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

  • 2025 Kem Wilson, Jr. NEXUS Leadership Award Announced

    On behalf of the NEXUS Board of Directors, it was a privilege to honor NEXUS Protege Emmanuel Amido with the 2025 Kem Wilson, Jr. NEXUS Leadership Award that is awarded each year to someone that leads like Kem. This award is given at Graduation an individual who has unwavering commitment to the NEXUS program and mission and is fully engaged with fellow members of the Class of 2025. “It’s been... Read More

  • Congrats to the NEXUS Class of 2025!

    Congratulations to the NEXUS Class of 2025! It was an honor to celebrate the Mentors and Proteges at Graduation on May 6 at Theatre Memphis. The Mentor and Protégé graduates were celebrated for their accomplishments and dedication over the past ten months. Thank You Shelby County Sherriff Floyd Bonner for delivering a meaningful keynote message. Special thanks to the Board members, Program Committee members, and volunteers for their leadership and... Read More

  • Connecting at NEXUS Night Out

    On April 29, 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!

    NEXUS IN MOTION is a favorite among the NEXUS Network and was another success this year.  Special thanks to the NEXUS Alumni who led table discussions and keynote speaker Matt Gandy. This special event offers NEXUS Alumni and current participants the opportunity to network, have table discussions on timely topics, and to be inspired by a keynote message. Thanks to the table leaders: Bryan Boggs / Jeremy Calhoun / Hayley... Read More

  • First Horizon’s David Popwell Spoke at the March Session

    David Popwell, Senior Strategic Executive for First Horizon Corporation, spoke to alumni and class members at the March session on “Building Leaders”. David is prominent leader in the financial sector of Memphis and has demonstrated long-standing leadership through his value-based approach and commitment to ethical business practices. He started the evening by asking participants to reflect on these questions: “What kind of person do you want to be?” and “What... Read More

  • NEXUS Winter Workshop Series was a Success

    NEXUS recently hosted a Winder Workshop Series focused on using the Enneagram and AI to be an effective communicator. Special thanks to Katie West and Sridhar Sunkara for facilitating this series. NEXUS is where mentoring and leadership meet. We continue to provide opportunities for current participants and alumni to develop as leaders. To learn more about upcoming events visit www.nexusleaders.org. Read More

  • Brett Batterson Shared at Feb NEXUS Session

    On February 4, President & CEO of the Orpheum Theatre Group Brett Batterson spoke to the members of the NEXUS Class of 2025. Brett is an empathetic leader who is all about the people. To lead through change, he shared you must pivot, be nimble, and take everyone with you. Special thanks to Begin Now, LLC. for sponsoring this session. To join us for an upcoming session, contact NEXUS to... Read More

  • January Session with Christian Owen

    Members of the current NEXUS class began 2025 hosting Christian Owen, Founder and Publisher of RiverCity Lifestyle Magazine as the session speaker. Christian shared her insights and experiences as she spoke to the mentors and proteges on the topic of “Dreaming as a Leader”. A few things she suggested when dreaming big include- -Start with the Why? Define your dreams. Remember that your compass is your Why. -Dreams must have... Read More

  • NEXUS Winter Workshop Series Underway

    NEXUS is hosting a Winder Workshop Series focused on using the Enneagram and AI to be an effective communicator.  Session One took place on January 14 with Leadership Development Consultant Katie West on the topic of Communicating with Your Enneagram Number.  The next session will help you learn how to utilize your Enneagram number to effectively communicate and strengthen your communication both personally and professionally by accessing the world of... Read More

  • NEXUS Serves at St. Jude Marathon

    NEXUS Alumni and members of the NEXUS Class of 2025 volunteered at this year’s St. Jude Marathon. Volunteers cheered for marathon runners and served at a Hydration Station. Read More
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Upcoming Events

August 23, 2025 - August 23, 2025
Save the Date – NEXUS Class of 2026 Orientation

The NEXUS Class of 2026 will begin their NEXUS experience with Orientation on Saturday, August 23. This day offers

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July 1, 2025 - July 1, 2025
Apply Now for the NEXUS Class of 2026

We are currently recruiting Protege and Mentor participants for the NEXUS Class of 2026 that will begin in August.

