Megan Flora
Recruitment Chair
Employer Development Manager, UT College of Business
Who or what inspires you?
My dad for his humor and kind nature, and my mom and aunts because they are the 3 strongest women I know.
How do you think YPK contributes to our community?
YPK is a great asset to the Knoxville community because it not only connects young professionals and encourages us to "do good" in the world, but it also provides real opportunities for us to go out and do so.
What has been your favorite (or most memorable) experience with YPK?
My favorite YPK experience so far has been our happy hours because they remind me of our pre-COVID lives! My favorite recent event was the zoom session on the basics of American sign language. It was fascinating!
What are you currently reading, watching, or listening to?
I'm currently reading Code Name Helene and starting the new season of the Bachelor on TV.
When you're not at work, where can people find you?
When I'm not at work, I enjoy reading, hiking in the outdoors, listening to music, and I look forward to being able to travel again soon!
Grace Bennett
Recruitment Co-Chair
Development Manager at Young-Williams Animal Center
Who or what inspires you?
I find inspiration in the words of Margaret Meade who said “never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”
How do you think YPK contributes to our community?
To me, YPK is so much more than just a networking group. Through community service, we're working to make Knoxville a great place for young professionals to work, live, play, and thrive. By giving back through street and river cleanups and donation drives, YPK is making Knoxville a place I'm proud to call home. But the group goes beyond that, By investing in its members through professional development opportunities, networking events, and education sessions with city leaders, YPK is shaping the future.
What has been your favorite (or most memorable) experience with YPK?
There have been so many great events that it's hard to pick just one. I really enjoyed the river clean-up because it's an issue I'm passionate about but we were also able to work together as a group to make a difference we could all see at the end.
What are you currently reading, watching, or listening to?
Every Monday, Amazon Music develops a custom playlist called your "discovery mix." I love being surprised with new music that I probably wouldn't have heard otherwise and it's introduced me to some of my favorite artists, like Jasmine Thompson, Rosie and the Riveters, and Brandy Clark.
When you're not at work, where can people find you?
When I'm not at work, you can usually find me in the garden, on the trails with my Australian Shepherd, Sydney or at a YPK event!