Sherry Jenkins

06 Oct Sherry Jenkins

What is your vision for Knoxville 10 years from now?

I want to see Knoxville become THE vibrant, art & culture hub of the Southeast with a thriving local economy built on equity and inclusion that makes that possible. I can see us working to embrace what makes us unique by providing critical support and encouraging growth for local entrepreneurs, makers and artists of all types, and the institutions that support their work. We will honestly and openly address the challenges we currently face regarding homelessness and the lack of equity for people of color and for people in under-resourced communities. And we will develop real, actionable steps to try to improve those situations every single day. We will thrive by finding common ground to bring all parts of our community together while celebrating the characteristics that make each of us different. We will also bring more national and regional corporations here that embrace our unique qualities and value this culture and the natural beauty around us as assets for recruitment and retention of their talented employees. Those talented people will then join this welcoming community, bringing their own characteristics and influence to continue to enrich us all.

What are you reading that is on your nightstand?

The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafon; Katharine Graham Personal History; Give And Take by Adam Grant

What is your favorite Knoxville memory?

After a lifetime spent in Knoxville, I couldn’t possibly choose a single memory. My top 10 memories definitely include the births of my nieces and nephews, family nights around bonfires, finishing my degree, volunteering at community events where I found lifelong friendships, watching our city mayor speak at Pride, every single live music event I have ever witnessed, and finally, changing careers to take a job that has been the best gift I ever gave myself.

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

Looking back, I believe one of the biggest influences on the development of my personal leadership style came from Chuck West. I worked for Chuck for many years during a time of great transition for the small company we were building. The best advice he gave me came to me by watching him in action. He was a leader who believed in open communication, sharing goals and challenges with his employees, and fostering creative thinking while encouraging every staff member to own the outcome of our combined efforts.

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

“Some of the toughest times ahead will teach you things that will be critical to your growth as a person. Be kinder to yourself. Try to embrace what those times are teaching you and seek out more ways to challenge yourself outside of your comfort zone in order to continue growing. Be yourself and expect others to admire and appreciate the characteristics that make you who you are. If you are surrounded by people who do not or cannot do that, get yourself some new people!
Invest more in travel as early as possible – getting outside of Knoxville gives you new perspective, expands your mind, and has the added benefit of making you appreciate that you live in a beautiful place. You will never regret any dollar you ever spend getting somewhere you’ve never been.”