perfect photo. Driven by a thirst for knowledge and improvement, Liz found the ideal platform to further her craft - Cadence Captures Photography. A local company owned by her longtime friend, Jason Cantrell, who graciously offered her a role. Ever since, Liz has been honing her skills and broadening her horizons. She often finds herself working amidst the breathtaking scenery of the Smoky Mountains, a part of east Tennessee that she has always held close to her heart. Every assignment in this area is not just work for Liz, but a beautiful reunion with a beloved region.
Recently, Liz is thrilled to have stepped into the role of Director of Operations for the Legacy Housing Foundation. This incredible organization is devoted to providing essential household items for individuals residing in low-income housing. One of the main initiatives is the hosting of "Good Times Events". These lively gatherings offer residents the opportunity to select items they'd love to bring home. Getting to know the residents the organization serves has been a rewarding experience. She says it has been truly heartwarming to witness the impact we are making in their lives. Alongside her dedicated colleague, Dean Parker, Liz is constantly brainstorming and implementing ways to inject more fun into our Good Times Events. They are committed to making these events not just helpful, but also enjoyable for our residents.
Ever wonder how someone juggling three jobs finds time for a social life? Well, in Liz's case, she playfully retorts that she's actually paid to enjoy one! Each of her roles takes her on a daily journey to fresh and exciting locations. And the best part? She gets to share these experiences with some of the most incredible folks in Knoxville. Consider her not just busy, but rather, blessed.
Kelsi is a center of gravity for Knoxville Entrepreneur Center (KEC), acting as a first point of contact as well as managing the KEC, Maker City, and Let Her Speak newsletters. She is also deeply involved in the Knoxville creative community as a local musician and has played at and/or has been the main person of contact at numerous big stages in our city: Rhinestone Fest, Dogwood Arts Festival, Southern Skies, Let Her Speak's Women's History Month at the Pilot Light, SoKno Pride, and many more. She collaborates multiple times a year with Born and Raised Productions and other local production companies to put on meaningful shows that create lasting change.
In the spring of 2023, Kelsi managed, produced, and played a fundraising concert at Pretentious Beer Co for the Tennessee 3 - Gloria Johnson, Justin Jones, and Justin Pearson and was successful in raising a substantial amount of funds for their campaigns. She is the founder of Free Women Waltzing Club - a productions company and community working to amplify the voices of marginalized artists who have been quieted or ignored by music and entertainment industries. Through FWWC, she has planned over 20 local productions in the last two years, generating roughly $15,000 worth of paid work to local artists. She also is the founder of Listening Space: A quiet space for cultivating music, poetry, art, community, and connection in an all too noisy world.
Kelsi Walker has a fiery dedication to making our city a place that all people are safe to live, work, and play in. If you have ever met her, she most likely has immediately helped you plug into Knoxville with the right contacts, artists, and businesses. She impactfully and passionately engages others in Knoxville and seamlessly connects locals, artists, businesses, and young professionals every single day.
Brad West, co-founder of Xul Beer Company, has provided the Knoxville community with more than just delicious beer. His first brewery space, located on E. 5th Ave., has brought the community together in several ways. Xul started as a new place to hang out and enjoy good beer and good music with like-minded individuals. His taproom provides a unique atmosphere that differentiates Xul from any other brewery in Knoxville. He was one of the first local brewers to choose to open up business on the "outskirts" of downtown Knoxville. Thanks in large part to Xul taking a chance, the E. 5th neighborhood is now thriving with businesses, including several other successful breweries. Brad also proudly implements a program through Xul where 10% of ALL sales are donated to local charities every Monday.
Brad and his fellow co-founders, Bentley and Tara, have cultivated an atmosphere with Xul that is loved not only by locals, but the many out-of-towners who stop in Knoxville due to the reputation Xul has created for themselves within the brew industry. Their brew selection has something for everybody, whether you prefer sours, IPA's or light options.
Due to their hard work and perseverance, Brad and his team were able to lock in a second taproom location after only two years of business! Yes, this means they not only persevered but thrived even during the madness that was the 2020 pandemic. Their second location, located in Hardin Valley, is set to open mid-year 2023.

Connect – Organization

The Connect Award is given to an individual or organization that works to welcome and unite the Knoxville community through an event, action, or space. This award is focused on the opportunity for personal connection and growth that comes with human interaction.

