Jasen Knight is the golden child for the saying “It takes a village to raise a child”. After what many would call a difficult childhood, against the odds, Jasen moved to Cookeville to attend Tennessee Tech where he began to meet people who spent time with him, encouraged him, and greatly influenced his formative years. Now employed by one of Cookeville’s largest employers, he works alongside others who continue to shape the man he is today. Surrounded by many other great men of the community, now Jasen is paying that forward in his role with IMPACT Cookeville, YP Leadership, and as a husband and father. A wonderful ambassador for Cookeville, Jasen is working on the frontlines of IMPACT Cookeville’s newest initiative, Community Building Community, where they take a focused and intentional interest in mentoring the next generation of community leaders. This episode is full of quips of wisdom and practical encouragement from one of Cookeville’s valuable influencers. Check it out!

Cindy Taylor came to Cookeville to attend Tennessee Tech, where she met the man who would make her a permanent Cookevillian. As a life long educator, Cindy has spent her entire career shaping the lives of the next generation. In her present 9-5 (what she calls her "dream job"), Cindy works with our local Tennessee Reconnect chapter, UC Reconnect, helping non-traditional students further their education. In this episode, Cindy shares why she feels that education is the foundation of economic development, about the variety of services that UC Reconnect provides, and about the financial assistance that is available to the people they serve. Full of info and encouragement, this podcast is a must listen for anyone thinking about getting a degree!