Chastedy Johnson
Community Outreach Chair
Communications Coordinator, Knox Area Rescue Ministries
Who or what inspires you?
I am inspired by my family and close friends. They encourage me to be the best version of myself. Creativity around me inspires me to grow and develop. Love also inspires me. In any circumstance good or bad, love has a way of restoring all things.
How do you think YPK contributes to our community?
YPK creates the space and sets the tone for young professionals to thrive, connect and impact the future of Knoxville.
What has been your favorite (or most memorable) experience with YPK?
My favorite YPK experience is the very first time I attended a general membership meeting. I met some incredible people and learned so much. I had no idea there were other young professionals that wanted to connect. I knew then that I wanted to become a YPK member.
What are you currently reading, watching, or listening to?
I am currently reading Captivating by John and Stasi Eldredge, I'm a huge fan of This is Us and I love listening to all genres of music.
When you're not at work, where can people find you?
You can find me at any local coffee shop, around town on fun date nights or at home playing fetch with my dog Journey.
Amelea Everett
Community Outreach Co-Chair
Program Director, Volunteer East Tennessee
Who or what inspires you?
Not trying to sound too cliché here... but the volunteers in our community truly do inspire me. Watching others give their time and talent with no expectation of anything in return is an extraordinary thing to witness.
How do you think YPK contributes to our community?
I'm the Community Outreach Co-Chair this year and I hope we continue to contribute to the community through outreach initiatives. However, I think an even bigger contribution than that is how YPK equips young professionals for their current (and future) careers and develops them personally and professionally.
What has been your favorite (or most memorable) experience with YPK?
I am so impressed with how YPK pivoted in 2020 and continues to add unique experiences during a pandemic. I feel that my YPK membership retained and even gained value over the last several months. That is a huge feat and not all organizations have navigated this change so successfully.
What are you currently reading, watching, or listening to?
I am currently reading the second book in N.K. Jemisin's Broken Earth series - "The Obelisk Gate".
When you're not at work, where can people find you?
In "normal" times you'd likely find me at a Circle Modern Dance class or performance (I'm a Core Member with CMD), an American Marketing Association of Knoxville event (I also serve on the Board of Directors for AMAK), at the dog park with one of my three dogs, or reading a good book at home.