Grace Bennett is the Development Manager for Young Williams Animal Center. She graduated from the University of South Carolina.
Grace has lived in the Knoxville area since late 2019, and she has been a member of YPK since the beginning of 2020. We reached out and asked her a few questions, and here’s what she had to say:
How and when did you become involved with YPK?
In Columbia, I was involved with a YP group that I absolutely loved! When I starting thinking about moving to Knoxville, I checked to see if there was a similar group to get involved with. I’ve actually been following YPK for about two years, so when I did finally move, I knew this was a group I wanted to connect with.
What have you found to be the most beneficial part of YPK and why did you decide to join?
This year has certainly put a damper on networking, but even still, I feel like I’m getting to know a lot of the other members. When I moved, it was just me and my dog. I’m so thankful that YPK has been so welcoming, even through virtual events, I’ve really felt like people have made an effort to get to know me. I think finding your place in a city is so important. When you have connections it can make a strange new place feel like home, and I’ve set out to make Knoxville my home. Groups like YPK bring people from different backgrounds and experiences together for a common purpose.
What are some other organizations you’re a part of or hobbies you enjoy outside of YPK?
I have always enjoyed the outdoors, and since moving to Knoxville, I’ve taken up hiking our local trails. I love that it combines exercise with a connection to nature. I also enjoy gardening and stargazing, both activities that let me dream about the future. Because of the pandemic, I haven’t gotten involved with many other organizations yet, but I am looking into mentor opportunities for next year. I think giving back to my community is another important part of life and would love to make an impact on a teen or young-adult.
What’s one short-term goal you have set for yourself? One long term?
As we near the end of 2020, I’ve given a lot of thought to my 2021 goals. On the professional side, I’m hoping to attain my fundraising certification by next summer, something I’ve been working towards for five years now. On the personal side, I want to take the next steps toward becoming a foster parent. I don’t think I’m quite ready to welcome a kid to my home (I still feel like a kid myself most days) but would like to get involved as a mentor or possibly become a respite home.
As I alluded above, one long term goal is to adopt teens from the foster care system. When I was a kid I’d pretend to play house and had adopted kids. I don’t know why I was pulled to adoption even at a young age. Then, my first real job after college was at a group home and I fell in love with those kids. Many were older and preparing to age out of the system with no supports to fall back on. Working there just cemented my passion for those kids and helped form this crazy dream of mine. Ultimately, I just want to show a teen who’s been through a lot what unconditional love feels like.
If you could give your younger self one piece of professional advice, what would it be?
If I could give my younger self a piece of advice, it would be to brave. I’ve spent a lot of time second guessing my skills and abilities and being too timid to speak up, ask questions and provide input. I think I’d also tell myself to have forgiveness both for myself and for those around me. Life is hard and we’re all trying our best. Mistakes happen and people don’t always remember the mistake but they do remember how you handle it.
Anything else you’d like people to know about you?
Even though I’ve worked on building courage and confidence, joining a new group can be intimidating. If you see if looking overwhelmed in the corner, I’m probably just waiting for someone else to come say hi. Help me break the ice by introducing yourself! Plus, if you ever want a hiking buddy, you know who to ask!
If you know someone we should feature in a YPK member spotlight, let us know at marketing@ypknox.com.