OUR FLAGSHIP PROGRAM

CURRENT CLASS

In 10 years, I hope Knoxville is full of honest stories that honor business owners, nonprofit founders, and families that remind us who we are and how much we need each other.

The community of artisans here is truly amazing. I joined the East Tennessee Handspinners guild a couple years ago and have loved learning about fiber, spinning, and making yarn and how that translates into finished work.

I would strengthen Knoxville by developing a culture of honor. I would love to see anyone who has made beautiful and important contributions to our city, no matter how big or small, be honored in a way that makes a difference in their life, and strategically inspires the community.

Participating with my grandma in the Hola festival when I was little. I'm very proud of my Spanish heritage, and remember dressing up in a costume from Peru and meeting many new friends from around the world. It gave me an appreciation for my grandmother, of bringing cultures together here in Knoxville, and a broader and deeper love for the Spanish culture.

The book I've read most and still love is Anne of Green Gables for it's heart and feelings of home. What I'm reading now is "El tiempo entre costuras" which is a historical fiction book about a Spanish seamstress-turned-spy during the Spanish civil war.

Eric Dunn, through KEC's Co. Starters program. He told me as a business owner I can choose to have a life that serves my business, or have a business that serves my life. I had never felt so much freedom in pursuing entrepreneurship while prioritizing my family as we grew.

Tell the stories you love and care about. Don't chase other people's definitions of success. "El no, ya lo tenemos"