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NEXUS – Where Mentoring + Leadership Meet
For over twenty years, NEXUS continues to be a vehicle for the development and improvement of personal leadership skills as well as means for participants to build relationships in the Memphis leadership community. The NEXUS experience begins with a mentor and/or protégé and the experience doesn’t end after graduation. The NEXUS Network continues to grow; we currently have graduated over 1300 leaders. NEXUS has created a forum that crosses religious, racial and gender lines based on the common desire to improve not only ourselves but also our city.

In each class we seek to duplicate the experienced leader and to develop the young, emerging leader through mentorship and relationship. The components of the class include monthly interactive teaching sessions from September-May with local key leaders, monthly one-on-one meetings for the Mentor/Protégé pair to discuss goals, proven curriculum, and opportunities to serve in the Memphis community.

Proven leaders will share each month about leadership topics, their past experiences, and what motivates them as a leader. We will kick-off the experience with a Meet and Greet and Orientation in August. Monthly Speaker Sessions usually take place the first Tuesday evening of each month. Additional NEXUS Special Events and Workshops will be announced throughout the year.
Class of 2027 Dates
August 27 – Meet & Greet
August 29 – Orientation
September 8 – Session
October 6 – Session
November 3 – Session
December 1 – Session
January 5 – Session
February 2 – Session
March 2 – Session
April 6 – NEXUS IN MOTION
May 4 – Graduation

Announcements

  • Duncan Williams Speaks at NEXUS

    The NEXUS Class of 2027 was honored to welcome Duncan Williams, Founder and Chairman of Duncan Williams Asset Management and Interim President/CEO and Chair of the Greater Memphis Chamber, as our speaker for the first session of the year. Duncan shared his deep passion for Memphis, offering insights, experiences, and encouragement to the next generation of Memphis leaders. While highlighting the city’s many strengths, he also challenged us to ask... Read More

  • NEXUS Welcomes the Class of 2027

    “Never doubt that a small group of people can change the world because surely they’re the only ones who ever have.” – Darrell Cobbins NEXUS is excited to kick off another year of growth, connection, and impact with the Class of 2027! We’re proud to welcome the next generation of Memphis leaders who are ready to learn, serve, and make a difference. We’re grateful to our mentors for sharing their... Read More

  • 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
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Upcoming Events

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October 6, 2026 - October 6, 2026
October Session Speaker Tanya Hart

NEXUS is excited to have Tanya Hart, Senior Executive Vice President + Chief Human Resources Officer for First Horizon

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October 20, 2026 - October 20, 2026
NEXUS Workshop – “Better Together” led by Reggie Davis

"Better Together Workshop" led by Reggie Davis, Founder of Uplift Coaching & Consulting Members of the NEXUS Network are

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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