What is your vision for Knoxville 10 years from now?
"In 10 years Knoxville will be an entrepreneurial hub. People will travel to Knoxville to launch a startup and will stay because they have the resources they need to pursue their work passion and support their whole selves."
What is Knoxville's best kept secret?
The entrepreneurship community.
What would you do to strengthen Knoxville?
"I’d boost awareness of the resources and networks of people who could welcome incoming professional families. Right now it is too hard to find your tribe. Those that quickly learn about what is really here are “pleasantly surprised”. Those that don’t, leave."
What is your favorite Knoxville memory?
When my husband and I first moved here, we went for a drive and at one point commented to each other, “Wow, this road really has a lot of winding curves.” Later we would learn we’d been on the famous Dragon in the Smokies.
What is your favorite book or what book is currently on your nightstand?
The Good Earth by Pearl S. Buck
What is the best advice you have received from a mentor, and who was that mentor?
"Chin Woo, a seasoned engineer said ""never apply a technical solution to a management problem."" What he meant was don't use bells and whistles to solve something that should be addressed with a difficult conversation. It won’t work and it’s expensive."
What advice would you give to your 16 year old self?
"I would tell the frustrated military kid who was sick of moving around the world (again): “Having a global perspective will be a great asset that will serve you well because you are going to be working for multinational corporations.”"
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