City Champs – 2020
Alex is the Director of Internships at Northwestern Mutual and is active in the Louisville German American Club. She was born in Louisville, grew up in Southern KY and moved back to Lou in 2003 for college. She says that she has deep roots in Louisville and has always considered it the “hometown of her heart” from visiting often as a child. She is great at making connections and enjoys sharing the things she loves about Louisville such as the music scene ranging from the orchestra to the local bands like My Morning Jacket and Jack Harlow. Alex enjoys volunteering with the German American Club, West End Schools and local events like Forecastle. Her favorite neighborhood is where she calls home, Germantown, and especially finds the Barrett Corridor and Paristown Pointe to be incredible spots in the area.
- Louisville German American Club
- Anything music, from festivals to orchestra
- Volunteering
Aaron was born and raised in Elizabethtown, KY but moved to Louisville for college in August 2013 and has been here ever since! He truly loves living in Louisville and feels it has something to offer for everyone, with both feelings of the big city or suburb lifestyles without substituting great restaurants, entertainment, and hospitality. Aaron is very involved with the community, and passionate about addressing issues the city faces. He’s a member of Young Professionals Association of Louisville (YPAL) and serves as an ambassador, Metro United Way LINC and Healthcare Financial Management Association (HFMA) in addition to being a Certified Tourism Ambassador. He continues to advocate and grow the Louisville brand along with our pool of talented workforce and employers willing to invest in our community. Aaron enjoys spending Twilight Thursdays and Saturdays at Churchill Downs for live races and live music, trying our diverse food scene, attending neighborhood fests in NuLu and the Highlands, and grabbing a drink at any of our many bourbon bars.
- Neighborhood vibes and costs of living
- Entertainment options (both indoor & outdoor/recreational)
- Our diverse, award-winning dining scene!
In meeting guests who visit Louisville for the first time, Amy loves the reaction they have about having so much to do, and sees this as a high compliment to the city. She is a Certified Tourism Ambassador and supports Louisville by frequently volunteering for The Kentucky Derby Museum, St James Court Art Show and Louisville Tourism along with the Outriders Society. Amy joined City Champs to enhance her desire to learn as much about Louisville and its regions; she loves this city and truly enjoy being able to relay her knowledge to our city guests. Amy is also a certified Bourbon Steward and a member of The Whisky Chicks and says she lives for the restaurant scene, often searching for new restaurants but frequenting her favorites.
- The Whisky Chicks
- St. James Court Art Show & other festivals
- Clifton/Crescent Hill neighborhoods
Antoine is originally from Louisville, and became a City Champ to aid in attracting and retaining minority talent in our city as he feels that with the right network, drive, and connections there is opportunity to do and start-up almost anything here. He is a member of Metro United Way, the Louisville Thoroughbred Society, and co-founder of Unite 502 which is a community organization focused on empowering, uplifting, and unifying men of color. His favorite neighborhoods are Butchertown, NuLu and Downtown.
- Louisville Thoroughbred Society
- Minority Groups
- Unite 502
Since moving here in 2005, Catherine has immersed herself in the culture and atmosphere of Louisville and loves that there are things to do all around the city year-round from festivals, to sporting events, nightlife, to a wide list of parks and recreation. She especially loves the unique experiences you can’t find in other cities, like Derby, Thunder, and the Louisville Mega Cavern. Catherine is very involved in the Junior League of Louisville which creates network and training opportunities for women. She is also a member of YPAL, of YELP Elite, and stays busy with two part-time jobs at Old502 Winery and Berserker Brew Coffee in addition to her own DJing business! She is an academic advisor at the University of Louisville and serves as co-chair for their Young and Emerging Professionals Resource Group. She also loves sports, so if she’s able to make a University of Louisville game, Racing Louisville or Louisville FC match, or even check out a Louisville Bats game, she’s totally there!
- All things Yelp!
- University of Louisville
- Off-the-grid restaurants
A native of Minneapolis, MN, Karin has been in Louisville since 1999 and is here to stay. To Karin, Louisville has a unique personality and a style of its own. From our beautiful parks and neighborhoods to the vibrant culinary and cocktail scene, Karin feels Louisville is the country’s best kept secret!
- Anchorage
- Volunteering
- Activities in Louisville
- Real Estate
Walter Woods hasn’t been in Louisville long. He moved here in 2017 for a job opportunity and to move closer to family. As an enthusiast of the arts, Walter enjoys visiting performances by the orchestra and visiting the Speed Art Museum. In his free time he likes to hike, camp, and horse trek and his favorite restaurants include Mayan Café and Fork & Barrel.
- Louisville Arts
- Traveling
- Philanthropy
- Activities in Lou
Diana moved to Louisville in 2007 from Lima, Peru and instantly fell in love with the city and its welcoming people. As a member of Prospanica and the Greater Louisville International Professionals (GLIP), she appreciates the Louisville’s commitment to diversity as a Certified Welcoming City. In her spare time, she enjoys running through one of several Louisville parks.
- Running
- Prospanica
- Louisville Restaurants
- Louisville Festivals
Michael moved to Louisville in 2015 from Washington, D.C. A Lawyer by trade, when he’s not working Michael likes to spend time with his kids, play basketball, fantasy football and baseball, and enjoy a good bourbon or beer. His favorite things to do in Louisville are walking the Big Four Bridge and visiting the Zoo and Actor’s Theatre.
- Louisville Law
- Fantasy Sports
- Bourbon
- Family Activities in Lou
A former resident of Ohio, Southern California and Colorado, has been in Louisville since 1994. She regularly visits the Speed Art Museum and also enjoys local live music and plays at the Kentucky Center for the Arts. In her spare time she likes to walk her dog, socialize with her girlfriends at local wine bars and attend the many events and festivals in Louisville.
- Paristown Pointe
- Speed Art Museum
- Local Music
- Louisville Parks
As a native Louisvillian, Candice prides herself in being a connector and helping new residents feel welcome and at home. Candice loves the small town feel mixed with a culture of diversity that Louisville offers. In her spare time, Candice enjoys visiting Louisville’s many beautiful parks and checking out all the local attractions.
- Places of Worship
- Education
- Newburg Neighborhood
- Attractions in Lou
Randy has been in Louisville his whole life. He gives credit for keeping him engaged in his hometown to the low cost of living, central location, incredible arts and foodie communities, and the opportunities to be involved in so many wonderful organizations. He In his spare time, Ricky enjoys hot yoga, Orange Theory, hiking, cooking, and drinking bourbon.
- Marketing & Advertising
- Bourbon
- Frankfort Avenue
- Louisville Arts
After a brief stint in Nashville, John was itching to come back to his native Louisville when the opportunity presented itself. A lover of good food, the arts, bourbon and horses, to John, no city can compare to the vibrancy of Louisville. An avid UofL fan, you can find John cheering on the Cardinals or restaurant hoping on Bardstown Rd in his free time.
- Louisville Sports
- Audubon Park Neighborhood
- Highlands Restaurants
- Bourbon Bars
As a native Louisvillian, Randy has lived here all his life and has never thought twice about leaving. An avid foodie, Randy enjoys dining out at his old favorites while trying new establishments on the scene. In his spare time, Randy enjoys visiting Louisville’s many breweries and bourbon distilleries.
- The Highlands
- Louisville Breweries
- Bourbon
- Restaurants
If you ask Rosemary, for new residents, finding a quality job in Louisville is the easy part. But it’s when a new resident learns about our city’s different neighborhoods, dining and nightlight scene, and where to have fun is when they are hooked.
- Louisville Neighborhoods
- Nightlife
- Concerts
- Louisville Parks
A new resident of Southern Indiana, Devin now serves as the Deputy Director of the River Ridge Development Authority, focusing on strategic development of the premier commerce center in Indiana. His interests include backpacking and long-distance hiking, Louisville City FC, live music, and travel.
- Southern IN
- River Ridge
- Hiking
- Transitioning to the Area
A native of Louisville, Robert is convinced that Louisvillians are some of the most interesting and unique people in the world. And while Robert feels that the opportunities in Louisville are endless, it’s the city’s people and dynamic culture that he thinks makes Louisville stand out amongst the rest.
- Golf
- Tennis
- Craft Cocktails
- Music
Born in Ann Arbor, MI, Amanda has called Louisville home since she was little. She loves meeting new residents and getting them plugged into the local culture and fun happenings around town. For Amanda, the city’s unique combination of big city amenities and small town culture gives Louisville the unique personality that sets it apart.
- University of Louisville
- Beechmont Neighborhood
- Yelp Elite Squad
- Local Events
Henry is a Louisville native and recent Centre College graduate. He couldn’t imagine starting his career anywhere else and now works in the horse racing industry. Louisville’s big-city opportunities and close-knit communities make the city what it is to Henry. On the weekend, you can find him exploring Louisville’s parks and restaurants or cheering on UofL and LouCity.
- Horse Racing
- Louisville Parks
- Louisville Restaurants
- Local Government
It was Kimberly’s husband, a native Louisvillian, who convinced them to move back to Louisville by way of Tampa, FL in 2016. But once she arrived, Kimberly immediately fell in love with the city’s culture, restaurant scene and thriving job market that awaited her. Now an avid UofL sports fan, you can find Kimberly cheering on the Cardinals throughout the year!
- Junior League
- St. Matthews
- Catholic Schools
- Tech Jobs in Lou
Despite moving to Louisville by way of Columbia, SC during high school, John stuck around and doesn’t plan on leaving. When John’s not on his continued quest to try every great burger in town, you can find him enjoying the walking trails of Cherokee Park, drinking bourbon at one of Louisville’s many cocktail lounges or throwing tomahawks at Flying Axes.
- YPAL
- NuLu
- Louisville Restaurants
- Kentucky Derby Festival
Lori grew up in the Greater Louisville area, has left for work & school opportunities more than once, but always came back. Lori feels Louisville is a city where you can live a truly local life, supporting local businesses to fill just about every need/interest you have. She loves helping people find them, so feel free to ask!
- Distilleries
- College Sports
- Germantown
- The Speed Art Museum
Ashley has been in Louisville since 1999 and is currently the Board President of the Louisville Independent Business Alliance (LIBA). She is a real estate broker but in her free time she can be found enjoying stand up paddle boarding, attending music festivals and live concerts, walking in Cherokee or Seneca Park and volunteering with her children’s schools.
- Real Estate
- Local Music Scene
- Louisville Parks
- Local Business
Lisa moved to Louisville in 2005 originally as a trailing spouse from California and is now a proud Louisvillian by choice. Her favorite thing to do in Louisville is to try new places—especially those that serve brunch and drinks! She is a supporter of the arts and often attends both the ballet and the theatre. In her spare time, Lisa enjoys travelling and cooking.
- Travel
- Louisville Restaurants
- Louisville Arts
- Entrepreneurship
Nate is a graduate of Bellarmine University and moved to Louisville in 2009. In his spare time he enjoys attending Louisville City Soccer games, playing sports, canoeing, and being outside. His favorite things to do in Louisville include visiting the Parklands of Floyds Fork, attending performances by the Louisville Orchestra, and going downtown to visit Museum Row.
- Louisville Sports
- Outdoor Activities in Lou
- Louisville Museums
- The Highlands
For Jonathon, Louisville is the definition of a creative, progressive city that moves and travels like a small town. And because of Louisville’s affordability, he feels it’s the perfect city to chase your passions and dreams without breaking the bank. On a typical weekend, you can find Jonathon catching a local rock show or dining at one of several Highlands restaurants.
- Creative Mornings
- Vintage Shopping
- Southern Indiana
- Louisville Music Scene
Baylee was born in Louisville and has lived here on and off her whole life. She moved back to attend college at the University of Louisville and quickly remembered just how much she loved it. Baylee enjoys staying active by walking the Big Four Bridge, climbing at Climb NULU and doing yoga. Her favorite local restaurant is Royals Hot Chicken in NULU.
- Marketing & Comm’s
- Rock Climbing
- Louisville Arts
- UofL
Ricky moved to Louisville in 2000 when his family was transferred here for his father’s job. Fluent in Spanish, Ricky serves as a member of the Prospanica Louisville Chapter, the Association of Latino Professionals for America (ALPFA). His activities include attending the many festivals, visiting the Slugger Museum, and supporting our area sports teams.
- Hispanic Culture in Lou
- Prospanica
- Local Sports
- Local Government
Tiffany arrived in Louisville back in 2000 after attending school in Chicago. As a mother of two, Tiffany enjoys volunteering with their schools and staying involved in the community. In her spare time she enjoys live music and the Louisville Arts. Some of her favorite restaurants include Mussel & Burger, El Taco Luchador, Holy Grale, Jack Fry’s and many more.
- Getting Involved
- Louisville HR
- Louisville Restaurants
- Louisville Arts
Erica was born and raised in Louisville and has loved watching the city evolve from a sleepy southern town to a blossoming center of art and commerce. She enjoys all forms of art including visual, performing, and literary. In her spare time, Erica enjoys writing, doing yoga, sipping on good bourbon and exploring Louisville’s local ethnic food scene.
- Louisville Restaurants
- Bourbon
- Louisville Arts
- Journalism in Lou
A native of Louisville but recent boomerang from Chicago, Teresa has been impressed with the growth Louisville had experienced when she returned in 2017. Her favorite things to do in Louisville include restaurant hoping around NULU and Bardstown Rd and going to the many street fairs and festivals throughout the year.
- Louisville Real Estate
- Volunteer Opportunities
- Festivals & Events
- Louisville Restaurants
Ann Marie has lived in Louisville her entire life. As the Executive Director of the Young Professional Association of Louisville (YPAL), Anne Marie enjoys networking with new residents to get them connected within the Louisville community. Her favorite Louisville attractions include Churchill Downs, Actors Theatre, and Gravely Brewing.
- YPAL
- Louisville Fitness
- Louisville Restaurants
- Traveling
Born and raised in Louisville, Lettie prides herself on being a strong advocate for education and equity across the city and values Louisville’s culture of inclusivity. And as a leadership guru, entrepreneur, and community activist, volunteering with several local nonprofit organizations in Louisville is Lettie’s way of giving back to the city she loves.
- Entrepreneurship
- Community Service
- Education
- West Louisville
Bobby came to Louisville by way of Alabama and instantly felt at home due to the warmth and inclusion he received as a new resident. Since moving to the city, Bobby has enjoyed exploring our thriving food and cocktail scene, attending local music festivals, hitting the links and checking out the many distilleries along the Urban Bourbon Trail.
- NuLu Neighborhood
- Startup Scene
- Golf Courses
- Bourbon
Born and raised in Louisville, Shaun has recently come back to the city to be closer to family. For Shaun, Louisville’s central location and breadth of opportunity is what makes us so great. Her favorite Louisville activities include attending performances at the Kentucky Center, attending the Louisville Zombie Walk and enjoying the world’s only underground zipline!
- Louisville HR Management
- Louisville Arts
- Louisville Restaurants
- Zombie Walks
It was the University of Louisville that first brought Amanda here, but it was the friendly people, amazing parks and the abundance of restaurants that convinced her to stay. To Amanda, despite the fact that Louisville is a big city, the small town charm of the local residents means people are always willing to help their neighbors.
- Louisville Parks
- Louisville Restaurants
- Downtown Scene
- Local Festivals
Emily came to Louisville by way of California and fell in love with our city’s eclectic culture. Emily sees Louisville as a town that takes the best parts from south, east and Midwest, and combines them all to create a truly unique personality. And as our Yelp community manager, Emily is an expert on what makes Louisville a great place to live, work and play.
- Yelp
- The Highlands
- Local Breweries
- Arts Events
Born and raised in Louisville, Alex loves the city because the people are friendly, there’s plenty to do, and it’s affordable. A resident of Louisville’s historic south end, Alex enjoys sampling all the local food, meeting new people, and spending time with his new bride.
- Louisville Restaurants
- South End Neighborhoods
- Chamber of Commerce
- Things to Do
A native of Louisville, Stephanie believes the city’s fun nature is what makes us so distinctive! From our developed art scene to the abundance of outdoor adventure, Stephanie thinks Louisville offers a full package. In her spare time, you can find her shopping at one of Louisville’s many boutiques or exercising at one of several local gyms and fitness classes.
- Louisville Boutiques
- Fitness
- Louisville Public Schools
- Louisville Arts
Katie Hicks was born and raised in Louisville and is a graduate of Bellarmine University. She is a nurse practitioner by day but in her spare time is an avid supporter of the arts and is a season ticket holder at the Kentucky Center. Her favorite things to do in Louisville include attending Kentucky Derby Festival Events and going to Louisville City FC soccer games.
