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Approximately four to five hours each month from August to May.

That monthly commitment includes:

  • An interactive teaching session with dinner provided from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., one Thursday night a month from September – May.
  • A one-on-one informal meeting, usually over coffee or a meal, arranged at the convenience of both the mentor and protégé. The purpose of this time is to pursue leadership mentoring goals agreed upon by the two.
  • Assigned curriculum that includes leadership books, various timely articles, YouTube videos, Podcasts, etc.
  • To participate in one of the three Service Projects agreed and organized by the current class.
  • An annual Orientation on a Saturday in August, this event kicks-off the NEXUS 

  • Mentors are recruited each spring by invitation.
  • Mentors are recruited based on the needs described by the protege applicants 
  • The NEXUS Board approves a list of mentors. The committee compiles the list from its knowledge of area leaders and from recommendations made by current NEXUS mentors and protégés as well as alumni.
  • The selection criterion, set by the NEXUS Board, includes that potential mentors be proven leaders within their professional and community careers that NEXUS would like to see “duplicated” within the next generation for the betterment of our community.

NEXUS proteges are recruited by members of the NEXUS Network including NEXUS Alumni, current NEXUS participants, NEXUS partners, and NEXUS Board members. NEXUS also partners and recruits through other professional and leadership organizations within Memphis.

There is a NEXUS Matching Committee that reviews the detailed mentor and protege applications in search for their “ideal mentor” and “ideal protégé”. They also use personal insight and relationships, to pair mentors and protégés together in complementary relationships. Over the first few months of the program we ask those paired mentors and protégés to let us know how the relationship is working and if the match is not complementary of one another we then find recruit other mentors and protégés.

“NEXUS really challenges you to think strategically about what you’d like to accomplish in your personal life and career. Having a mentor’s counsel along that journey is invaluable.”

  • The program tuition is $650 for both mentors and protégés and covers the costs of Orientation, curriculum materials, monthly dinner sessions, and special events. Corporate sponsors, private donations and grants subsidize NEXUS’ expenses so that the program may be offered at a reasonable cost to individual participants.
  • All participants, both mentors and protégés, must pay tuition.
  • Area companies and organizations offer tuition reimbursement for their employees and members.
  • Tuition scholarships are available to both mentors and protégés 

  • Tuition in full or a confirmed payment plan is due in August before the fall term begins.
  • Tuition can be paid in full or through payments
  • Tuition scholarships are available for both mentors and protégés
  • Although scholarships are available, every participant is required to make at least a $100 personal or corporate financial commitment. Prior experience proves that participants’ sense of investment, ownership and accountability are essential to the program’s success. NEXUS does not disqualify participants for financial reasons.
  • A committee reviews scholarship and grant requests.

Contacting us is easy. Contact us through the website or email heather@nexusleaders.org.

Testimonials

  • Amy Beth Dudley, Dir. of Donor Services, Community Foundation of Greater Memphis & NEXUS Board member

    “Mentoring relationships are crucial for both personal and professional growth. Through NEXUS, I have had the honor of both having a mentor and serving as one. A mentor walking alongside you to rejoice in successes and coach you through difficult situations makes all the difference. Serving on the board of NEXUS allows me to provide that connection and opportunity for others in our community.” Amy Beth Dudley, Dir. of Donor Services, Community Foundation of Greater Memphis & NEXUS Board member

  • Mason Massey, Assistant Marketing Manager, AutoZone, NEXUS Class of 2022 Protégé

    “This is a unique opportunity to engage with both, peers and mentors, on current issues facing Memphis and beyond that is difficult to replicate. The relationship with my Mentor is something that I value greatly and will extend beyond the dates of the NEXUS program. It is difficult to put the relationship into words, as it is more of a friendship with someone who has much more life experience and accolades, but it has grown organically without feeling forced and I am very grateful for that.”

