Who is a leader you admire?

President Barack and Mrs. Michelle Obama are two leaders I greatly admire for their grace, passion, wisdom, strength, charisma, and for always knowing how to have a little fun too! Can you imagine going to a dinner party at their house?!

How do you think Young Professionals of Knoxville contributes to our community?

Our goal is to develop the future leaders of Knoxville. We want young professionals to come to Knoxville and stay. YPK continuously plans new events and initiatives to contribute to the community. Every event is intentional; from hosting socials and membership meetings around town to showcase the vibrant spaces Knoxville has to offer, to hosting behind-the-scenes tours of prominent local businesses, to volunteering in the community; YPK does it all to showcase what Knoxville has to offer.

What has been your favorite experience with YPK?

I had the pleasure of leading the planning of the 2017 YPK Impact Awards. It has definitely been my favorite YPK experience so far. To see all of your hard work come together to host a beautiful event like the Impact Awards is very rewarding; and we are already working on plans to make 2018 even better! 

How has YPK impacted you?

I joined YPK when I first moved back to Knoxville. I went to UT for grad school but all of my friends had moved away, so I didn't really know anyone. YPK has given me the opportunity to connect with other young professionals, get out of my comfort zone, share my love for event planning, and hopefully leave my mark on the way we manage membership for YPK.  

What are you currently watching?

I just finished the first seasons of "Nailed It!" and "Queer Eye" on Netflix, and I'm counting down the days until they come back. I just got my Movie Pass in the mail too, so I'm looking forward to seeing more movies in the theatre!

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

Most weeks you will find me at the registration table at a YPK event. (I'm the short one in the dress wearing glasses.) Otherwise, I'm at home hanging out with my dog Leif, cat Tinkerbell, and human Dustin. You might also find us heading to a show or festival downtown!