About the Impact Awards

For over 10 years, Young Professionals of Knoxville has honored local organizations and individuals who are impacting young professionals at work or in our community. The annual Impact Awards provides an opportunity to recognize leaders in the Knoxville community, network with other professionals, and celebrate all things Knoxville.

Connect Award

The Connect Award is given to one individual and one organization who works to welcome and unite the Knoxville community through an event, action, or space. This award is focused on the opportunity for personal connection and growth that comes with human interaction.

Develop Award

The Develop Award is given to one individual and one organization who has created and/or championed community educational and/or professional development content or opportunities in the Knoxville area. This award is focused on tangible opportunities in which the Knoxville community can participate.

Serve Award

The Serve Award is given to one individual and one organization who has displayed meaningful participation in outreach projects and/or provided opportunities for community members to give back while helping make Knoxville the most desirable city for young professionals to live, work and play.

Outstanding Young Professional Award

The Outstanding Young Professional Award is given to a young professional in our community who lives the values of YPK — Connect, Develop, and Serve. This individual also contributes to their respective professional field through their passion and dedication. This person can be seen as the standard bearer for the traits and values we believe organizations and our community at large attribute to consummate professionalism.

Impact Award

The Impact Award to one experienced leader whose daily influence challenges young professionals and who casts a vision for our community. This individual is a trailblazer that fosters growth for future leaders and has been a major reason why the strength of Knoxville’s community continues to grow.

Interested in sponsoring? Click the button below for our event-specific sponsorship options or contact us to discuss sponsorship opportunities. Ticket sales for Impact Awards 2024 will begin summer 2024.

Past Winners

2021 Impact Award Winners

• Connect Award [Individual]: Grace Bennett

• Connect Award [Organization]: Knox Brew Tours

• Develop Award [Individual]: Andrew Hart

• Develop Award [Organization]: YWCA Knoxville & The Tennessee Valley

• Serve Award [Individual]: Anna Moseley

• Serve Award [Organization]: Battlefield Farm & Gardens

• First Horizon Impact Award Winner: Dr. Martha Buchanan

2020 Impact Award Winners

• Outstanding Young Professionals: Diesha Finley, Nick Wilson

• YPK Member of the Year: Richelle Ballenger

• Impact Award: Vrondelia "Ronni" Chandler

2019 Impact Award Winners

• Most Impactful Businesses: New2Knox, Volunteer East Tennessee

• Outstanding Young Professionals: Rhoni Basden, Claudia Caballero, Jim LaPinska, Dasha Lundy, Wesley Wilson

• YPK Member of the Year: Amanda Freuler

• Impact Award: Sharon Couch

2018 Impact Award Winners

• Most Impactful Nonprofit: Alliance for Better Nonprofits

• Most Impactful Small Business: Crowe LLP

• Most Impactful Large Business: Radio Systems Corporation

• Outstanding Young Professionals: Megan F. Bradley, Rebecca Dotson, Katie Gillman, Ashley Humphrey, and Brian Winbigler

• YPK Member of the Year: Kelsie Crittendon

• Mentor of the Year: Randy Boyd

2017 Impact Award Winners

• Most Impactful Nonprofit: Junior League of Knoxville

• Most Impactful Small Business: Management Solutions, LLC

• Most Impactful Large Business: First Tennessee Bank

• Outstanding Young Professionals: Allison Duff, Shana Love, Dale Mackey, Tommy Smith and Ryan Willis

• Mentor of the Year: Jerry Askew

2016 Impact Award Winners

• Most Impactful Nonprofit: The Knoxville Fellows

• Most Impactful Small Business: Axle Logistics

• Most Impactful Large Business: TeamHealth

• Outstanding Young Professionals: Becca Habegger, Nicole Hight, Amie Cohorst, Michael Leventhal, Denetria Moore

• Mentor of the Year: Alvin Nance

2015 Impact Award Winners

• Most Impactful Nonprofit: Knoxville Chamber

• Most Impactful Small Business: Pyxl, Inc.

• Most Impactful Large Business: Claris Networks

• Outstanding Young Professionals: Sarah Herron, Tiffany McGee, Nathan Woods, Kara McFarland, Stephanie Strutner

2014 Impact Award Winners

• Most Impactful Nonprofit: tnAchieves

• Most Impactful Small Business: AC Entertainment

• Most Impactful Medium Business: Pugh CPA’s

• Most Impactful Large Business: 21st Mortgage

2013 Impact Award Winners

• Most Impactful Nonprofit: Girl Scout Council of the Southern Appalachians

• Most Impactful Small Business: DesignSensory

• Most Impactful Medium Business: Lattimore, Black, Morgan & Cain P.C. (LMBC)

• Most Impactful Large Business: U.S. Cellular