Meet Your YPK President & President-Elect
Michael Smith-Porter
President
Project Coordinator, University of Tennessee, Knoxville
Who or what inspires you?
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 work is that she’s very down to earth and provides real, practical tips to practice courage, vulnerability, and empathy in everyday life.
How do you think YPK contributes to our community?
Young Professionals of Knoxville has a 14-year history of developing passionate leaders who give back to the Knoxville community. Through social, community outreach, and professional development events, YPK helps connect young professionals to each other as well as introduces members to nonprofits and leaders in Knoxville who are impacting our city. It always inspires me to meet YPK alumni and hear how the organization helped them develop into the leaders they are today.
What has been your favorite (or most memorable) experience with YPK?
In 2020, YPK started a book club. I loved being a part of a small group of professionals learning and growing together. The first book was The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison. It was an eye-opening novel for me, and it introduced me to Morrison.
What are you currently reading, watching, or listening to?
Listening to How I Built This with Guy Raz from NPR. It’s fascinating to hear the stories behind some of the world's best known companies!
When you're not at work, where can people find you?
A local brewery. I LOVE Knoxville’s brewery scene.
Rikki Bringe Frost
President-Elect
Assistant Operations Manager, Fare Claims Clozers
Who or what inspires you?
I'm inspired by my wife, Jennie. She’s funny, intelligent, resilient. She brings light to my days. I’m inspired by my dad, who is one of the most selfless and hard-working people I know. I’m inspired by people. All kinds of people. I love that there are so many different paths to success, and that everyone has a different definition of success. It’s inspiring to witness someone succeed, whatever that means to them. If you’re succeeding, know that you’re inspiring.
How do you think YPK contributes to our community?
I think YPK -is- community. For me, it combines all of the things that I want out of my career. Helping people, growing and learning, creating relationships, and expanding possibilities.
What has been your favorite (or most memorable) experience with YPK?
This is so hard! I think my favorite experience with YPK was the costume party that we had for Halloween in 2019. It was so fun, and I will never forget Roch's short shorts! *insert crying laughing emoji*
What are you currently reading, watching, or listening to?
I’m currently reading The New Jim Crow by Michelle Alexander. When I’m alone, lately I’ve been watching Survivor in the background while I multitask. When I’m with my wife, we watch a movie every chance we get because she hasn’t seen many movies, and I love them. I listen to a lot of different things, but some of my favorites are Janelle Monae, Dolly Parton, and Sylvan Esso. Currently my favorite album is case/lang/veirs (self-titled.) I also listen to a few podcasts, including Crime Junkie and Diversity: Beyond the Checkbox.
When you're not at work, where can people find you?
I’ve always been a homebody, but especially with the pandemic. You can usually find me at home with a cat in my lap, absorbing varying types of media. Currently we are championing a new level of Luigi’s Mansion every night. I also like to hike. I go to Ijams for the convenience, but I feel the best when I’m in the mountains. I hope when the pandemic has calmed down that I can be found on a patio somewhere, laughing, surrounded by friends, with a Moscow mule in my hand.