- Tennis
- Louisville Restaurants
- Yoga & Meditation
- Louisville Events
As a life-long resident of Louisville, Andrew is an expert in Louisville’s rich history of bourbon and horse racing, but his real love is the unique neighborhoods that make up the city. Having lived in over 25 homes in Louisville, Andrew has spent time getting to know each area in-depth and has a deep appreciation of Louisville’s culture of inclusivity.
- Relocation
- Neighborhoods
- Shopping Local
- Schools
While it was family that brought Deby to Louisville, it was the southern hospitality and big city heart that kept her here. A Certified Tourism Ambassador, Deby loves exploring Louisville’s many haunted neighborhoods and taking in our Shakespeare in the Park festival. But her favorite part about Louisville is the people and their love for the city they call home.
- Old Louisville
- Haunted Neighborhoods
- Marine Moms
- Visual Arts
John moved back to Louisville in 2005 after being away for about 10 years. A passionate volunteer, John serves on a number of local boards such as is a member of the Center for Neighborhoods, the Olmsted Parks Conservancy and Louisville Public Media. John enjoys exploring new restaurants and attending arts and cultural events around Louisville.
- Louisville Neighborhoods
- Journalism & Publishing
- Louisville Arts
- Louisville Parks
Although Melanie tried to move away from Louisville before, she always came back! Having experienced living in over 5 states, Melanie enjoys the big city culture in a city that has a small-town feel. When she’s not hitting the town or dining at one of our many restaurants, Melanie serves her community through her participation in Louisville’s thriving arts scene.
- Louisville Arts
- Volunteering
- YPAL
- Nightlife
Born and raised in Louisville, Tricia prides herself in ensuring new residents feel welcome in her hometown. A resident of Louisville’s Cherokee Triangle neighborhood, on a typical weekend you can find Tricia and her husband hosting neighbors and friends on their front porch. In her spare time, Tricia serves on a wide variety of charitable boards and committees.
- Catholic Churches
- Cherokee Triangle
- YMCA
- Louisville Parks
Alana moved from Princeton, NJ to Louisville in 2015. Having grown up on the East Coast, the move to Louisville was significant. However, it didn’t take long for Alana to embrace her new city and once she did, she fell in love with the abundance of parks, local food scene and ease of getting involved in anything and everything!
- Local Bakeries
- Germantown
- Philanthropy
- Downtown Restaurants
Miriam moved to the region in 2017 from Texas and is now living a new type of southern living and loving every moment. She resides in Southern Indiana, works in Louisville and plays throughout the region. She enjoys the growing food scene, the diverse art culture, and attending local markets and festivals.
- Southern Indiana
- Local Food Scene
- Louisville Art Scene
- Louisville Festivals
Born and raised in Louisville, Kim has experienced living in several neighborhoods, from Crescent Hill to Shelbyville. By day, Kim enjoys the bustling atmosphere of Louisville’s downtown corridor, but by night, she thrives on the simplicity of Louisville’s rural surroundings. In her free time, Kim loves gardening and supporting the arts, frequenting performances often.
- Louisville Catholic Schools
- Gardening
- Louisville Arts
- Shelby County Destinations
Brian is a boomerang who grew up in Louisville but after a few years away, decided to make his return home. From his adoration of bourbon, the city’s vibrant culinary scene, and dynamic nightlife arena, Brian enjoys the southern charm of Louisville’s social atmosphere. He is an avid supporter of the University of Louisville athletics and a football season ticket holder.
- Urban Bourbon Trail
- Downtown Louisville Bars
- Public Golf Courses
- Louisville Tourism
A Western Kentucky native, Caleb landed in Louisville to attend college at UofL. It was the friendly people, ease of getting around town and abundance of job opportunities that kept him in the city upon graduation. A lover of bourbon, in his free time, Caleb enjoys dining and gallery hoping in the Crescent Hill neighborhood. the restaurant scene and galleries
- Bourbon Scene
- Louisville Galleries
- NULU Neighborhood
- Restaurants
A Californian by birth, Jess and her family relocated to Louisville when she was young. But it was Louisville’s can-do attitude and incredible willingness to update, re-create, and evolve that made her want to stay. To Jess, whether it’s big hats, baseball bats, or bourbon, Louisvillian’s are willing to embrace it all!
- Dog Hill
- Goose Creek Neighborhood
- Startups
- Big Four Bridge
A Chicago native, Joe moved to Louisville in 2014 upon graduation from Kentucky State University. It’s Louisville’s “best of both worlds” vibe, with a strong urban core, blended with the calming aspects of the more rural surrounding areas, that has kept him here since. In his free time, you can find him jogging through Louisville’s park system and hanging out in his favorite neighborhood of Portland.
- Technology
- Portland Neighborhood
- Professional Networking Events
- Louisville Restaurants
As a native Louisvillian, Amy believes the city’s amazing food and bourbon scene, outstanding park system and diversity is what has kept her here all these years. An avid hiker, in her spare time you can find Amy enjoying one of the many park systems.
- Local Hiking Trails
- Louisville Parks
- Big Four Bridge
- Regional Day Trips
After 12 years away, Tom recently moved back to Louisville in the wake of the Coronavirus pandemic. Thanks to the technology shift to remote work, Tom isn’t looking back and is thrilled to be back in the Derby City for good! Tom finds value in Louisville’s high quality of life, mixed with its low cost of living and is eager to acclimate new and perspective residents to the place he once again calls home.
- Shred 415 Studio
- Louisville Bike Trails
- Old Louisville
- Technology
Although a Kentuckian by birth, Sydney moved to Louisville 10 years ago via London, England, upstate NY and Indianapolis, IN. Sydney’s favorite activities include trying the ever-changing local food scene, biking on both urban and rural bike paths, and lounging at the world-renowned, Lakeside Swim Club.
- Local Restaurants
- Triathlon Training
- Lakeside Swim Club
- Lyndon
A boomerang from Charlotte, NC, Connie grew up in Louisville and has enjoyed witnessing the exciting growth that the city has experienced in recent years. Connie enjoys Louisville’s strong music scene, unique art murals splashed around town, and the countless restaurants. But to Connie, Louisville’s true gems are the Big Four Walking Bridge and Jefferson Memorial Forest.
- Music Scene
- Big Four Bridge
- Jefferson Memorial Forrest
- Louisville Arts
A Louisville native, Debbie is a go to resource for your relocation questions and needs! Debbie currently serves as the Director of Corporate Relocation Business Development with Semonin Realtors where she works closely with existing and perspective Louisville companies and their transferees each day. A diehard ice hockey mom at heart, in her free time Debbie enjoys spending time with her family attending Indy car races, volunteering, and enjoying the local music scene.
- Relocation
- Louisville & Southern IN Neighborhoods
- Getting Connected
- Ice Hockey
New to Louisville by way of Texas, Chantel has thoroughly enjoyed exploring her new hometown and meeting the city’s friendly residents. And while she hasn’t been in the city long, she’s thoroughly enjoyed exploring the many unique neighborhoods and restaurants and is eager to meet new people!
- Teach Kentucky
- New to Louisville
- Relocation
- Things to Do
Originally from a small town in Missouri, John planted his roots in Louisville upon graduating college in 2006. On a typical weekend, John and his family enjoy spending time outdoors, taking advantage of the the multitude of recreational activities. But on the first Saturday in May, you can be certain that John will be at the Kentucky Derby, betting on the horses with a mint julep in hand!
- KY Derby Week
- Horse Racing
- Recreational Activities
- Chamber of Commerce
A native of Lexington, Keith has called Louisville home since 1999 and hasn’t looked back since. For Keith, living in Louisville has many perks, from our world class sports and entertainment scenes, to also being an accepting and vibrant community, there is something for everyone in Louisville.
- Louisville Sports
- Museums
- The Walking Bridge
- The Highlands
Tina and her husband relocated to Louisville by way of Oregon a few years ago and hasn’t looked back since. Although she describes Louisville as a small town, she feel the city’s big heart, talent, creativity and indentureship makes it so special. A lover of craft beer, Tina enjoys Louisville’s vast brewery scene and spending time dining in her favorite neighborhood of Germantown.
- Germantown Neighborhood
- Logan Street Market
- Local Breweries
- Relocating to Louisville
A graduate of UofL, Ed knew he wanted to stay in Louisville upon graduating to start his career. A resident of the St. Matthews neighborhood, Ed thinks Louisville is the perfect place to raise a family. In his spare time, Ed enjoys exploring the abundance or parks in the region and taking his family to UofL sporting events.
- St. Matthews Attractions
- Philanthropy
- UofL Sports
- Louisville Parks
Born and raised in Louisville, Tamara prides herself in the fact that the city boats a diverse culture with a variety of activities for people to participate in. As an employee for JCPS, she is your go to girl for all questions related to Louisville’s public school system.
- Kentucky State University
- Beuchel Neighborhood
- Jefferson County Public Schools
- Festivals
Although Marlyce has lived abroad, Louisville is and will always be considered home. In an ode Louisville native, Muhammad Ali, Marlyce loves the fighter spirit she feels that shines through our city’s residents.
- West Louisville
- Louisville Parks
- University of Louisville
- Community Engagement
A boomerang back to Louisville by way of Buffalo, NY, Caroline couldn’t wait to get back to her hometown. To Caroline, it’s the friendliness of the people, the availability of entertainment and activities, and the affordability of living that makes Greater Louisville so special. In her spare time, you can find Caroline biking and swimming at Lakeside.
- Waterfront Botanical Gardens
- Lakeside Swim Club
- The Highlands
- Biking
As a native Louisvillian, Aimee’s passion for improving the community is unmatched. In her role as Engagement Specialist for the Leadership Louisville Center, Aimee recruits civic-minded leaders to participate in the LLC’s leadership development programs. In her free time, Aimee enjoys live music, the local parks, and trying new restaurants and breweries.
- Volunteerism and philanthropy
- Leadership Louisville
- How to get involved in Louisville
- Downtown Louisville
Originally from Indiana, Kelsey has been a Louisvillian for nearly 5 years and has fallen in love with the southern and friendly culture. Always up to try new things, you can find Kelsey around town enjoying new dining establishments, cocktails lounges and attractions.
- NULU Restaurants
- Downtown Lousiville
- Louisville Attractions
- Local Arts Scene
Growing up in all different parts of the country, Austin is thrilled to now call Louisville his home. A graduate from Centre College and University of Louisville, Austin is thoroughly enjoying his time as a young professional in his adopted city. In his spare time, you can find Austin playing the guitar and attending local concerts.
- Guitar
- Centre College
- Louisville Music Scene
- Chamber of Commerce
A resident of Louisville for most of her life, Rachel feels the city’s unique neighborhoods that showcase a wide blend of cultures really sets us apart. For Rachel, no matter what part of town you’re in, each resident embodies heart and passion for their city.
- Beechmont Neighborhood
- Louisville Tourism
- Louisville Parks
- Iroquois Amphitheater
A resident of Louisville by way of Michigan, Nathan has lived in the River City since 2004 and hasn’t looked back since. Nathan feels his extensive military background can offer valuable insight to the Reservist or National Guard Airman or Soldier looking to relocate to Louisville. In his free time, you can find him exploring the city’s extensive park system.
- National Guard
- Paristown Point
- The Parklands
- Veteran’s Association of Real Estate Professionals
A resident of Louisville for over 10 years, Alicia’s love for the city grew so strong, she founded her company, Destination Lou, to promote the special things about Louisville to incoming conventions and visitors. A resident of the Clifton neighborhood, in her spare time, Alicia enjoys attending concerts and hiking in our regions many forests.
- Louisville Attractions
- Louisville Events
- Louisville Parks
- Local Music Venues
Ashley has been in Louisville since 1999 and is currently the Board President of the Louisville Independent Business Alliance (LIBA). She is a real estate broker but in her free time she can be found enjoying stand up paddle boarding, attending music festivals and live concerts, walking in Cherokee or Seneca Park and volunteering with her children’s schools.
- Real Estate
- Local Music Scene
- Louisville Parks
- Local Business
For Pai, it’s Louisville’s small town with a big city feel that makes us so great. He feels that Louisville has been a well-kept secret all of these years and is excited to witness the growth and national recognition the city’s been receiving of late. On a weekend night, you can find Pai strolling through NULU or boating on the Ohio River.
- Boating on the Ohio River
- NULU Entertainment
- Waterfront Park
- Anchorage
A native of Owensboro, KY Heather moved to Louisville as a young girl and has always loved how residents welcome people with open arms. She loves Louisville’s reputation as a ‘foodie’ city with plenty of local and authentic restaurants to choose. In her free time, Heather enjoys the Louisville Ballet, as well as other various family-friendly activities around town
- Louisville Ballet
- Locally-Owned Restaurants
- Crescent Hill
- Catholic School System
Growing up in Louisville, Pam has always been passionate about her city. To Pam, Louisville’s uniqueness, from its nationally recognized restaurant scene to it’s robust park system, is what makes our city such a great place to relocate to no matter what stage of life you’re in – young professional, raising a family or into your retirement years – Louisville has something for everyone!
- Lakeside Masters
- Louisville Restaurants
- Louisville Parks
- Sacred Heart Academy
As the Executive Director for the Young Professionals Association of Louisville, Cassidy is a fantastic resource for young professionals getting acclimated to the city. A native of Western Kentucky, Cassidy has always loved the big city feel of Louisville while also maintaining a southern charm.
- YPAL
- Volunteering
- Non-profits
- Dog parks
- Breweries
A Louisvillian by birth, Mike has always enjoyed how much the city surprises first time visitors. Whether it’s the thrill of attending the races at Churchill or experiencing the uniqueness of Louisville’s Urban Bourbon Trail, Mike appreciates Louisville’s original culture and personality that rivals nowhere else in the country.
- Horse Racing
- Kentucky Derby Festival
- Entrepreneurship
- Louisville Neighborhoods
As the Visitor Services Manager for Louisville Tourism, Rose is a guru for all things Louisville! Whether it’s wanting to learn more about attractions, restaurants, shopping, or Kentuckiana’s hidden gems, she’s your go-to person! Rose enjoys spending her free time running through Louisville’s many parks, checking out local breweries, and spending time on both sides of the Ohio River.
- Downtown Louisville
- Urban Bourbon Trail
- Louisville Festivals
- New Albany, IN
Brandon was born in Louisville and serves as a member of the Louisville Metro Council. In his spare time he enjoys wilderness tripping and experiencing live music. He is a supporter of Louisville Public Media and the Olmsted Parks Conservancy. His favorite things to do in Louisville include trying new restaurants, walking the parks and going to UofL games.
- Louisville Restaurants
- Getting Involved
- Louisville Parks
- Louisville Public Media
Sarah serves as the President & CEO of Greater Louisville Inc. – the metro chamber of commerce. She loves that Louisville has the friendliness of the rural South combined with the culture of a metropolitan city. And although there is something for everyone in Louisville, Sarah especially enjoys the ballroom salsa, and argentine tango dance scenes.
- St. Matthews
- Ballroom salsa and tango dancing
- Louisville Food Scene
- Animals
Tosha is originally from a small town in Indiana but moved here for college in 2010, and has found her favorite parts of the city to be the food options, the parks, and the performing arts scene. She coaches the dance team at Butler Traditional High School, and frequently attends shows at the Kentucky Center & Actor’s Theater along with many of the local music venues. She volunteers with Junior Achievement teaching about entrepreneurship and coaches other young professionals on career building, professional development opportunities, and resume design. She wants to help others realize the unique opportunities and offerings that Louisville has to offer, and show them what she loves most about the city.
- Professional Development
- Career Solutions/Resume Building
- Event Planning
- Where to Dance
- Where to Play Trivia or Bingo
Live in Lou City Champs
Here for you in Lou.
Whether you’re thinking about moving to Louisville or you’re already here, our City Champs have a wide range of backgrounds and are passionate for our city. They are here to help you get connected and ready to show you how great it is to live in Lou.
What do they do?
Are you new to Louisville or considering a move here? Do you want to know the best new restaurants or coolest events in town? Are you not sure which neighborhood might fit your lifestyle? Do you want to know how you can get involved in the community? Are you trying to decide which neighborhoods, schools or churches fit you and your family’s lifestyle?
Look no further, the City Champs can help you with each of these things! We want your experience in Louisville to be far from mediocre.
Rock Climbing? Volunteering? Craft Beer?
There's a City Champ for that.
The Live in Lou City Champs are here to help you find whatever you need like the right park, a new restaurant, a cool networking event, a hidden gem of the city you didn’t know existed, the best events and festivals, and so much more!
Consider them to be your guru for all things Lou. Click through the photos below and you’ll find our full lineup along with some of their favorite things and interests. Connect with them and soak up all of their Lou knowledge. You never know, you might end up with a new best friend.
Let's Get You Connected.
Third Thursdays
Mauris a congue augue. Aenean nec purus vehicula augue congue eleifend sed ac ipsum. Morbi rutrum, elit sit amet faucibus vestibulum, orci est lobortis purus, et faucibus velit.
