Class of 2025

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PROTEGES

Emmanuel Amido AgroTech Noire Founder
Janie BeanBlossom Hobson Realtors Affiliate Broker
Sara Boscarino Sylvamo Communications Specialist II
Jared Bulluck Regional One Health Foundation Development Officer
Lance Canterbury AutoZone Tax Technology Manager
Taylor Cook First Horizon Bank Senior Portfolio Manager
Elliott Farmer Trustmark National Bank Commercial Portfolio Manager
Parker Francis First Horizon Bank Portfolio Manager
Tiffany D. Futch ALSAC St. Jude Talent Strategy & Organizational Development Consultant
Scott Hamilton First Horizon Bank Treasury Management Digital Product Manager
Rebecca Hamm New Memphis Director of Communications & Community Engagement
Finesse James State of Tennessee TennCare Appeals Program Coordinator
Caroline Kam FedEx Project Management Analyst
JaNaya Lowery Baptist Memorial HealthCare Corporation Corporate Human Resources Representative
Yhazsmin Mason St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital HR Generalist
Morgan Millon Memphis Literacy Institute Literacy Conference Lead
Johnathan Moffett Sylvamo Corporation Supply Chain Team Lead
George Moore City Year Memphis Learning & Development Director
Lauren Morgan The Bank of Fayette County Community Development Officer
McKenzie Podesta AutoZone Attorney
Alan Michael Pope Strategic Financial Partners Financial Services Representative
Sam Pope Cool Roofs, Co. Director of Operations
Henry Sanders SBM Management Services Sr Manager
Barrett Smith FedEx Pilot
Tierney Smith First Horizon Bank Private Client Financial Services – Client Specialist
Katherine Stanifer VC3 Client Relationship Manager
Kim Stephens International Paper Business Process Specialist
Paige Stubbs Memphis Shelby County Schools Assistant Principal
Francisco Javier Trujillo Barrientos The Marson Group, PLC Staff Associate
Mackenzie Pirtle VanAusdall Orpheum Theatre Group Development Manager & Grant Writer
Nicholas Weaver New Memphis Director of Community Action
Justin Wiley International Paper Data Analyst
Kam Wilson Westminster Academy & Imago Dei Fitness Teacher/Founder

MENTORS

Ashli Avis Make-A-Wish Mid-South VP of Program Services
Brandon Byrd Delta Asset Management VP-Portfolio Manager
Jim Calhoun Delta Field Services CFO
Neki Catron Sylvamo Global Community Engagement & Inclusion & Diversity Leader
Ramanda Clayborn Sylvamo HR Director North America
Chris Coleman Teach For America Memphis Executive Director
Ginger Collier Community Volunteer
Damon Conley Second Presbyterian Church Assistant Pastor
Stacey Crenshaw Billie’s Pecans & More, Inc. Owner
Amy Beth Dudley Community Foundation of Greater Memphis Director of Donor Services
Sarah Farrell Memphis Fire Department Project Manager
Greg Foster Merrill Lynch Financial Advisor
Dick Fisher Paul & Sonia Jones Family Office CEO of affiliate, Red Hills Fishery, LLC; Director of Internal Audit
Dot Fisher Community Volunteer
Beverly Gates Monogram Foods EVP & Chief Legal Officer
Howard Graham The Center – Memphis Executive Director
Jeanice Hayslett International Paper BI & Analytics Development Manager
Ephie Johnson Neighborhood Christian Center President & CEO
Stephanie Jones Christian Community Foundation Director, Donor Advised Funds/Relations
Aimee Massey Chief Operating Officer ATA Advisory, LLC
Andy McArtor FedEx Pilot
Gordon McIntyre Retired – William Equipment + Supply Co.
Travis Moody Forward Memphis CEO
Edward Newby State of TN Department of Children Services HR Director
Beth Price The Marston Group Managing Principal
Paige Proctor Interior Designer
Don Riley Discipling Men, Inc. Executive Director & Founder
Cheryl Rollins Retired – International Paper Retired – Finance / Accounting
Tom Ryan International Paper Chief Counsel, Intellectual Propery & Latin American
Bathsheba Sams Retired – International Paper Human Resources
Sridhar Sunkara eBiz Solutions CEO
Sabrina Townsend International Paper Manager-Global HR Operations
Paul Tuberville Retired – International Paper Legal Counsel
Ignacio Vincentelli International Paper Senior Counsel
Kem Wilson Kemmons Wilson Companies Principal

