Lexie Walker is the Academic Outreach Coordinator for the University of Tennessee. She graduated from the University of Oklahoma with a degree in Arabic and Middle Eastern Studies. Lexie has lived in the Knoxville area since April of last year, and she has been a member of YPK since November of 2019. We reached out and asked a few questions, and here’s what she had to say:

How and when did you become involved with YPK?

I was introduced to YPK by Michael Smith-Porter, I met Michael through working on the same team at UTK. Michael was so positive and informative about the possibilities through YPK I knew I had to check it out.

What have you found to be the most beneficial part of YPK and why did you decide to join?

I have really enjoyed the community of YPK, it is a really nice way to meet new people. I was completely new to Knoxville and did not know a single soul here. I was worried about how I was going to build a friend base, especially since I have the tendency to be a bit of a hermit. YPK seemed like a really good opportunity to get out of my house and really focus on building a community base here in Knoxville. Plus, I am always down for a beer, so the happy hours really appealed to me.

What are some other organizations you’re a part of or hobbies you enjoy outside of YPK?

I co-facilitate a Sounding Board for Young Professionals at UTK. I also have a small terrier mix named Willow, so I enjoy taking her on walks.

What’s one short-term goal you have set for yourself? On long term?

Short-term: I have started my Masters in a College Student Personnel Program at UTK. Long-term: I’m eventually interested in pursuing a PhD, probably in Higher Education. I also low-key want to own a tiny house.

What’s one thing you want people to know about you?

I am obsessed with football. I follow college football religiously and am also fairly invested in the NFL, you can pretty much find me in front of the TV any weekend in the Fall.

If you could give your younger self one piece of professional advice, what would it be?

I would say to never close yourself off to opportunities, even if they aren’t what you initially imagined as part of your life plan. A lot of amazing things have happened when I opened myself up to change, including my move to Knoxville.

If you know someone we should feature in a YPK member spotlight, let us know at marketing@ypknox.com.