OUR FLAGSHIP PROGRAM

CURRENT CLASS

Watching the growth of Knoxville over the last 17 years has shown me the potential it has to become one of the greatest cities to live in! (it already is!) I envision a city where thoughtful growth creates vibrant public spaces, world-class arts and entertainment, thriving sports, lifelong learning and community events that unite people of all backgrounds while preserving the character and hospitability that makes Knoxville special.

Knoxville's best kept secret is that it has many strengths not just a single identity. It is a dynamic multifaceted city that blends natural beauty with innovation, education, arts and sports while maintaining a small town feel community. It is a city you can paddle a river in the morning, attend a world-class lecture in the afternoon and cheer a packed stadium in the evening all within driving distance of each other and with great food stops on the way. I think that many people are stunned at the beauty of Knoxville with its waterways and its epic mountain views.

What could improve Knoxville is to create a better walking culture in the city. Knoxville is not highly ranked as a walkable city and if we could model more areas like market square in other regions of the city and county it would encourage more walking and sense of community. Indoor shopping or marketplaces would be great since weather can be unpredictable and we already have wonderful green spaces. Encouraging local market vendors and shops in an indoor-outdoor market would be wonderful like we see in other cities (think ponce city market Atlanta or Nashville's farmer's market and assembly food hall). Mixed indoor and outdoors spaces can also be used for smaller sized events and fairs.

Death's Acre, Inside the Legendary Forensic Lab The Body Farm is my current read.

In life I believe people intersect your journey and everyone is a potential mentor for a different part of your life. I could never credit just one. From my mother Haifa Mardini : "It never hurts to ask, the worst you will hear is no." From my sister Mona Mardini: "Sometimes the key to happiness is lowering your expectations." From Dr. Anita Gohel my first real boss: "Don't ever let anyone dim your light." From Dr. David Hatcher my Radiology mentor: Cases always come in 3's, so be prepared. From my then 12 year old daughter Nadya Alborz: "Things don't always have to be perfect Mom." From my father Dr. Mazen Mardini: "2 ibuprofen and a hot shower cures 90% of ailments"

Life is not a race with a defined endpoint, it is a journey of growth along your path. Don't rush to get there. No single achievement will be your endpoint and you will have plenty of time to do more and be more.