Today we’d like to introduce you to Maria Zolkowski.
Hi Maria, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I grew up in Germany and moved to Tennessee when I was fairly young. Sports quickly became part of my life here—I started with soccer and eventually found my way into running. Over the last five years, running has become a huge part of who I am, both for the personal challenge and the sense of community it brings.
When Ashley first brought the idea of Knoxville Movement Collective to me, I immediately felt connected. We were already close friends, and while she did the planning and laid the foundation, I supported however I could and showed up where she needed me. Over time, my role naturally grew into becoming Head Running Coach and Chief Experience Officer.
What’s been the most exciting part for me is seeing how KMC has grown. What started small has turned into a community where people can come together not only to run, but to hike, bike, paddle, or just enjoy being active outside. It’s become a space where everyone can find something they enjoy while also meeting new people and building real connections.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
KMC started as Ashley Johnston’s vision, and she has devoted a tremendous amount of energy to growing it from a single weekly run into a variety of events throughout the week. That growth has been exciting, but it hasn’t always been without challenges. Expanding our programs and reaching new people requires constant problem-solving to ensure our current members feel supported while welcoming newcomers.
Connecting with the local community has been a big focus, and we’ve worked closely with members to make sure events feel inclusive and accessible to all. These challenges have helped us learn, adapt, and ultimately build a stronger, more welcoming community where everyone can enjoy being active and meet new people.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m a Tech Specialist at Apple, helping customers solve problems, understand their devices, and find the right solutions for their needs. I’m known for breaking down complex tech in ways that are easy to understand while making every interaction personal and positive. I’m proud of consistently exceeding expectations—whether that’s troubleshooting tough issues, supporting team members, or creating a welcoming environment in the store. What sets me apart is combining technical expertise with strong communication, so customers leave confident and satisfied.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
I rely on a few key resources to help me stay focused, inspired, and energized. While I’m running, I use Spotify to listen to music and podcasts—it keeps me motivated, helps me explore new ideas, and makes my workouts more enjoyable. Outside of running, I love reading books to gain perspective on life, learn from others’ experiences, and think about things in new ways. Combining these resources helps me stay balanced, curious, and constantly growing both personally and professionally.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.knoxvillemovement.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mariazolkk
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariazolkowski
