This episode features community involved volunteers, Katelyn Yarbrough and Julianne Hurst.

This conversation took place on September 17 and was moderated by McKinney Center Advisory Committee member, Michelle Treece, and friend of the McKinney Center, Brittany Butler. This recorded event will be released on September 27. To see it, search “McKinney Center” on YouTube.com, search “CTM the Podcast” on any podcast app, or visit https://mckinneycenter.com/conversations-that-matter

Katelyn Yarbrough is a baker and cookie artist at Side Hustle Custom Bakery. She serves as the 2024-2025 Community Impact Director for the Junior League of Johnson City. She enjoys spending time hiking or going on an adventure with her dog and husband, Blake.

Julianne Hurst grew up in Bradley, IL about an hour south of Chicago and since 2013, together with her husband, Ryan and 3 active children they have lived in Jonesborough. Her family enjoys hiking and traveling to the various historic sites. Julianne worked in the real estate world for 17 years before making the transition to work at the private school where her children attend as the Director of Enrollment and Advancement. She finds a lot of fulfillments in helping others and has been actively working at getting involved in the local community to learn more and to see how she can contribute to the betterment of the area.

Supported by a grant from the East Tennessee Foundation, “Conversations that Matter” is a monthly series produced by the McKinney Center in Jonesborough, Tennessee. In each “Conversation” two local guests from different backgrounds (age, race, religion, culture, etc.) explore their own culture and perspective, and talk to each other about what makes them unique, discover their similarities, and explore their differences. They will look at where their lives might intersect personally and in the community. The goal of each “Conversation that Matters” is for guests and participants to hear real stories, from real neighbors.

This monthly series is inspired by the Diversity & Equity Subcommittee at the McKinney Center, and their desire to highlight the experiences of all voices in Washington County, Tennessee, with an intention to include marginalized groups. By showcasing these conversations, the Diversity & Equity subcommittee hopes to open doors to new ideas and perspectives amongst our very own neighbors. Questions such as, “What was your experience in grade-school and how did that make you feel?” or “Have you experienced exclusion or racism?” For many of us the answers are different and unique. The McKinney Center believes it is time to talk about our experiences and share them. There is value in uplifting these stories so that we may learn from one another. Then, after hearing from one another our moderators and guest conversationalists will give insight on how to move forward.