  • Jeanette O’Bryant, Development Director, Collage Dance Collective, NEXUS Class of 2022 Mentor

    “This is one of the many great and satisfying programs that Memphis has to further develop and strengthen relationships and support in our community and our careers. I appreciate NEXUS so much for the opportunity and the wonderfully crafted sessions and speakers who graced us often with invaluable knowledge, testimonials and stories that seemed to fit me each month of my personal journey. Jeanette O’Bryant, Development Director, Collage Dance Collective, NEXUS Class of 2022 Mentor

  • Christina Nagy, Human Resources Manager, Baptist Memorial Health Care Corporation, NEXUS Class of 2022 Protégé

    “When I started NEXUS, I really didn't know what to expect. However, I am so glad that I jumped right into this opportunity. The mentor/protege relationship was a highlight for me. NEXUS gave me the space and perspective I needed to ensure my decisions align with my values. NEXUS has also allowed me to grow my personal network and hear from leaders in a variety of industries. Christina Nagy, Human Resources Manager, Baptist Memorial Health Care Corporation, NEXUS Class of 2022 Protégé

  • Kem Wilson, Jr. Principal, Kemmons Wilson Companies, NEXUS Mentor & NEXUS Board Member

    “My favorite question to ask someone is, “What are you doing TODAY, not what you did yesterday or what you plan to do in the future, but what are you doing TODAY, that will have an influence & impact on the next generation?   That is what we are trying accomplish through NEXUS.”    -Kem Wilson, Jr.  Principal, Kemmons Wilson Companies, NEXUS Mentor & NEXUS Board Member

  • ALANA HU PERKOVIĆ, Regional PR Business Partner, First Horizon Bank, NEXUS Alumni & NEXUS Board Member

    “After participating in NEXUS myself and having a great experience, I wanted to do my part in helping to ensure others have access and the opportunity to be a part of the NEXUS experience as well.”  ALANA HU PERKOVIĆ, Regional PR Business Partner, First Horizon Bank, NEXUS Alumni & NEXUS Board Member

  • Levernese Mell, Supply Chain Manager, International Paper, NEXUS Alumni & NEXUS Program Committee Volunteer

    “Over a decade ago when I was a Protégé, NEXUS helped me craft my vision for the leader I wanted to be.  As a Mentor, it helped me to grow as a leader especially as it involves assisting others in creating a plan to help them achieve their goals.  As a part of the Program Committee, it has given me an opportunity to provide content for our leaders that will broaden/deepen their leadership perspective.”  Levernese Mell, Supply Chain Manager, International Paper, NEXUS Alumni &

  • Lauren Brown, Sr. Liaison, Direct Marketing-Mass Marketing, ALSAC, NEXUS Protégé, Class of 2021

    “NEXUS has been such a wonderful and memorable experience. The networking, paring of the mentors/protégés, volunteer opportunities, and interactive sessions truly exceeded expectations. I feel confident I have grown from this unique experience and the knowledge I have gained from my phenomenal mentor and inspiring presenters is invaluable.” Lauren Brown, Sr. Liaison, Direct Marketing-Mass Marketing, ALSAC, NEXUS Protégé, Class of 2021

  • Steve French, Retired, NEXUS Mentor, Class of 2021

    “NEXUS was an incredible experience. Beyond the opportunity to mentor a very dynamic and up-and-coming individual, I met a diverse group of seasoned and young professionals from a variety of industries which led to several interesting and thought-provoking discussions. The speakers who spoke with us throughout the year were also very enlightening and offered open and honest dialogue about relevant topics ranging from ethics, planning, crisis management, communication, and several other subjects

  • Ally Velderman, Director of Camps and Programs, Service Over Self, NEXUS Protégé, Class of 2021

     “I am so thankful to be doing NEXUS this year. Yes, adapted and different, but hugely valuable. My mentor has been simply a Godsend in a season where a lot was poised to change even before a global pandemic. NEXUS and that relationship is already such an asset; I'm sure it will only grow. Many thanks for working to allow me this opportunity in such a wild context.”  -Ally Velderman, Director of Camps and Programs, Service Over Self, NEXUS Protégé, Class of 2021