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When you see their friendly team out and about downtown in their bright green attire, feel free to ask for directions on where to park, eat and generally have fun. The K-Town Connect team is a fantastic source of information for your downtown experience.
Ambassadors greet pedestrians and provide general assistance, maps and/or directions, information on historic sites, shops, restaurants, public transportation, other places of interest and general information that may be helpful and welcoming. Ambassadors help and support the general public to address a wide range of situations and needs, such as: assistance with the use of parking meter stations, repairing a flat tire, opening a door, escorting employees to parking garages, and by offsetting any potentially negative experience with a positive interaction.
Ambassadors interact directly with property and business owners, managers, and security personnel to build a network, provide and receive information relevant to downtown safety and hospitality, and to raise public awareness of the program.
Ambassadors circulate throughout downtown to create a highly visible, accessible, outgoing, and inviting presence, with an attitude of friendly professionalism, superior customer service, and hospitality—placed strategically to address critical issues or needs at key times, and as needed. All Ambassadors are trained to appropriately handle situations in a firm, yet courteous, manner. In addition, ambassadors discourage aggressive solicitation and other prohibited behaviors, and provide information and support to Visit Knoxville.
Ambassadors also check on the welfare of our most vulnerable populations and work within the many Knoxville resources to connect those in need with assistance.
As a response to alarming data indicating a severe lack of young talent entering the local workforce, the Knoxville Chamber developed a five-year strategic vision, Path to Prosperity which focuses on six priority areas, including talent. Capitalizing on a pandemic-accelerated trend of working-age adults seeking the lifestyle, amenities and affordability smaller-size cities can offer, the Knoxville Chamber has put our little-big town in the spotlight. The Chamber is working with major corporations such as Bank of America, Discovery and Lifetime Products and local organizations including Big Brothers Big Sisters, The Christman Company and Apex Bank to plug young professionals into our community. The Chamber’s annual Endeavor Young Professional Summit motivates the area’s emerging leaders to engage in their community and take ownership of their professional growth. Compelling keynote speakers and dynamic discussions empower attendees to grow personally and professionally and invest in regional economic prosperity.
Other Achievements:
Annually hold the Endeavor Young Professional Summit, the area’s largest gathering of YPs. The summit is designed to motivate the area’s emerging leaders to engage in their community and take ownership of their professional growth.
Continue to publicly advocate for YPK membership to be used as a talent retention tool by local employers.
Hosted Intro to Local Government for the YP community and arranged a YP-specific input session for Advance Knox, the county’s growth and land-use plan.
To increase the number of young professionals in the area, talent attraction advertising campaigns were conducted geographically in Atlanta, Washington D.C., Lansing, and the Bay Area, and a fifth campaign was performed targeting workers impacted by the tech layoffs in multiple geographic areas. The campaigns garnered over 3.6 million impressions and brought over five thousand visitors to the LifeRedefined.com website.
Created the Home Sweet Career program in partnership with UTK to educate soon-to-be graduates on the benefits of choosing Knoxville to launch their careers, increasing the number of YPs in the area.
In order to further develop the YP pipeline, began offering complimentary internship consulting to create meaningful opportunities for both the businesses and the future workforce. The service assists with developing new internship programs and reevaluating existing internship programs in Knoxville.
Continue to advocate for missing middle housing, greater access to childcare, reducing interstate congestion, and more quality-of-life issues that could hinder a YP’s ability to relocate to or grow in Knoxville.
The Chamber released Transitioning Knoxville for the Imagination Age, an issue brief that impacts the YP community in a few ways: first, it sounds the alarm on the lack of growth. The community has had miniscule growth over the last decade is the critical 25-to-54-year-old demographic. They are the talent pool that businesses desperately need to succeed. Second, it encourages more civic furniture projects like the baseball stadium. More developments of this nature, whether they be large or small, would go a long way to ensuring that Knoxville is an even more desirable place to be.
Nourish Knoxville’s mission is to build healthy communities through supporting relationships between local farmers, producers, and the public. In 2013, Nourish Knoxville was formed to ensure as many people as possible had access to locally grown foods and to meet the needs of our farmers and the community. Nearly ten years later, they now offer multiple nutrition incentive programs locally and regionally, coordinate SNAP doubling at all farmers’ markets in Knoxville, donate local produce to partner organizations, and publish the East Tennessee Local Food Guide—all at no cost to the community. Their work includes providing three nutrition incentive programs, donating fresh produce to partner organizations, producing the East Tennessee Local Food Guide, and working with other farm-direct sites across East Tennessee to build a healthy local food system.
For 20 years Nourish Knoxville has brought the Market Square Farmers’ Market to the community, through rain, recession, and even a pandemic. A place to shop. A place to gather. A place that feels like home. Their mission is larger now, more important, and more urgent. Increasing access to fresh, local foods for all is vital to building strong and fair communities. Their farmers markets aren’t just a place to shop, but a place for everyone—regardless of income, status, or background—to feel at home and nourished. Local support makes their markets and programs possible, ensuring they can continue to work for a just and equitable food system for all.
2022 Accomplishments & Statistics:
Provided economic opportunity for farmers and food producers through our 3 farmers’ markets. Nourish Markets operated 100 days, saw over 160,000 visitors, and hosted 165 small businesses.
Engaged kids in the food system with Nourish Kids program – offered in 5 counties in East Tennessee and gave 1,650 children over $18,000 to spend on fresh fruits and vegetables with local farmers.
Encouraged healthy habits through Nourish Moves at the Market Square and New Harvest Farmers’ Markets. Over 900 people took 3,958,282 steps and spent $6,500 in Produce Bucks with local farmers.
Increased revenue for farmers while providing healthy, local foods to the community. Purchased $18,000 of local produce and eggs for partners at Beardsley Farm, Bryant’s Bridge, and BattleField Farm and Gardens to distribute to those in need.
Double Up Food Bucks doubles SNAP (formerly food stamps) purchases up to $20 per day at 16 farmers’ markets and farm stores in East Tennessee. SNAP recipients spent over $48,000 with local food producers.

