Home - Nexus Leaders | Encourage and equip the next generation of leaders for Memphis through proven mentoring, teaching, and service.

NEXUS Class

This August, we welcomed the twentieth NEXUS Class with an Orientation. The Class of 2024 kicked off their NEXUS experience with a day filled with opportunities to meet fellow participants, learn more about NEXUS, and training.
NEXUS IN MOTION

NEXUS IN MOTION is a class favorite with NEXUS Alumni leading timely table discussions and a keynote message. Participants rotated through table discussions while connecting with members of the NEXUS Network. NIM took place in April with keynote speaker Mayor Paul Young.
NEXUS Night Out

In April, NEXUS Night Out at the Dixon - Celebrating 20 years will take place as we celebrate 20 years of NEXUS. Members of the NEXUS Network are invited to attend to connect and re-connect with fellow members of the NEXUS Network.
NEXUS Volunteers

Each year, the NEXUS Class volunteers in the community. Members of the NEXUS Class of 2024 recently volunteered in the Advance Memphis Garden.
Monthly Sessions

Each Month NEXUS hosts Local Key Leaders to Speak to Mentors and Proteges about Leadership Topics NEXUS believes each leader must master
Donate and Impact NEXUS

NEXUS is thankful for the members of the NEXUS Network, Class of 2023, and our partners. We continue to provide an engaging experience with now over 1100 graduates equipped to lead our city! Please impact NEXUS with your support and make a donation.
Celebrating 20 Years of NEXUS

The NEXUS Class of 2024 is the twentieth class to graduation. NEXUS has graduated over 1100 leaders equipped and motivated to lead our city. Help us celebrate this significant milestone.

Nexus Experience!

The need to encourage and equip the next generation of community leaders in Memphis is obvious to those who know our city best. To meet this demand, our young leaders need a place where they can learn proven leadership skills in a mutually challenging environment from top-flight coaches and mentors. NEXUS provides this space!

Mentoring + Leadership

In addition to the leadership development that NEXUS provides; the key component of the NEXUS Program is the mentor/protege relationship. NEXUS knows mentoring best! NEXUS pairs mentors and protege, based on the protege needs, to go through the ten-month program together. The relationship is protege driven but both the mentor and protege learn from each other throughout the experience.

Nexus Engagement

An ongoing goal is to keep members of the NEXUS Network engage within the NEXUS Program and our city. NEXUS Alumni and current participants are key leaders within the community who want to continue to have a pulse of the needs of our city, the Memphis leadership community, and young emerging leaders of the next generation.

Announcements

NEXUS IN MOTION with Mayor Young was a Success

NEXUS IN MOTION is always a class favorite and paired with Memphis Mayor Paul Young as the keynote speaker the event was a success! The event offered opportunities for networking around table discussions with selected topics, and an encouraging message from Memphis Mayor Paul Young. Special thanks to NEXUS Alumni that returned to lead table discussions including Lynn Ballinger, Jessica Cowan, Charlene Cox, Lori Evans, Steve French, Billie Jo Parker,... Read More
Jason Little Delivered an Impactful Message in March

Jason Little, President and CEO for Baptist Memorial Health Care returned to NEXUS and spoke to the Class of 2024. Jason spoke on the leadership topic of “Building as a Leader”. Jason believes it is important to build a system to lead an organization, culture, career, and team. You must build a system that aligns, with your principles, and has a culture, which is a reflection of behaviors. You must believe... Read More
Tammy LoCascio Delivered a Great Message to the Class of 2024

Tammy LoCascio, Chief Operating Officer and Senior Executive Vice President for First Horizon Bank spoke at the February session to the NEXUS Class of 2024. Tammy shared the importance of communicating as a leader and how to be an effective communicator. Tammy said, “You cannot be a great leader if you are not a great communicator.” To request an audio of this presentation contact NEXUS. Read More
NEXUS Featured in River City Lifestyle

NEXUS is featured in the February issue of River City Lifestyle. As we celebrate 20 years of NEXUS, the article captures the true meaning of NEXUS and honors our mission as we strengthen Memphis one leader at a time. River City Lifestyle is a local publication that is a hub for uplifting local stories, businesses and experiences. To read the article CLICK HERE. Read More
New NEXUS Podcast Release with Guest Caroline Kuebler

New Release – “The NEXUS Intersection” – A NEXUS Podcast Check out the latest episode of “The NEXUS Intersection” with Caroline Kuebler, Director of Development for the Community Foundation of Greater Memphis & NEXUS Alumni. Co-hosts Ephie Johnson and Heather Hunt. JUMP IN to this podcast with Caroline as she shares about being a “Value Based Giver”. Caroline uses her expertise everyday with donors on how to build a giving... Read More
Elizabeth Rouse First Speaker in 2024

“Questions should inspire others.” – Elizabeth Rouse Elizabeth Rouse, President & CEO for ARTSmemphis spoke at the first session of 2024. The Class of 2024 had the opportunity to hear Elizabeth on January 4 share on the topic of “Asking the Right Questions”. Elizabeth feels that questions can do many things – It shows you care, is a great way to communicate, empowers us, provides personal growth, inspires us, shows others... Read More
Sridhar Sunkara Shares On Newest Podcast Episode

NEW RELEASE – NEXUS Alumni and Board member Sridhar Sunkara shares on the newest episode of the NEXUS podcast “The NEXUS Intersection” with co-hosts Ephie Johnson and Heather Hunt. Sridhar is CEO of eBiz Solutions and works among global leaders in technology. He shares on the topic of “Technology & Leadership” including the benefits and challenges leaders are faced with today regarding technology. And why it’s so important to be... Read More
Ericka DeBruce Shared in December

Ericka DeBruce, Chief Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging Officer for ALSAC/St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital spoke at the December Session to the NEXUS Class of 2024. Ericka spoke on the important topic “Intentionally Being a Diverse and Inclusive Leader”. Read More
The NEXUS Intersection Podcast with co-Founder Sandy Willson

New Release – “The NEXUS Intersection” – A NEXUS Podcast Co-founder of NEXUS Sandy Willson sat down with Heather Hunt and Ephie Johnson to talk about the vision he had for NEXUS and 20 years later why mentoring matters. Listen to the newest episode of “The NEXUS Intersection” titled “The NEXUS Vision & Why Mentoring”. Sandy shares about why NEXUS was founded and the purpose we continue to fulfill for... Read More
November Session with Memphis Grizzlies Jason Wexler

The NEXUS Class of 2024 hosted Jason Wexler, President for the Memphis Grizzlies at the November Session. Jason shared on the topic of “Motivating as a Leader” and how he personally is motivated and how he motivates his team. Read More

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Upcoming Events

April 16, 2024 - April 16, 2024

Nexus Voice

I was a protege in the very first year NEXUS was introduced. Not only did I meet a great mentor but I was exposed to the community. I have built a network for which I am always indebted to NEXUS.

Sridhar Sunkara

Past Protege / Director Information Systems / Center City Commission
NEXUS has been a great experience in meeting other professionals whose path I may not otherwise cross. It has been a wonderful way to familiarize myself with others that are focused on improving Memphis in their respective areas of focus.

Mark H. Yancy

NEXUS Protégé, Major Gifts Coordinator / Methodist Healthcare Foundation
I very much enjoyed my time in the Nexus program. While I would have thought the Protege would have gotten more out of the program, I'm not so sure now. I got so much out of my relationship with my protege and the meeting/speakers were very well planned and extremely interesting. Mike Pera, NEXUS Class of 2013

Mike Pera, NEXUS Mentor, Retired, Marsh
My NEXUS experience has far exceeded all expectations. Our class been extremely fortunate to have incredible speakers who all have a passion for this city. Beyond that, my NEXUS mentor had been amazing. The NEXUS leaders did a fantastic job in pairing us together. We have developed a strong bond and a real friendship that I know will continue well into the future. Neely Mallory, NEXUS Protégé, Associate, Cushman & Wakefield | Commercial Advisors

Neely Mallory, Class of 2014
NEXUS is an amazing opportunity! It allows you to build a meaningful relationship with your protégé and help their continued growth, give back to the community, hear insightful speakers, and network with others in the area you may have never met. I went into this experience excited about being a mentor and playing a role in another’s development. However, NEXUS has also provided me the opportunity to learn and grow as a leader.

Dana Armstrong, NEXUS Class of 2014
I heard someone say, “Inspiration without Instruction is Useless”. NEXUS has given me inspiration. INSPIRATION through the leaders that have come every month to share their wisdom. INSTRUCTION, by giving me the best mentor a person can have. Rodney A. Johnson, NEXUS Protege, Family Advocate Counselor, University of Tennessee AND Director of Love Builder/ Neighborhood Christian Center, Inc.

Rodney Johnson, NEXUS Class of 2014