New Resident Resources
Morbi in pharetra justo. Duis vitae risus felis. Sed vel turpis finibus, viverra dolor et, tincidunt turpis. Phasellus justo nisi, ornare eget ante eu, euismod vestibulum metus viverra dolor.
Become a City Champ
Mauris convallis arcu neque, sed ullamcorper orci tempor at. Donec tincidunt urna arcu, id varius diam facilisis consequat. Integer interdum nisl vel tellus dignissim, ac blandit lorem.
What People Say
Karen McCourt
Model Agency
Morbi ac vehicula tortor. Nullam dictum tortor eu ipsum pretium tempor. Donec auctor at tellus tincidunt molestie. Donec mollis maximus vehicula. Interdum et malesuad fames.
Jack Wallace
Web Developer
Morbi ac vehicula tortor. Nullam dictum tortor eu ipsum pretium tempor. Donec auctor at tellus tincidunt molestie. Donec mollis maximus vehicula. Interdum et malesuad fames.
John Grayson
Blogger
Morbi ac vehicula tortor. Nullam dictum tortor eu ipsum pretium tempor. Donec auctor at tellus tincidunt molestie. Donec mollis maximus vehicula. Interdum et malesuad fames.
Alex is the Director of Internships at Northwestern Mutual and is active in the Louisville German American Club. She was born in Louisville, grew up in Southern KY and moved back to Lou in 2003 for college. She says that she has deep roots in Louisville and has always considered it the “hometown of her heart” from visiting often as a child. She is great at making connections and enjoys sharing the things she loves about Louisville such as the music scene ranging from the orchestra to the local bands like My Morning Jacket and Jack Harlow. Alex enjoys volunteering with the German American Club, West End Schools and local events like Forecastle. Her favorite neighborhood is where she calls home, Germantown, and especially finds the Barrett Corridor and Paristown Pointe to be incredible spots in the area.
- Louisville German American Club
- Anything music, from festivals to orchestra
- Volunteering
Aaron was born and raised in Elizabethtown, KY but moved to Louisville for college in August 2013 and has been here ever since! He truly loves living in Louisville and feels it has something to offer for everyone, with both feelings of the big city or suburb lifestyles without substituting great restaurants, entertainment, and hospitality. Aaron is very involved with the community, and passionate about addressing issues the city faces. He’s a member of Young Professionals Association of Louisville (YPAL) and serves as an ambassador, Metro United Way LINC and Healthcare Financial Management Association (HFMA) in addition to being a Certified Tourism Ambassador. He continues to advocate and grow the Louisville brand along with our pool of talented workforce and employers willing to invest in our community. Aaron enjoys spending Twilight Thursdays and Saturdays at Churchill Downs for live races and live music, trying our diverse food scene, attending neighborhood fests in NuLu and the Highlands, and grabbing a drink at any of our many bourbon bars.
- Neighborhood vibes and costs of living
- Entertainment options (both indoor & outdoor/recreational)
- Our diverse, award-winning dining scene!
In meeting guests who visit Louisville for the first time, Amy loves the reaction they have about having so much to do, and sees this as a high compliment to the city. She is a Certified Tourism Ambassador and supports Louisville by frequently volunteering for The Kentucky Derby Museum, St James Court Art Show and Louisville Tourism along with the Outriders Society. Amy joined City Champs to enhance her desire to learn as much about Louisville and its regions; she loves this city and truly enjoy being able to relay her knowledge to our city guests. Amy is also a certified Bourbon Steward and a member of The Whisky Chicks and says she lives for the restaurant scene, often searching for new restaurants but frequenting her favorites.
- The Whisky Chicks
- St. James Court Art Show & other festivals
- Clifton/Crescent Hill neighborhoods
Antoine is originally from Louisville, and became a City Champ to aid in attracting and retaining minority talent in our city as he feels that with the right network, drive, and connections there is opportunity to do and start-up almost anything here. He is a member of Metro United Way, the Louisville Thoroughbred Society, and co-founder of Unite 502 which is a community organization focused on empowering, uplifting, and unifying men of color. His favorite neighborhoods are Butchertown, NuLu and Downtown.
- Louisville Thoroughbred Society
- Minority Groups
- Unite 502
Since moving here in 2005, Catherine has immersed herself in the culture and atmosphere of Louisville and loves that there are things to do all around the city year-round from festivals, to sporting events, nightlife, to a wide list of parks and recreation. She especially loves the unique experiences you can’t find in other cities, like Derby, Thunder, and the Louisville Mega Cavern. Catherine is very involved in the Junior League of Louisville which creates network and training opportunities for women. She is also a member of YPAL, of YELP Elite, and stays busy with two part-time jobs at Old502 Winery and Berserker Brew Coffee in addition to her own DJing business! She is an academic advisor at the University of Louisville and serves as co-chair for their Young and Emerging Professionals Resource Group. She also loves sports, so if she’s able to make a University of Louisville game, Racing Louisville or Louisville FC match, or even check out a Louisville Bats game, she’s totally there!
- All things Yelp!
- University of Louisville
- Off-the-grid restaurants
A native of Minneapolis, MN, Karin has been in Louisville since 1999 and is here to stay. To Karin, Louisville has a unique personality and a style of its own. From our beautiful parks and neighborhoods to the vibrant culinary and cocktail scene, Karin feels Louisville is the country’s best kept secret!
- Anchorage
- Volunteering
- Activities in Louisville
- Real Estate
Walter Woods hasn’t been in Louisville long. He moved here in 2017 for a job opportunity and to move closer to family. As an enthusiast of the arts, Walter enjoys visiting performances by the orchestra and visiting the Speed Art Museum. In his free time he likes to hike, camp, and horse trek and his favorite restaurants include Mayan Café and Fork & Barrel.
- Louisville Arts
- Traveling
- Philanthropy
- Activities in Lou
Diana moved to Louisville in 2007 from Lima, Peru and instantly fell in love with the city and its welcoming people. As a member of Prospanica and the Greater Louisville International Professionals (GLIP), she appreciates the Louisville’s commitment to diversity as a Certified Welcoming City. In her spare time, she enjoys running through one of several Louisville parks.
- Running
- Prospanica
- Louisville Restaurants
- Louisville Festivals
Michael moved to Louisville in 2015 from Washington, D.C. A Lawyer by trade, when he’s not working Michael likes to spend time with his kids, play basketball, fantasy football and baseball, and enjoy a good bourbon or beer. His favorite things to do in Louisville are walking the Big Four Bridge and visiting the Zoo and Actor’s Theatre.
- Louisville Law
- Fantasy Sports
- Bourbon
- Family Activities in Lou
A former resident of Ohio, Southern California and Colorado, has been in Louisville since 1994. She regularly visits the Speed Art Museum and also enjoys local live music and plays at the Kentucky Center for the Arts. In her spare time she likes to walk her dog, socialize with her girlfriends at local wine bars and attend the many events and festivals in Louisville.
- Paristown Pointe
- Speed Art Museum
- Local Music
- Louisville Parks
As a native Louisvillian, Candice prides herself in being a connector and helping new residents feel welcome and at home. Candice loves the small town feel mixed with a culture of diversity that Louisville offers. In her spare time, Candice enjoys visiting Louisville’s many beautiful parks and checking out all the local attractions.
- Places of Worship
- Education
- Newburg Neighborhood
- Attractions in Lou
Randy has been in Louisville his whole life. He gives credit for keeping him engaged in his hometown to the low cost of living, central location, incredible arts and foodie communities, and the opportunities to be involved in so many wonderful organizations. He In his spare time, Ricky enjoys hot yoga, Orange Theory, hiking, cooking, and drinking bourbon.
- Marketing & Advertising
- Bourbon
- Frankfort Avenue
- Louisville Arts
After a brief stint in Nashville, John was itching to come back to his native Louisville when the opportunity presented itself. A lover of good food, the arts, bourbon and horses, to John, no city can compare to the vibrancy of Louisville. An avid UofL fan, you can find John cheering on the Cardinals or restaurant hoping on Bardstown Rd in his free time.
- Louisville Sports
- Audubon Park Neighborhood
- Highlands Restaurants
- Bourbon Bars
As a native Louisvillian, Randy has lived here all his life and has never thought twice about leaving. An avid foodie, Randy enjoys dining out at his old favorites while trying new establishments on the scene. In his spare time, Randy enjoys visiting Louisville’s many breweries and bourbon distilleries.
- The Highlands
- Louisville Breweries
- Bourbon
- Restaurants
If you ask Rosemary, for new residents, finding a quality job in Louisville is the easy part. But it’s when a new resident learns about our city’s different neighborhoods, dining and nightlight scene, and where to have fun is when they are hooked.
- Louisville Neighborhoods
- Nightlife
- Concerts
- Louisville Parks
A new resident of Southern Indiana, Devin now serves as the Deputy Director of the River Ridge Development Authority, focusing on strategic development of the premier commerce center in Indiana. His interests include backpacking and long-distance hiking, Louisville City FC, live music, and travel.
- Southern IN
- River Ridge
- Hiking
- Transitioning to the Area
A native of Louisville, Robert is convinced that Louisvillians are some of the most interesting and unique people in the world. And while Robert feels that the opportunities in Louisville are endless, it’s the city’s people and dynamic culture that he thinks makes Louisville stand out amongst the rest.
- Golf
- Tennis
- Craft Cocktails
- Music
Born in Ann Arbor, MI, Amanda has called Louisville home since she was little. She loves meeting new residents and getting them plugged into the local culture and fun happenings around town. For Amanda, the city’s unique combination of big city amenities and small town culture gives Louisville the unique personality that sets it apart.
- University of Louisville
- Beechmont Neighborhood
- Yelp Elite Squad
- Local Events
Henry is a Louisville native and recent Centre College graduate. He couldn’t imagine starting his career anywhere else and now works in the horse racing industry. Louisville’s big-city opportunities and close-knit communities make the city what it is to Henry. On the weekend, you can find him exploring Louisville’s parks and restaurants or cheering on UofL and LouCity.
- Horse Racing
- Louisville Parks
- Louisville Restaurants
- Local Government
It was Kimberly’s husband, a native Louisvillian, who convinced them to move back to Louisville by way of Tampa, FL in 2016. But once she arrived, Kimberly immediately fell in love with the city’s culture, restaurant scene and thriving job market that awaited her. Now an avid UofL sports fan, you can find Kimberly cheering on the Cardinals throughout the year!
- Junior League
- St. Matthews
- Catholic Schools
- Tech Jobs in Lou
Despite moving to Louisville by way of Columbia, SC during high school, John stuck around and doesn’t plan on leaving. When John’s not on his continued quest to try every great burger in town, you can find him enjoying the walking trails of Cherokee Park, drinking bourbon at one of Louisville’s many cocktail lounges or throwing tomahawks at Flying Axes.
- YPAL
- NuLu
- Louisville Restaurants
- Kentucky Derby Festival
Lori grew up in the Greater Louisville area, has left for work & school opportunities more than once, but always came back. Lori feels Louisville is a city where you can live a truly local life, supporting local businesses to fill just about every need/interest you have. She loves helping people find them, so feel free to ask!
- Distilleries
- College Sports
- Germantown
- The Speed Art Museum
Ashley has been in Louisville since 1999 and is currently the Board President of the Louisville Independent Business Alliance (LIBA). She is a real estate broker but in her free time she can be found enjoying stand up paddle boarding, attending music festivals and live concerts, walking in Cherokee or Seneca Park and volunteering with her children’s schools.
- Real Estate
- Local Music Scene
- Louisville Parks
- Local Business
Lisa moved to Louisville in 2005 originally as a trailing spouse from California and is now a proud Louisvillian by choice. Her favorite thing to do in Louisville is to try new places—especially those that serve brunch and drinks! She is a supporter of the arts and often attends both the ballet and the theatre. In her spare time, Lisa enjoys travelling and cooking.
- Travel
- Louisville Restaurants
- Louisville Arts
- Entrepreneurship
Nate is a graduate of Bellarmine University and moved to Louisville in 2009. In his spare time he enjoys attending Louisville City Soccer games, playing sports, canoeing, and being outside. His favorite things to do in Louisville include visiting the Parklands of Floyds Fork, attending performances by the Louisville Orchestra, and going downtown to visit Museum Row.
- Louisville Sports
- Outdoor Activities in Lou
- Louisville Museums
- The Highlands
For Jonathon, Louisville is the definition of a creative, progressive city that moves and travels like a small town. And because of Louisville’s affordability, he feels it’s the perfect city to chase your passions and dreams without breaking the bank. On a typical weekend, you can find Jonathon catching a local rock show or dining at one of several Highlands restaurants.
- Creative Mornings
- Vintage Shopping
- Southern Indiana
- Louisville Music Scene
Baylee was born in Louisville and has lived here on and off her whole life. She moved back to attend college at the University of Louisville and quickly remembered just how much she loved it. Baylee enjoys staying active by walking the Big Four Bridge, climbing at Climb NULU and doing yoga. Her favorite local restaurant is Royals Hot Chicken in NULU.
- Marketing & Comm’s
- Rock Climbing
- Louisville Arts
- UofL
Ricky moved to Louisville in 2000 when his family was transferred here for his father’s job. Fluent in Spanish, Ricky serves as a member of the Prospanica Louisville Chapter, the Association of Latino Professionals for America (ALPFA). His activities include attending the many festivals, visiting the Slugger Museum, and supporting our area sports teams.
- Hispanic Culture in Lou
- Prospanica
- Local Sports
- Local Government
Tiffany arrived in Louisville back in 2000 after attending school in Chicago. As a mother of two, Tiffany enjoys volunteering with their schools and staying involved in the community. In her spare time she enjoys live music and the Louisville Arts. Some of her favorite restaurants include Mussel & Burger, El Taco Luchador, Holy Grale, Jack Fry’s and many more.
- Getting Involved
- Louisville HR
- Louisville Restaurants
- Louisville Arts
Erica was born and raised in Louisville and has loved watching the city evolve from a sleepy southern town to a blossoming center of art and commerce. She enjoys all forms of art including visual, performing, and literary. In her spare time, Erica enjoys writing, doing yoga, sipping on good bourbon and exploring Louisville’s local ethnic food scene.
- Louisville Restaurants
- Bourbon
- Louisville Arts
- Journalism in Lou
A native of Louisville but recent boomerang from Chicago, Teresa has been impressed with the growth Louisville had experienced when she returned in 2017. Her favorite things to do in Louisville include restaurant hoping around NULU and Bardstown Rd and going to the many street fairs and festivals throughout the year.
- Louisville Real Estate
- Volunteer Opportunities
- Festivals & Events
- Louisville Restaurants
Ann Marie has lived in Louisville her entire life. As the Executive Director of the Young Professional Association of Louisville (YPAL), Anne Marie enjoys networking with new residents to get them connected within the Louisville community. Her favorite Louisville attractions include Churchill Downs, Actors Theatre, and Gravely Brewing.
- YPAL
- Louisville Fitness
- Louisville Restaurants
- Traveling
Born and raised in Louisville, Lettie prides herself on being a strong advocate for education and equity across the city and values Louisville’s culture of inclusivity. And as a leadership guru, entrepreneur, and community activist, volunteering with several local nonprofit organizations in Louisville is Lettie’s way of giving back to the city she loves.
- Entrepreneurship
- Community Service
- Education
- West Louisville
Bobby came to Louisville by way of Alabama and instantly felt at home due to the warmth and inclusion he received as a new resident. Since moving to the city, Bobby has enjoyed exploring our thriving food and cocktail scene, attending local music festivals, hitting the links and checking out the many distilleries along the Urban Bourbon Trail.
- NuLu Neighborhood
- Startup Scene
- Golf Courses
- Bourbon
Born and raised in Louisville, Shaun has recently come back to the city to be closer to family. For Shaun, Louisville’s central location and breadth of opportunity is what makes us so great. Her favorite Louisville activities include attending performances at the Kentucky Center, attending the Louisville Zombie Walk and enjoying the world’s only underground zipline!
- Louisville HR Management
- Louisville Arts
- Louisville Restaurants
- Zombie Walks
It was the University of Louisville that first brought Amanda here, but it was the friendly people, amazing parks and the abundance of restaurants that convinced her to stay. To Amanda, despite the fact that Louisville is a big city, the small town charm of the local residents means people are always willing to help their neighbors.
- Louisville Parks
- Louisville Restaurants
- Downtown Scene
- Local Festivals
Emily came to Louisville by way of California and fell in love with our city’s eclectic culture. Emily sees Louisville as a town that takes the best parts from south, east and Midwest, and combines them all to create a truly unique personality. And as our Yelp community manager, Emily is an expert on what makes Louisville a great place to live, work and play.
- Yelp
- The Highlands
- Local Breweries
- Arts Events
Born and raised in Louisville, Alex loves the city because the people are friendly, there’s plenty to do, and it’s affordable. A resident of Louisville’s historic south end, Alex enjoys sampling all the local food, meeting new people, and spending time with his new bride.
- Louisville Restaurants
- South End Neighborhoods
- Chamber of Commerce
- Things to Do
A native of Louisville, Stephanie believes the city’s fun nature is what makes us so distinctive! From our developed art scene to the abundance of outdoor adventure, Stephanie thinks Louisville offers a full package. In her spare time, you can find her shopping at one of Louisville’s many boutiques or exercising at one of several local gyms and fitness classes.
- Louisville Boutiques
- Fitness
- Louisville Public Schools
- Louisville Arts
Katie Hicks was born and raised in Louisville and is a graduate of Bellarmine University. She is a nurse practitioner by day but in her spare time is an avid supporter of the arts and is a season ticket holder at the Kentucky Center. Her favorite things to do in Louisville include attending Kentucky Derby Festival Events and going to Louisville City FC soccer games.
- Tennis
- Louisville Restaurants
- Yoga & Meditation
- Louisville Events
As a life-long resident of Louisville, Andrew is an expert in Louisville’s rich history of bourbon and horse racing, but his real love is the unique neighborhoods that make up the city. Having lived in over 25 homes in Louisville, Andrew has spent time getting to know each area in-depth and has a deep appreciation of Louisville’s culture of inclusivity.
- Relocation
- Neighborhoods
- Shopping Local
- Schools
While it was family that brought Deby to Louisville, it was the southern hospitality and big city heart that kept her here. A Certified Tourism Ambassador, Deby loves exploring Louisville’s many haunted neighborhoods and taking in our Shakespeare in the Park festival. But her favorite part about Louisville is the people and their love for the city they call home.
- Old Louisville
- Haunted Neighborhoods
- Marine Moms
- Visual Arts
John moved back to Louisville in 2005 after being away for about 10 years. A passionate volunteer, John serves on a number of local boards such as is a member of the Center for Neighborhoods, the Olmsted Parks Conservancy and Louisville Public Media. John enjoys exploring new restaurants and attending arts and cultural events around Louisville.
- Louisville Neighborhoods
- Journalism & Publishing
- Louisville Arts
- Louisville Parks
Although Melanie tried to move away from Louisville before, she always came back! Having experienced living in over 5 states, Melanie enjoys the big city culture in a city that has a small-town feel. When she’s not hitting the town or dining at one of our many restaurants, Melanie serves her community through her participation in Louisville’s thriving arts scene.
- Louisville Arts
- Volunteering
- YPAL
- Nightlife
Born and raised in Louisville, Tricia prides herself in ensuring new residents feel welcome in her hometown. A resident of Louisville’s Cherokee Triangle neighborhood, on a typical weekend you can find Tricia and her husband hosting neighbors and friends on their front porch. In her spare time, Tricia serves on a wide variety of charitable boards and committees.
- Catholic Churches
- Cherokee Triangle
- YMCA
- Louisville Parks
Alana moved from Princeton, NJ to Louisville in 2015. Having grown up on the East Coast, the move to Louisville was significant. However, it didn’t take long for Alana to embrace her new city and once she did, she fell in love with the abundance of parks, local food scene and ease of getting involved in anything and everything!
- Local Bakeries
- Germantown
- Philanthropy
- Downtown Restaurants
Miriam moved to the region in 2017 from Texas and is now living a new type of southern living and loving every moment. She resides in Southern Indiana, works in Louisville and plays throughout the region. She enjoys the growing food scene, the diverse art culture, and attending local markets and festivals.
- Southern Indiana
- Local Food Scene
- Louisville Art Scene
- Louisville Festivals
Born and raised in Louisville, Kim has experienced living in several neighborhoods, from Crescent Hill to Shelbyville. By day, Kim enjoys the bustling atmosphere of Louisville’s downtown corridor, but by night, she thrives on the simplicity of Louisville’s rural surroundings. In her free time, Kim loves gardening and supporting the arts, frequenting performances often.
- Louisville Catholic Schools
- Gardening
- Louisville Arts
- Shelby County Destinations
Brian is a boomerang who grew up in Louisville but after a few years away, decided to make his return home. From his adoration of bourbon, the city’s vibrant culinary scene, and dynamic nightlife arena, Brian enjoys the southern charm of Louisville’s social atmosphere. He is an avid supporter of the University of Louisville athletics and a football season ticket holder.
- Urban Bourbon Trail
- Downtown Louisville Bars
- Public Golf Courses
- Louisville Tourism
A Western Kentucky native, Caleb landed in Louisville to attend college at UofL. It was the friendly people, ease of getting around town and abundance of job opportunities that kept him in the city upon graduation. A lover of bourbon, in his free time, Caleb enjoys dining and gallery hoping in the Crescent Hill neighborhood. the restaurant scene and galleries
- Bourbon Scene
- Louisville Galleries
- NULU Neighborhood
- Restaurants
A Californian by birth, Jess and her family relocated to Louisville when she was young. But it was Louisville’s can-do attitude and incredible willingness to update, re-create, and evolve that made her want to stay. To Jess, whether it’s big hats, baseball bats, or bourbon, Louisvillian’s are willing to embrace it all!
- Dog Hill
- Goose Creek Neighborhood
- Startups
- Big Four Bridge
A Chicago native, Joe moved to Louisville in 2014 upon graduation from Kentucky State University. It’s Louisville’s “best of both worlds” vibe, with a strong urban core, blended with the calming aspects of the more rural surrounding areas, that has kept him here since. In his free time, you can find him jogging through Louisville’s park system and hanging out in his favorite neighborhood of Portland.
- Technology
- Portland Neighborhood
- Professional Networking Events
- Louisville Restaurants
As a native Louisvillian, Amy believes the city’s amazing food and bourbon scene, outstanding park system and diversity is what has kept her here all these years. An avid hiker, in her spare time you can find Amy enjoying one of the many park systems.
- Local Hiking Trails
- Louisville Parks
- Big Four Bridge
- Regional Day Trips
After 12 years away, Tom recently moved back to Louisville in the wake of the Coronavirus pandemic. Thanks to the technology shift to remote work, Tom isn’t looking back and is thrilled to be back in the Derby City for good! Tom finds value in Louisville’s high quality of life, mixed with its low cost of living and is eager to acclimate new and perspective residents to the place he once again calls home.
- Shred 415 Studio
- Louisville Bike Trails
- Old Louisville
- Technology
Although a Kentuckian by birth, Sydney moved to Louisville 10 years ago via London, England, upstate NY and Indianapolis, IN. Sydney’s favorite activities include trying the ever-changing local food scene, biking on both urban and rural bike paths, and lounging at the world-renowned, Lakeside Swim Club.
- Local Restaurants
- Triathlon Training
- Lakeside Swim Club
- Lyndon
A boomerang from Charlotte, NC, Connie grew up in Louisville and has enjoyed witnessing the exciting growth that the city has experienced in recent years. Connie enjoys Louisville’s strong music scene, unique art murals splashed around town, and the countless restaurants. But to Connie, Louisville’s true gems are the Big Four Walking Bridge and Jefferson Memorial Forest.
- Music Scene
- Big Four Bridge
- Jefferson Memorial Forrest
- Louisville Arts
A Louisville native, Debbie is a go to resource for your relocation questions and needs! Debbie currently serves as the Director of Corporate Relocation Business Development with Semonin Realtors where she works closely with existing and perspective Louisville companies and their transferees each day. A diehard ice hockey mom at heart, in her free time Debbie enjoys spending time with her family attending Indy car races, volunteering, and enjoying the local music scene.
- Relocation
- Louisville & Southern IN Neighborhoods
- Getting Connected
- Ice Hockey
New to Louisville by way of Texas, Chantel has thoroughly enjoyed exploring her new hometown and meeting the city’s friendly residents. And while she hasn’t been in the city long, she’s thoroughly enjoyed exploring the many unique neighborhoods and restaurants and is eager to meet new people!
- Teach Kentucky
- New to Louisville
- Relocation
- Things to Do
Originally from a small town in Missouri, John planted his roots in Louisville upon graduating college in 2006. On a typical weekend, John and his family enjoy spending time outdoors, taking advantage of the the multitude of recreational activities. But on the first Saturday in May, you can be certain that John will be at the Kentucky Derby, betting on the horses with a mint julep in hand!