Develop – Individual

The Develop Award is given to an individual or organization that has championed community educational and/or professional development content or opportunities in the Knoxville area. This award is focused on tangible opportunities in which the Knoxville community can participate.

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Bukky Abdul is an enthusiastic Media personality turned Senior Career Coach at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. In her role, she serves the Art, Media, Communications, Design, Hospitality, and Tourism Industries. Bukky has coached young people with diverse backgrounds from different nationalities to help them achieve their career goals. She is excellent at using her sense of humor and contagious energy to provide clarity and engagement in her presentations. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Communication from Covenant University, Nigeria, and her Master of Science in Human Resources Administration from Central Michigan University. Bukky started in the media sector having worked for some radio stations in Nigeria and she is passionate about helping people in their professional development journey. When she is not coaching, talking, creating content, or acting, you will find her dancing.

Awards and Honors:
Association of Fundraising Professionals Emerging Leaders Committee: Was instrumental in organizing a summit for students and young professionals, in the Knoxville area, interested in non-profit leadership and marketing alongside seven other team members of the Association.
Personal Branding Presentation for Fundraisers: Presented at the Emerging leaders conference for fundraising professionals.
Consulting for Presentations about Professionalism and Networking: Provided consulting services to companies and members of the Knoxville community on presentations and professional development topics such as networking and professionalism.
UTK Seniors and YPK Networking (ongoing): Currently supporting YPK to plan a networking event for seniors at UITK to network with the young professionals in the Knoxville area.
Advertising Federation, American Marketing Association. Public Relations Society of America x UTK Networking Event: Played a key role in organizing a networking event for UTK seniors and the Knoxville chapter of these associations. The event aimed to help students practice their networking skills and expand their professional networks.
Volunteer Instructor for SEED Program (Upcoming): Instructor for the SEEED Career Readiness Program Fall Classes. The instructors make a lasting impact on the lives of young individuals in our community. The SEEED Career Readiness Program is a transformative initiative aimed at equipping local youth with the essential skills and knowledge required for a successful career. Becoming a Volunteer Instructor provides the opportunity to share expertise, inspire young minds, and empower them to excel in their professional journeys.
YPK Leadership Certificate Presenter (Upcoming)
Booth Andrews helps build strong, effective, resilient leaders, entrepreneurs and humans by acting as a mentor and guide through strategic coaching, consulting, educational programs and public speaking. She has 20 years of experience leading individuals, teams and organizations through strategic, operational, and cultural growth and transformation. Her multidisciplinary, professional experience includes 10 years in commercial real estate, 6 years as the CEO of a regional non-profit, and more than 10 years of consulting in both the for-profit and non-profit sectors. Since 2015, Booth’s sole focus has been improving organizations as an independent consultant and corporate trainer. Since 2015, in addition to her independent consulting practice, Booth has been a trainer, mentor and consultant for the Alliance for Better Nonprofits and the Knoxville Entrepreneur Center.
Booth's unwavering commitment to nurturing talent in the Knoxville community is exemplified by her role as a speaker in YPK's Leadership Certificate program. Her involvement has enriched the program, providing a robust platform for individuals to grow, both professionally and personally. Through her strategic coaching and insightful lectures, she has played a pivotal role in sculpting young professionals and established leaders, arming them with the skills and knowledge required to succeed. Moreover, Booth's passion for community education and professional development, combined with her impactful work as a mentor, consultant, and public speaker, has resulted in tangible, wide-reaching benefits for the Knoxville community.
Booth’s long track record of community involvement includes: the Knoxville Entrepreneur Center, City of Knoxville Industrial Development Board, Executive Women's Association, University of Tennessee National Alumni Association Women's Council, Young Professionals of Knoxville (YPK), University of Tennessee at Knoxville Chancellor's Associates, Big Brothers Big Sisters of East Tennessee, United Way of Greater Knoxville, Nucleus Knoxville, the Alpha Delta Chapter of Sigma Kappa, and the University of Tennessee College of Law Alumni Advisory Council.
