Featuring Appearances by
David Plazas
Opinion Engagement Editor for The Tennessean, Plazas serves as the editorial writer, a columnist and editorial board chair. He was tapped as moderator for three Nashville mayoral candidate debates. He arrived in 2014 and previously worked for The News-Press in Fort Myers, Fla., as an award-winning reporter, Spanish-language community weekly editor, opinion editor and digital editor. Plazas is passionate, community-focused and digitally savvy. He holds a bachelor’s degree in political science and Spanish and a master’s in journalism, both from Northwestern University in the Chicago area, and an MBA from Florida Gulf Coast University in Fort Myers. A Chicago native, Plazas resides in the Salemtown area of Nashville with his spouse, Darren Bradford, and their Chihuahuas Zohie and Bandit.
Kate Mills
Born a Yankee, Mills grew up a Texan, and is currently serving time as a Tennessean. Mills has lived in Nashville for 16 years. In that time, she's had 17 different jobs. Literally 17. Most famously, perhaps, as one of the brains behind East Nashville shop Old Made Good and the hip design at Jackalope brewery. She currently works as an interior designer making lots of home offices and Airbnbs cool, but who knows how long that's going to last. (Ok, Ok. Who am I kidding? This is actually me, Kate, writing this bio. The third person stuff felt really awkward, and I didn't want to lie to you. That's no way to start a relationship.)
Neil McCormack
McCormack graduated with a class of 19 people in the rural town of Altus, Ark., where wine making is an art. He moved to Middle Tennessee in 1998, and began his career in the beverage business with Lipman Brothers in 2001. Now the sales and marketing manager at Yazoo Brewing Company, McCormick's proudest accomplishments include being a board member for the Music City Hot Chicken Festival, starting Nashville's first marching Krewe, having a beer with two previous mayors of Nashville and training for and running a marathon without losing a single pound. Neil continues to live in Middle Tennessse with his partner, Leah, and daughter, Evaline.
Mohamed-Shukri Hasan
East Africa native Mohamed-Shukri Hassan has been advocating for new Americans in Nashville since he arrived here 10 years ago. It seems more like a calling than a job; Hassan, 29, helps others around the clock. To start, he has a consulting business helping other businesses connect to immigrants and visa versa. Hassan also serves on a number of boards, including the Mayor’s New American Advisory Council, the Nashville International Center for Empowerment and the American Muslim Advisory Council. And Hassan co-owns a restaurant, Som Café and Deli, that serves as a hangout for fellow African immigrants in Nashville.
Jenna von Oy
This professional actress and Nashville mom began her career at age 6 cast in a Jell-O Pudding Pop commercial. She is best known for her role in NBC's "Blossom," where she starred as Six, the title character's fast-talking best friend. She also claimed fame on UPN's "The Parkers," appearing as the quirky and sarcastic Stevie Van Lowe. Von Oy is an accomplished singer and spends much of her time in Music City writing and recording. She is also author of the book "Situation Momedy." Von Oy knows what it means to make it through child stardom and establish success beyond that.
Agenda
July 14, 2016
Pursuit of Passions: Stories of Success and Setbacks: David Plazas - 'Coming Out'
David Plazas struggled to tell his parents he is gay and with their reaction when he did. But he remained true to himself, found love and has found happiness in who he is.
July 14, 2016
Pursuit of Passions: Stories of Success and Setbacks: Kate Mills - 'Finding Kate'
On a night about defining achievement, Mills denies being a "winner." She talks about her strong will, her feelings of being a loner and how finding her voice changed her life. "I was born a contradiction," she says. "... To say I did things my way would be super appropriate."
July 14, 2016
Pursuit of Passions: Stories of Success and Setbacks: Neil McCormick - 'Getting out and moving up'
Neil McCormack was born on his aunt's couch, and he could have lived in his tiny Arkansas town forever - most everyone else there did. But he escaped and created a career for himself in the most unexpected field. Beer.
July 14, 2016
A refugee's journey to advocacy
When Civil War broke out in his home country, his family fled. He passed dead bodies on the way to refuge, and for years, the young boy waited for his opportunity to come to America. When the day finally came, it was the happiest moment of his life. He enjoyed his first hamburger on the airplane. He has made a difference here ever since.
July 14, 2016
Pursuit of Passions: Stories of Success and Setbacks: Jenna von Oy - 'From 'Six' to 615'
Actress Jenna von Oy looks back at her stint as sidekick "Six" on popular 1990s sitcom "Blossom" with humility. There was a period in her life when she wondered if she would ever achieve that level of success again. These days, as a mom, author, and Nashvillian, success has a different look but the same satisfied feel.