What is your vision for Knoxville 10 years from now?

To see more socially conscious businesses, and see increased entrepreneurship opportunities for many young people, especially coming from underserved contexts. Also to have a developed south shore riverfront in downtown Knoxville with a park that rivals Chattanooga!

What is Knoxville’s Best Kept Secret?

Huge caves in West Knox! Also, water activities in Ijams.

What would you do to strengthen Knoxville?

Connect businesses with workforce development agencies; continue to improve KAT for jobs, and attack the opioid crisis that is in East Tennessee.

What is your favorite Knoxville memory?

(Other than the UT/bama game last year) watching the sunrise between downtown towers from UT’s Engineering building.

What is your favorite book or what book is currently on your nightstand?

On my nightstand right now: Aesop’s Fables, Spiritual Warfare, Who, and A Light Shines Bright in Babylon.

What is the best advice you have received from a mentor, and who was that mentor?

Connect with someone every opportunity you get; try to fill every lunch with an opportunity to connect. -A fellow Covenant College alum in Chattanooga

What advice would you give to your 16 year old self?

Don’t date (ha), take more everyday “little” risks, and be more entrepreneurial in my thinking, or not be afraid of failing forward.