Awards and Honors:
Leadership Knoxville Class Graduate, 2006
Inaugural Class of '40 Under 40' by the Knoxville Business Journal in 2007
Finalist for the YWCA's Tribute to Women, 2012
Porschia Pickett currently serves as the Chief Program Officer for The Wesley House Community Center. The Wesley House Community Center was established in 1907 to provide childcare for the children of the women of Brookside Mills. Today, they focus on providing high-quality, affordable, and accessible childcare, social connections in the senior citizen population, and the emerging needs of the 37921-zip code. As the Chief Program Officer, Porschia provides direct leadership to almost a dozen professional and paraprofessional staff daily, as they create and deliver engaging, strategic, and hands-on learning opportunities for youth from all walks of life (both after-school and summer programming). In doing so, she aims to ensure their academic, personal, and professional success, with activities centering on mathematics, science, arts and crafts, and sports/recreational activities. Porschia also does this by cultivating partnerships with local organizations to provide additional enrichment programming, such as KICKO, Girl Scouts, Canvas Can Do Miracles, McNabb Center, Knox County Health Department (NEAT Program), YWCA Game Changers, and UT Extension. Beyond youth development, Porschia oversees their Senior Citizen’s Program, which provides participants with opportunities for community interaction, recreational activities, and fellowship. Through her efforts, the Wesley House aims to serve as a beacon of support for the elderly. Lastly, Porschia oversees all the Wesley House’s emergent needs initiative, including their Food Pantry and Donation Room. Porschia stewards’ relationships with organizations, churches, companies, and food banks across the city, to ensure that community members within Mechanicsville, Lonsdale, and Beaumont have food on their tables each night. In early 2023, Wesley House was awarded “Agency of the Year” by Second Harvest Food Bank of East Tennessee. Porschia and her team work tirelessly to secure food donations each week that go directly to families, with her team serving almost 24,000 people over the last year. Through her efforts as the Chief Program Officer, Porschia is helping the Wesley House achieve its daily vision of equipping the Mechanicsville, Lonsdale, and Beaumont communities with the spiritual, emotional, and educational resources needed to thrive.
Throughout her professional journey Porschia has served as a resource for youth and community members, with her track record of success ranging from organizations across Knoxville and East Tennessee. She recently completed the 2022-2023 Haslam Consortium for Social Enterprise Effectiveness (CSEE), a 10-month certificate program that strengthens social mission organizations and those who lead them. Through her engagement within the prestigious program, she gained vital skills on leadership, non-profit management, and best practices regarding human resources, organizational development, branding, and strategic planning.
As a result of her hard work and dedication towards community engagement and empowerment, Porschia has been honored by organizations across the city of Knoxville. In 2021, Porschia was honored with the inaugural “Mentor of the Decade Award,” formally named “The Porschia Clark Pickett Mentor of the Decade Award” for serving as the first and only individual to serve 10 consecutive years as a mentor for Girl Talk, Inc., a local non-profit that promotes academic, personal, professional, and spiritual development for almost 500 middle and high school girls annually.
Furthermore, Porschia was awarded 2022 “Young Professional of the Year Award” by the United Way of Greater Knoxville at their inaugural Change Awards. She was honored for her achievements in promoting food security, youth development, senior citizen engagement, and emerging needs throughout Beaumont, Lonsdale, and Mechanicsville. In her free time, Porschia is an active member of her community. She serves as a proud member of the Knoxville Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, where she serves in executive leadership. In addition, she serves as the Education & Youth Empowerment Committee Chair for the Knoxville Area Urban League Young Professionals. Lastly, Porschia is a notable author with the 2021 release of her book “The Waiting Room”. In this 7- week devotional, Porschia shares her deeply personal journey of transition from a single woman desiring a relationship to a happily married mother of one, her dreams of love, marriage and family becoming a reality. With copies sold across the country, Porschia hopes to inspire young girls and women as they transition through the various phases of life. Porschia’s guiding mantra is a quote from Mahatma Ghandi “the best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.

