Richelle Ballenger
Marketing Chair

Marketing Director, Tennessee Members 1st Federal Credit Union

Who or what inspires you?

There are a lot of people who inspire me but two inspirations I lean on quite a bit would be my grandmothers, Bea Schickling and Sandy Sloan. Both were extremely strong, smart women who taught me so much about faith, facing challenges, and being yourself.

How do you think YPK contributes to our community?

YPK contributes to our community by creating connections and fostering involvement. As a member of YPK, I've been able to find a group of amazing individuals that not only aspire to better themselves but better their community; making it that much easier to take that first step of becoming involved in the community as a whole.

What has been your favorite (or most memorable) experience with YPK?

When I think of my favorite YPK memory, it would have to be laying wreaths at the Veterans Cemetery. It was an incredibly humbling experience and there's nothing that compares to seeing and being part of that process.

What are you currently reading, watching, or listening to?

Reading: Anything I can get my hands (and ears!) on with my library card! On my holds list right now is everything from Stephen Chbosky, to Jodi Picoult, and Marie Kondo.

Watching: I'm a sucker for cooking competitions and while hard to admit, anything Jersey Shore.

Listening: My playlist is usually a mix of 80's rock, 90's country, and 00's emo/alternative.

When you're not at work, where can people find you?

If I'm not at work, you'll usually find me at the dog park with Taz, our 3-year old spoiled rotten Gordon Setter or camped out at home with a good book and copious amounts of coffee.

Sam Hicks
Marketing Co-Chair

Account Manager, Nielsen Sports

Who or what inspires you?

"Be so good they can't ignore you" - a quote from Steve Martin that drives me to always improve.

How do you think YPK contributes to our community?

YPK helps build relationships between young professionals and the greater Knoxville community. I’ve learned so much about what makes Knoxville unique through YPK.

What has been your favorite (or most memorable) experience with YPK?

2019 Impact Award winner Sharon Couch's keynote address was incredibly inspiring. I still have some key quotes from her speech saved in my phone for extra motivation on the go.

What are you currently reading, watching, or listening to?

A Promised Land - Barack Obama

When you're not at work, where can people find you?

Walking/jogging with my doggo or cheering on the Phoenix Suns!