Announcements

  • Congrats to the NEXUS Class of 2026

    Congratulations to the NEXUS Class of 2026! It was an honor to celebrate the Mentors and Proteges at Graduation on May 7 at International Paper. The Mentor and Protégé graduates were celebrated for their accomplishments and dedication over the past ten months. Thank you to Memphis Mayor Paul Young for sharing celebratory remarks. On behalf of the NEXUS Board of Directors, it was a privilege to honor NEXUS Mentor Levernese... Read More

  • Memorable Evening at NEXUS NIGHT OUT

    NEXUS alumni and current class members gathered at the home of NEXUS Alumni Norma and Kem Wilson for this year’s NEXUS Night Out, enjoying an evening of connection, conversation, and community. Read More

  • NEXUS IN MOTION was a SUCCESS

    The NEXUS IN MOTION session took place in April. This special event offered members of the NEXUS Network the opportunity to network, have table discussions on timely topics led by NEXUS Alumni, and to be inspired by a keynote message from David Jordan, President & CEO Agape Child & Family Services Inc. on “Dreaming as a Leader”. Special thanks to those NEXUS Alumni that returned to lead table discussions: Christy... Read More

  • AutoZone’s Rebecca Givens Rice Shares on the Power of the Question

    It was an honor to have AutoZone’s Rebecca Givens Rice as our speaker. Rebecca is the Vice President of Human Resources for AutoZone and shared on how to be an effective and compassionate leader by asking the right questions. She said, “The best leaders don’t have the best answers, they ask better questions.” And by doing this you show respect, build trust and loyalty and retain members of your team.... Read More

  • Sylvamo’s Page Boden Spoke at the February Session

    “Don’t be fancy, be effective and concise.” – Page Boden It was a privilege to have Page Boden, Director of Communications for Sylvamo speak at the Class of 2026 February session. Page shared how to communicate as an effective leader and referenced the book Smart Brevity. A FEW POINTS Put Your Audience First Punch Through the Clutter Communicate Clearly + Concisely Make Every Word Count Say More with Less Read More

  • Actual Intelligence: Using AI to Lead with Clarity and Courage

    NEXUS Alumni and Code Crew School’s ToNaya Gulley Pye recently led a NEXUS Workshop titled Actual Intelligence: Using AI to Lead with Clarity and Courage. The information she shared will help equip our leaders through AI. Alumni are invited to join us for monthly speaker sessions and special events. Make a reservation with NEXUS. #nexusleaders #leadershipdevelopment #mentoringmatters Read More

  • Leading in Our Community

    Heather Hunt, NEXUS Executive Director recently represented NEXUS as a panelist at the NBMBAA meeting along with several NEXUS Alumni. The focus was “Leading in our Community”. Special thanks to NBMBAA for the invitation. #nexusleaders #leadershipdevelopment #mentoringmatters Read More

  • Rob Carter Returned to NEXUS to discuss “Leading with AI”

    NEXUS started the new year at the January session with Rob Carter, recently retired CTO & CIO for FedEx Global. Rob and NEXUS Board member Sridhar Sunkara, founder of enaiblr had a conversation on the topic of “Leading With AI”. The conversation started with how technology has transformed. We were encouraged to embrace AI as leaders and use the tool as critical thinkers. Rob mentioned when thinking of AI, be... Read More

  • Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from NEXUS

    On behalf of the NEXUS Board of Directors, we wish you a very Merry Christmas. May the new year be filled with purpose, growth, and meaningful impact. Thank you for your ongoing support for NEXUS. Read More

  • NEXUS Alumni and Judge Valerie Smith Shared at NEXUS

    At the December session, alumni and members of the Class of 2026 had the opportunity to hear Judge Valerie Smith speak. NEXUS Alumni Valerie Smith and Court of Appeals Judge for the Western Section spoke on the topic of “Ethical Leadership”. She shared her experiences and asked the class to ponder the question, “How do you want others to see you?”. Contact NEXUS to request the speaker’s audio. Read More
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Upcoming Events

August 27, 2026 - August 27, 2026
NEXUS Class of 2027 Meet + Greet

NEXUS is excited to officially kick off another year of growth, connection, and impact with the newest class. Prior to