Develop – Organization

The Develop Award is given to an individual or organization that has championed community educational and/or professional development content or opportunities in the Knoxville area. This award is focused on tangible opportunities in which the Knoxville community can participate.

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AFP is dedicated to creating and championing tangible educational and professional development opportunities for fundraisers and nonprofit professionals in the Knoxville area and their work has left an indelible mark on our community. In 2023, AFP hosted the Inaugural Emerging Leaders’ Summit, a groundbreaking initiative that introduces recent graduates and soon-to-be graduates to fulfilling careers in nonprofits and fundraising, empowers community members to actively participate in local organizations, and provides invaluable professional development opportunities to fundraisers and volunteers alike.
Furthermore, AFP’s commitment to furthering philanthropic excellence is evident through its annual National Philanthropy Day celebration. By honoring outstanding individual, corporate, foundational, and civic engagement in philanthropy, AFP develops a culture of giving and gratitude within the Knoxville community. The Great Smoky Mountain Chapter of AFP’s innovative programs, events, and initiatives have enriched the lives of countless individuals and organizations.
Fidelity values being a part of and contributing to the development of the greater Knoxville community. This last school year, Fidelity participated in Junior Achievement of East Tennessee and several of our team members taught financial literacy topics to a variety of students. During the fall semester, we taught saving, budgeting, and investing to two classes of high school seniors at Carter High School. This allowed them to be armed with financial education as they graduate and go out into the professional world. In the spring, they taught job skills, jobs in the community, taxes, and production to a class of second graders at A.L. Lotts Elementary School. This was very rewarding to see so many young members of the community engaged in fun lessons around finances. Separately, they sponsored the Conference for Women’s Leadership at the University of Tennessee, which is put on by the Employee and Organizational Development department at UT to address the professional development needs of UT women. As a sponsor, Fidelity was able to help cover part of the costs of the conference so that more women would be able to attend. They were also available to help answer financial topic questions for the professionals in attendance regarding retirement, college savings, and more. One of YPK’s members, Maddey Pucket, CFP®, who serves as a VP and Branch Leader for Fidelity, also serves on the Professional Development committee for YPK to plan and execute events like the Imposter Syndrome event and other lunch and learns. They will be hosting a financial education Learn at Lunch in September for YPK members.
At Real Good Kitchen, they envision a greater equity and opportunity for more people through food business ownership. Their mission is to increase access, offer business mentorship and resources and finally provide community partnerships.
Real Good Kitchen is a new organization in Knoxville, opening in January 2021. However, in just two years, Real Good Kitchen served 79 small businesses – 70% of which were less than three months old. Of all the incredible businesses that have called their kitchen home, 67% were owned by women and 37% were owned by people of color. Since 2021, they’ve provided local entrepreneurs with nearly 10,000 hours of time in our full-service commercial kitchen, nine businesses growing enough to open their own bricks-and-mortar spaces.
In 2022, they expanded their membership offering and officially launched Real Good Catering, which provides members with more promotion and sales opportunities.
In 2022, Real Good Kitchen member business, Mario’s Pizza Cones, catering YPK’s holiday party to great success. Their team was punctual, affordable and a hit with guests.

Serve – Individual

The Serve Award is given to an individual or organization that has displayed meaningful participation in outreach projects and/or provided opportunities for community members to give back while helping make Knoxville the most desirable city for young professionals to live, work and play.