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Partners

Testimonials

  • Beth Price, The Marston Group, Mentor – Class of 2025

    “Participating in NEXUS has been a fantastic experience! While nurturing relationships across varied professional fields, NEXUS is cultivating a network of individuals that go out into the community to lead & inspire others. The objective of building leaders through encouragement, mentorship & community service is beneficial to all participants & ultimately the city of Memphis.” - Beth Price, The Marston Group, Mentor - Class of 2025

  • Sam Pope, CoolRoofs, NEXUS Protege – Class of 2025

    "As one of the younger protégés in the NEXUS Class of 2025, I found the experience to be both grounding and transformative. My mentor created space for honest dialogue and offered insight rooted in years of leadership. The speaker sessions reinforced the importance of calm leadership and challenged me to see people not as problems, but as the purpose." Sam Pope, CoolRoofs, NEXUS Protege - Class of 2025

  • Michael Moore, International Paper, NEXUS Alumni, Class of 2024

    "As a NEXUS Alumni, I came back for one of the sessions because of my professional relationship with the speaker. It was one of the most rewarding NEXUS sessions I’ve attended! I also enjoyed a fruitful conversation with a new friend at the table and we plan to continue to connect. This is what NEXUS should look like on both ends (past/future…mentor/protégé)!" Michael Moore, International Paper, NEXUS Alumni, Class of 2024

  • Travis Moody, Forward Memphis, NEXUS Mentor, Class of 2025

    “This was my second year as a NEXUS mentor. As before, I really enjoyed building a relationship with my protégé as well as connecting with the other mentors. I always learn something new from the monthly speakers. Even as a mentor, I see NEXUS as a huge part of my continued development as a leader.” - Travis Moody, Forward Memphis, NEXUS Mentor, Class of 2025

  • Sarah Farrell, Memphis Fire Department, NEXUS Mentor, Class of 2025

    “I am thankful for my time this year with my protégé, monthly meetings and engaging conversations with the entire NEXUS community. The ongoing focus on networking, leadership and encouragement is unlike any other. It is a positive representation of the Memphis community, and I am glad to be a part of it.” Sarah Farrell, Memphis Fire Department, NEXUS Mentor, Class of 2025

  • Francisco Trujillo, The Marston Group, NEXUS Protégé, Class of 2025

    “As a first-generation college graduate and professional, I was unaware and unprepared about certain aspects or situations that come along in a professional setting. I am grateful at the resources that NEXUS has given me. I now have a mentor, whom I ask for guidance or advice on how to become a better more prepared leader, professional, and every day-to-day person.” – Francisco Trujillo, The Marston Group, NEXUS Protégé, Class of 2025

  • Ramonda Clayborn, Sylvamo, NEXUS Class of 2025 Mentor

    "I've absolutely loved building a dynamic and mutually beneficial relationship with my mentee. NEXUS has been a phenomenal platform for gaining actionable insights from community leaders and program participants, greatly enriching both of our professional development journeys." Ramonda Clayborn, Sylvamo, NEXUS Class of 2025 Mentor

  • Lauren Morgan, The Bank of Fayette County, NEXUS Protégé, Class of 2025

    “The NEXUS program has meant so much to me both personally and professionally. My mentor offered incredible wisdom and support, and I truly felt seen and encouraged throughout the process. I also had the chance to meet other protégés I wouldn’t have crossed paths with otherwise—some of whom have turned into genuine friendships. I’m incredibly thankful for NEXUS and all the growth it brought into my life this year. - Lauren Morgan, The Bank of Fayette County, NEXUS Protégé, Class of 2025

  • Emmanuel Amido, AgroTech Noire, NEXUS Protégé, Class of 2025

    "An essential aspect of growth as an entrepreneur and business professional lies in learning from the paths of those who came before you—seasoned lifelong learners whose wealth of experience drives economic progress and strengthens our community's foundation. NEXUS gave me that opportunity, as I hope to contribute to our community's economic growth. " Emmanuel Amido, AgroTech Noire, NEXUS Protégé, Class of 2025

  • Beverly Gates, Monogram Food, NEXUS Mentor, Class of 2025

    “The NEXUS program is one of a kind. From my time as a protégé many years ago to the last year as a mentor, I have learned so much through this program. The inspiring, experienced speakers NEXUS attracts never fail to provide life lessons. The future of Memphis is in the hands of some extraordinary, passionate young leaders who are working hard to improve lives in our community. “ -Beverly Gates, Monogram Food, NEXUS Mentor, Class of 2025