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August 29, 2026 - August 29, 2026
NEXUS Class of 2027 Orientation

We are excited to welcome the NEXUS Class of 2027 in August. The experience will begin with Orientation, a day filled with

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Partners

Testimonials

  • Sally Pace, Connect Healthcare Collaboration, NEXUS Alumni + Board Member

    “NEXUS serves such a crucial role in helping replicate leaders in our professional & civic community. Serving on the NEXUS board gives me a birds-eye view of the incredible pipeline of talent in our city that is eager to grow & lead. Pairing this pipeline with mentors who are just as eager to pour into the next generation is deeply rewarding and it’s how we ensure our community continues to move forward with purpose & strength.” Sally Pace, Connect Healthcare Collaboration, NEXUS Alumni + Board

  • Tiffany Futch, St. Jude Children’s Hospital, NEXUS Alumni + Volunteer

    “Serving on the NEXUS Program Committee was a meaningful way to give back to an organization that was instrumental in my professional journey. I truly enjoyed witnessing the growth of future leaders and working alongside dedicated professionals who share a passion for mentoring and developing the next generation.” Tiffany Futch, St. Jude Children’s Hospital, NEXUS Alumni + Volunteer

  • Gus Carter, FHN Financial, Protégé – Class of 2026

    “The NEXUS mentorship program has provided me with a unique experience in which other young individuals & myself were able to receive tailored personal and professional advice from our respective mentors. Each month we were given a fresh idea to ruminate on from a myriad of leaders around Memphis. The combination of mentorship and monthly speakers makes for a valuable program that has & will continue to impact how I move forward with my life.” Gus Carter, FHN Financial, Protégé, Class of 2026

  • Andrea Granadillo Suels, St. Jude, Protege – Class of 2026

    "I am deeply grateful for the NEXUS experience and the opportunity it gave me to build meaningful relationships that have supported my professional growth. Most meaningful to me was connecting with an incredible woman professional—also a mother, a newcomer to Memphis, and a leader in the medical field—whose journey and generosity reminded me of the power of community, mentorship, and shared experiences in shaping our paths forward." Andrea Granadillo Suels, St. Jude, Protege - Class of 2026

  • Justin Greene, Sylvamo, Protégé – Class of 2026

    “My experience with NEXUS was outstanding and exceeded my expectations. I entered the program optimistic, & throughout the year my confidence grew as I was pushed outside of my comfort zone through networking and leadership development. I learned a great deal about what true leadership looks like and how to continue growing professionally. I can confidently say I’ve grown both personally and professionally." Justin Greene, Sylvamo, Protégé, Class of 2026

  • Gayatri Jaishankar, Methodist University Hospital, Mentor – Class of 2026

    “The NEXUS program has been an incredible journey of growth & discovery for me. Having the opportunity to connect with a wide range of local leaders, engage in thought provoking conversations, & reflect on my own strengths &areas for development has been truly meaningful. One of the most rewarding parts has been supporting my Protégé & sharing my experiences along the way." Gayatri Jaishankar, Methodist University Hospital, Mentor, Class of 2026

  • Joel Jarnagin, First Horizon Bank, Protégé – Class of 2026

    “The program has been absolutely wonderful, and I cannot say enough about how great my mentor has been. My mentor pair was unexpected but an answered prayer and the most beneficial pairing for me.” Joel Jarnagin, First Horizon Bank, Protégé, Class of 2026

  • Oliver Cobb, Linden Street Capital, Protégé – Class of 2026

    "I have learned quite a bit from the program. It has broadened my skills and my network.” Oliver Cobb, Linden Street Capital, Protégé, Class of 2026

  • Coors Arthur, Hilltop Securities, Mentor – Class of 2026

    “I am very thankful for the opportunity to mentor with NEXUS. I am especially grateful to make a new friend in my proteges without NEXUS, this strong relationship would not be available.” Coors Arthur, Hilltop Securities, Mentor, Class of 2026

  • Donae Gooden, The J.M. Smucker Company, Protégé – Class of 2026

    “Participating in the NEXUS Leaders program has been one of the most impactful leadership experiences of my professional journey. For the past year, I’ve had the opportunity to grow alongside a dedicated mentor who has challenged me to think more strategically, lead with intention, and strengthen both my personal and professional influence." Donae Gooden, The J.M. Smucker Company, Protégé, Class of 2026