CJ's dedication and contributions as Labor Liaison & Campaign Coordinator at United Way of Greater Knoxville have been instrumental in creating positive change within the community.
In his role at United Way, CJ has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to promoting social justice, equality, and community empowerment. His ability to build coalitions has fostered strong partnerships between various stakeholders, resulting in more effective and sustainable solutions to address the pressing issues faced by the community. His expertise in policy research and advocacy has played a pivotal role in shaping evidence-based policies that have positively impacted the lives of marginalized and vulnerable populations.
Furthermore, CJ's community outreach efforts have connected United Way of Greater Knoxville with a broader audience, creating a stronger sense of unity and collective action. Through his successful fundraising strategies, CJ has enabled the organization to expand its reach and provide even greater support to those in need.
Beyond his role at United Way, CJ has taken his commitment to public service to new heights through his involvement in the Knox County Democratic Party (KCDP). As the vice-chair, he is one of the organization's youngest leaders in history, a testament to his exceptional leadership and organizational skills. CJ's experience as an organizer working on campaigns from the presidential level to local races in Knox County has honed his ability to navigate the complexities of the political landscape and bring about meaningful change.
Throughout his tenure as Vice Chair of the KCDP since 2021, CJ has demonstrated his dedication to fostering a more inclusive, progressive, and compassionate political environment. His on-the-ground experience in staffing campaigns across multiple states has provided him with unique insights and a deep understanding of the challenges faced by various communities.
CJ's passion for community service and his commitment to empowering others have undoubtedly made a significant impact on Knoxville and its residents. His selfless efforts have not only inspired his peers but have also set an example for young professionals aspiring to make a positive difference in their communities.
Sam is not only a big brother for Big Brothers Big Sisters, but he also volunteers weekly at Young-Williams Animal Center. In addition, he has worked on numerous philanthropic committees, serves as the vice-chair of community outreach for YPK, chaired the Giving Brunch this year, and is also on the board of directors for Court Appointed Special Advocates of East Tennessee.
Community Involvement:
YPK Strategic planning committee
YPK Vice Chair of Community Outreach (I was the only volunteer)
YPK Giving Brunch Committee
CASA of East Tennessee Spring Gala (committee member)
CASA of East Tennessee Board Member (newly inducted this year)
Young Williams Animal Shelter (weekly volunteer in the laundry room)
Big Brother Big Sister (Big)
Green Thumb Gala fundraiser for the Botanical Gardens (committee member)
Emerald Youth Soccer (assistant coach)
Working as a bartender in Chicago for twenty years, Frog began making kombucha as a hangover remedy and sharing it with her friends. She says it is good for your liver and has “great amino acids.” She stopped drinking alcohol and started taking her juice to festivals where she was doing production work and sharing it with campmates. Many of them made suggestions along the way and she formally founded her company in 2014. By 2016 it had become her full-time employment.
She started in her kitchen and began working on recipes. She started by repurposing drink bottles from bars because she was dismayed by the waste. Chicago was not recycling glass. Eventually, she wanted to leave Chicago and found that Knoxville had the most opportunity, so she moved here in 2017. She considered five different locations and really liked what she found in Knoxville and wants to be a part of what is changing and good in the south. The water Frog gets from her well on her property is a great quality for what she is doing, and Knoxville is in a great geographic position to serve as a hub for distribution.
Frog and her team at Frog Juice Kombucha are intentional about serving the community of Knoxville. From locally sourced ingredients to the dish soap used in their operations, their impact is always considered. That—coupled with the tasty artisanal beverages, of course—is her company’s driving force. Frog Juice Kombucha is good for your soul, and your health. They are dedicated to and passionate about the quality and ethically sourced material that they use in their manufacturing process and have recently opened up one of Knoxville's few 100% Sober Bars, the Boocherie, off Sutherland Avenue. They host a multitude of different events: crafting events, queer dance parties, fundraisers for local artists, comedy shows, and have had multiple fundraising events for access to essential medical care.
Frog has ensured that cans of Frog Juice Kombucha are stocked in as many local bars, coffee shops and breweries as possible to provide our sober community in Knoxville a healthy, delicious choice so that they can feel included when hanging out with friends. Frog cares about the safety and wellbeing of ALL that live, work, and play in Knoxville and given any opportunity to serve, she is there.
David & Katie Romba founded and brought the first chapter of Water Mission, and a fundraising and awareness event called the Walk for Water to the Knoxville area after graduating from Clemson University. Water Mission is a faith based, engineering-focused non-profit that works to develop, implement, and share best-in-class safe water solutions that transform as many lives as possible in developing countries and disaster relief areas.
At Clemson David and Katie held annual campus Walk for Waters to raise awareness of the global water crisis and educate college students on how tangible clean water can be in developing countries when provided with the correct and applicable resources. Upon moving to Knoxville, their desire to continuously spread awareness of the global water crisis spread to the entire city. David & Katie's efforts with Water Mission led to the creation of the 2023 Walk for Water Charity Walk which was hosted on May 6, 2023, at Lakeshore Park. In their first year, the couple raised over $25,000 from 143 walkers which is enough to provide over 500 individuals in developing countries and disaster relief areas with clean and sustainable water for life. Additionally, they secured donations from substantial partners such Lowe's, Bearden Rotary Club, and Aqua-Chem.
The Walk for Water simulates what women and children in developing countries have to walk daily in order to collect water which is often not safe to drink. Time spent walking to collect water prevents children from attending school and women from starting businesses and playing key roles in their communities. Participants in the Knoxville event walked 3.5 miles (the average distance traveled for water in developing countries) carrying buckets of water to understand what the difficult journey looks like for millions around the globe. Through the funds raised through the Walk for Water, Water Mission is able to meet individual communities' needs and create the space for education, health advancement, and business endeavors throughout the developing world.
Their efforts with Water Mission are an exemplary example of how Knoxville area residents can utilize their talents to develop and make an impact beyond our city, across the world. David and Katie are now planning the second annual Walk for Water Knoxville for Spring of 2024 and are aligning with local small businesses and corporations to further Knoxville's impact in the fight against the global water crisis and have set a goal to raise $75,000 to provide clean water to 1,500 individuals.