- KY Derby Week
- Horse Racing
- Recreational Activities
- Chamber of Commerce
A native of Lexington, Keith has called Louisville home since 1999 and hasn’t looked back since. For Keith, living in Louisville has many perks, from our world class sports and entertainment scenes, to also being an accepting and vibrant community, there is something for everyone in Louisville.
- Louisville Sports
- Museums
- The Walking Bridge
- The Highlands
Tina and her husband relocated to Louisville by way of Oregon a few years ago and hasn’t looked back since. Although she describes Louisville as a small town, she feel the city’s big heart, talent, creativity and indentureship makes it so special. A lover of craft beer, Tina enjoys Louisville’s vast brewery scene and spending time dining in her favorite neighborhood of Germantown.
- Germantown Neighborhood
- Logan Street Market
- Local Breweries
- Relocating to Louisville
A graduate of UofL, Ed knew he wanted to stay in Louisville upon graduating to start his career. A resident of the St. Matthews neighborhood, Ed thinks Louisville is the perfect place to raise a family. In his spare time, Ed enjoys exploring the abundance or parks in the region and taking his family to UofL sporting events.
- St. Matthews Attractions
- Philanthropy
- UofL Sports
- Louisville Parks
Born and raised in Louisville, Tamara prides herself in the fact that the city boats a diverse culture with a variety of activities for people to participate in. As an employee for JCPS, she is your go to girl for all questions related to Louisville’s public school system.
- Kentucky State University
- Beuchel Neighborhood
- Jefferson County Public Schools
- Festivals
Although Marlyce has lived abroad, Louisville is and will always be considered home. In an ode Louisville native, Muhammad Ali, Marlyce loves the fighter spirit she feels that shines through our city’s residents.
- West Louisville
- Louisville Parks
- University of Louisville
- Community Engagement
A boomerang back to Louisville by way of Buffalo, NY, Caroline couldn’t wait to get back to her hometown. To Caroline, it’s the friendliness of the people, the availability of entertainment and activities, and the affordability of living that makes Greater Louisville so special. In her spare time, you can find Caroline biking and swimming at Lakeside.
- Waterfront Botanical Gardens
- Lakeside Swim Club
- The Highlands
- Biking
As a native Louisvillian, Aimee’s passion for improving the community is unmatched. In her role as Engagement Specialist for the Leadership Louisville Center, Aimee recruits civic-minded leaders to participate in the LLC’s leadership development programs. In her free time, Aimee enjoys live music, the local parks, and trying new restaurants and breweries.
- Volunteerism and philanthropy
- Leadership Louisville
- How to get involved in Louisville
- Downtown Louisville
Originally from Indiana, Kelsey has been a Louisvillian for nearly 5 years and has fallen in love with the southern and friendly culture. Always up to try new things, you can find Kelsey around town enjoying new dining establishments, cocktails lounges and attractions.
- NULU Restaurants
- Downtown Lousiville
- Louisville Attractions
- Local Arts Scene
Growing up in all different parts of the country, Austin is thrilled to now call Louisville his home. A graduate from Centre College and University of Louisville, Austin is thoroughly enjoying his time as a young professional in his adopted city. In his spare time, you can find Austin playing the guitar and attending local concerts.
- Guitar
- Centre College
- Louisville Music Scene
- Chamber of Commerce
A resident of Louisville for most of her life, Rachel feels the city’s unique neighborhoods that showcase a wide blend of cultures really sets us apart. For Rachel, no matter what part of town you’re in, each resident embodies heart and passion for their city.
- Beechmont Neighborhood
- Louisville Tourism
- Louisville Parks
- Iroquois Amphitheater
A resident of Louisville by way of Michigan, Nathan has lived in the River City since 2004 and hasn’t looked back since. Nathan feels his extensive military background can offer valuable insight to the Reservist or National Guard Airman or Soldier looking to relocate to Louisville. In his free time, you can find him exploring the city’s extensive park system.
- National Guard
- Paristown Point
- The Parklands
- Veteran’s Association of Real Estate Professionals
A resident of Louisville for over 10 years, Alicia’s love for the city grew so strong, she founded her company, Destination Lou, to promote the special things about Louisville to incoming conventions and visitors. A resident of the Clifton neighborhood, in her spare time, Alicia enjoys attending concerts and hiking in our regions many forests.
- Louisville Attractions
- Louisville Events
- Louisville Parks
- Local Music Venues
Ashley has been in Louisville since 1999 and is currently the Board President of the Louisville Independent Business Alliance (LIBA). She is a real estate broker but in her free time she can be found enjoying stand up paddle boarding, attending music festivals and live concerts, walking in Cherokee or Seneca Park and volunteering with her children’s schools.
- Real Estate
- Local Music Scene
- Louisville Parks
- Local Business
For Pai, it’s Louisville’s small town with a big city feel that makes us so great. He feels that Louisville has been a well-kept secret all of these years and is excited to witness the growth and national recognition the city’s been receiving of late. On a weekend night, you can find Pai strolling through NULU or boating on the Ohio River.
- Boating on the Ohio River
- NULU Entertainment
- Waterfront Park
- Anchorage
A native of Owensboro, KY Heather moved to Louisville as a young girl and has always loved how residents welcome people with open arms. She loves Louisville’s reputation as a ‘foodie’ city with plenty of local and authentic restaurants to choose. In her free time, Heather enjoys the Louisville Ballet, as well as other various family-friendly activities around town
- Louisville Ballet
- Locally-Owned Restaurants
- Crescent Hill
- Catholic School System
Growing up in Louisville, Pam has always been passionate about her city. To Pam, Louisville’s uniqueness, from its nationally recognized restaurant scene to it’s robust park system, is what makes our city such a great place to relocate to no matter what stage of life you’re in – young professional, raising a family or into your retirement years – Louisville has something for everyone!
- Lakeside Masters
- Louisville Restaurants
- Louisville Parks
- Sacred Heart Academy
As the Executive Director for the Young Professionals Association of Louisville, Cassidy is a fantastic resource for young professionals getting acclimated to the city. A native of Western Kentucky, Cassidy has always loved the big city feel of Louisville while also maintaining a southern charm.
- YPAL
- Volunteering
- Non-profits
- Dog parks
- Breweries
A Louisvillian by birth, Mike has always enjoyed how much the city surprises first time visitors. Whether it’s the thrill of attending the races at Churchill or experiencing the uniqueness of Louisville’s Urban Bourbon Trail, Mike appreciates Louisville’s original culture and personality that rivals nowhere else in the country.
- Horse Racing
- Kentucky Derby Festival
- Entrepreneurship
- Louisville Neighborhoods
As the Visitor Services Manager for Louisville Tourism, Rose is a guru for all things Louisville! Whether it’s wanting to learn more about attractions, restaurants, shopping, or Kentuckiana’s hidden gems, she’s your go-to person! Rose enjoys spending her free time running through Louisville’s many parks, checking out local breweries, and spending time on both sides of the Ohio River.
- Downtown Louisville
- Urban Bourbon Trail
- Louisville Festivals
- New Albany, IN
Brandon was born in Louisville and serves as a member of the Louisville Metro Council. In his spare time he enjoys wilderness tripping and experiencing live music. He is a supporter of Louisville Public Media and the Olmsted Parks Conservancy. His favorite things to do in Louisville include trying new restaurants, walking the parks and going to UofL games.
- Louisville Restaurants
- Getting Involved
- Louisville Parks
- Louisville Public Media
Sarah serves as the President & CEO of Greater Louisville Inc. – the metro chamber of commerce. She loves that Louisville has the friendliness of the rural South combined with the culture of a metropolitan city. And although there is something for everyone in Louisville, Sarah especially enjoys the ballroom salsa, and argentine tango dance scenes.
- St. Matthews
- Ballroom salsa and tango dancing
- Louisville Food Scene
- Animals
Tosha is originally from a small town in Indiana but moved here for college in 2010, and has found her favorite parts of the city to be the food options, the parks, and the performing arts scene. She coaches the dance team at Butler Traditional High School, and frequently attends shows at the Kentucky Center & Actor’s Theater along with many of the local music venues. She volunteers with Junior Achievement teaching about entrepreneurship and coaches other young professionals on career building, professional development opportunities, and resume design. She wants to help others realize the unique opportunities and offerings that Louisville has to offer, and show them what she loves most about the city.
- Professional Development
- Career Solutions/Resume Building
- Event Planning
- Where to Dance
- Where to Play Trivia or Bingo