Serve – Organization

The Serve Award is given to an individual or organization that has displayed meaningful participation in outreach projects and/or provided opportunities for community members to give back while helping make Knoxville the most desirable city for young professionals to live, work and play.

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Axle Logistics has consistently demonstrated an unwavering commitment to service and community involvement, making a positive difference in the lives of countless individuals and organizations. The company's dedication to fostering a culture of giving back is truly commendable. First and foremost, Axle Logistics has a deeply ingrained culture of volunteerism and philanthropy that starts at the top with its visionary leadership team and cascades throughout the entire organization. Their employees are not just professionals; they are passionate and compassionate young individuals who embrace the spirit of community service and social responsibility.
The company's numerous philanthropic initiatives and community engagement programs have significantly impacted the Knoxville area. Through volunteering efforts, fundraising campaigns, and partnerships with local non-profits, Axle Logistics has supported the following causes in 2023 thus far:
American Heart Association – Knoxville
Knoxville Chamber
Wesley House
Dream Connection
Survivor Fitness
InterFaith Health Clinic
Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon
Poker with a Purpose for Austin East baseball team
Special Olympics Tennessee
Knoxville Museum of Art
Thrive Lonsdale
CASA of Oak Ridge
Tillery’s Hustle for Hope 5k
Friends of Tennessee Babies
Lindsey Nelson Golf Tournament
Dogwood Elementary Playground
East Tennessee Historical Society
UT Foundation Golf Tournament
KYS baseball U5 league
Boys & Girls Club Golf Tournament
Volunteer Ministry Center Golf Tournament
Second Harvest Food Bank
Knox St Patrick's Parade
Bearden Middle School Foundation
Museum of Appalachia
McNabb Golf Tournament
Zoo Knoxville
South Doyle High School Football Team
Bill Williams Fishing Tournament
Clays for Children
Butterfly Run
Knoxville Prep
Emerald Youth Golf Tournament
Emerald Youth Sponsorship
Wesley House Masquerade Ball
UT Medical Center Comedy for a Cause
Hearing and Speech Foundation
Habitat for Humanity
West High School
Knoxville Open
Friends of Literacy
Dogwood Arts
Putts for Mutts
Restoring Hope
Kids Play Free TN Golf Foundation
Webb School Golf Tournament
AAU Basketball Knoxville Team
Powell Baseball
UT Medical Center
Renaissance Creations
East TN Children's Hospital
American Cancer Society
Legacy Parks Foundation
Knoxville Football Officials Association
Bright School
West Valley Middle School
Habitat for Humanity
D1 Scholarship
Knoxville Youth Rugby
Team Chad
Knox County Sheriff’s Department
Isaiah 117 House
Christian Academy of Knoxville Golf Tournament
Royal Oak Golf Tournament
Knoxville Chamber Endeavor Summit
Knox Public Library Imagination Library
Friends of the Smokies Cades Cove 5k
East Tennessee Design Center
South Doyle Football
Axle Logistics actively encourages its employees to participate in volunteer activities during work hours and provides paid time off for community service. This unique approach demonstrates their genuine commitment to empowering their young professionals to become leaders in philanthropy and social change.
The company has sponsored several educational and career development programs, fostering the growth and success of young professionals in Knoxville. Their commitment to nurturing talent extends beyond their own organization, as they regularly engage in mentorship programs with local schools and universities, sharing valuable insights and knowledge to shape the future workforce.
In conclusion, Axle Logistics has proven to be an exemplary corporate citizen and a driving force for positive change in the Knoxville community. Their tireless dedication to making a difference in the lives of others sets them apart as true role models for young professionals.
Knoxville Utilities Board actively serves the Knoxville community and the surrounding area through customer assistance, community partnerships, outreach events, and service projects. KUB provides its customers with utility bill payment assistance resources including an annual $1 million investment in home energy efficiency upgrades for low-income households, the allocation of its $5 million TVA Pandemic Recovery Credit directly to its customers on payment plans, its long-standing Project Help emergency heating assistance program, and a new student internet access program, among other programs. During the pandemic, KUB introduced a COVID Utility Relief Effort to provide $6.2 million in bill payment assistance to more than 9,000 customers.
KUB also develops youth and shows them careers through KUB TeenWork, which started in 1995 to provide high school students with career readiness resources and a paid summer internship. KUB continues to expand TeenWork to serve more students through high school and local business partnerships, with plans to continue expansion in the 2023-24 school year. KUB also provides the community with utility-related information and resources through free energy-saving workshops, safety demonstrations, weatherization events, career fairs, and more.
KUB’s mission of service is also exemplified through its employees. KUB provides each employee eight hours of paid time annually to volunteer in the community. The employee-led organization, KUB Cares, coordinates volunteer service opportunities and various fundraisers throughout the year, including assisting with KUB’s annual United Way fundraiser. Just last year, KUB employees and retirees raised over $208,000 for United Way. KUB reports details on efforts to serve the community in the Environmental, Social, and Governance Report at www.kub.org/annualreport.
Legal Aid of East Tennessee is a non-profit organization that gives FREE civil legal services and representation to East Tennesseans in need. Most of their clients are low-income or part of a minority group, or both. They see many legal issues that are the direct result of the systemic imbalance that exists in the community and around the country. LAET’s priority is to help those most in-need, such as those experiencing poverty, those who are disabled, families with children, elderly people, victims of domestic violence, and those at-risk of homelessness.
LAET's pro bono program stands out as an exceptional platform that allows young attorneys in the Knoxville area to volunteer their time and expertise to give back to their community. This program offers a unique opportunity for these budding legal professionals to not only gain invaluable experience but also to contribute meaningfully to society by addressing the pressing civil legal issues faced by individuals in vulnerable situations.
One of the most compelling aspects of LAET's pro bono program is its focus on bridging the justice gap. By engaging young attorneys to assist with a backlog of cases that encompass critical matters such as eviction, orders of protection, drafting wills, and handling divorce cases involving domestic violence, the organization ensures that individuals in need have access to legal representation and protection.
The impact of LAET's efforts is far-reaching. Through their pro bono program, they empower young attorneys to advocate for the rights of those who might otherwise lack a voice in the legal system. By addressing unscrupulous landlords, exploitative employers, and aggressors who prey on the vulnerable, these attorneys play a crucial role in safeguarding the rights and dignity of individuals facing hardships.
Furthermore, LAET's pro bono program offers young attorneys a meaningful way to channel their passion and frustration with the limitations of the legal system. By providing a platform to effect positive change early in their careers, these attorneys develop a profound understanding of the transformative power of legal advocacy. This experience instills in them a strong sense of purpose and reinforces the importance of using their legal skills to make a lasting impact on the lives of others.
LAET's commitment to supporting young attorneys in their pursuit of meaningful pro bono work not only benefits the community but also nurtures a new generation of compassionate and socially conscious legal professionals. These experiences will undoubtedly shape their future careers, instilling a lifelong commitment to social justice and public service. Legal Aid of East Tennessee's pro bono program stands as an example of how an organization can effectively serve the community while fostering the personal and professional growth of young attorneys.

PURCHASE TICKETS OR HOST A TABLE

Individual tickets offer the opportunity for meaningful connections with our finalists and an unforgettable experience. For those seeking an elevated experience, hosting a table allows you and your guests to have a more personalized evening with premium seating to view the awards ceremony.

By purchasing tickets and tables, you not only support this event but also invest in the future of Knoxville, ensuring that the spirit of personal connection, professional development, and community service continues to thrive among its young professionals. Don't miss this chance to be part of an unforgettable evening, reserve your seats now.

Event Details

Let’s Meet the 2023 Finalists

The Impact Award

Kristi Altman

Courtney Hendricks

Kimberly Pettigrew

Outstanding Young Professional

Jade Adams

Emily Cala

Jackson Cain

Ali Fraley

Elisha Jewel

Hancen Sale

Connect – Individual

Zach & Alexis Hill

Liz Lyons

Kelsi Walker

Brad West

Connect – Organization

K-Town Connect

Knoxville Chamber

Nourish Knoxville

Develop – Individual

Bukky Abdul

Booth Andrews

Porschia Pickett

Develop – Organization

Association of Fundraising Professionals

Fidelity

Real Good Kitchen

Serve – Individual

CJ Butcher

Sam Elliott

Frog Greishaw

David & Katie Romba

Serve – Organization

Axle Logistics

Knoxville Utilities Board (KUB)

Legal Aid of East Tennessee