HomeUncategorizedNEXUS Board Chair Reflects on This Past Year

NEXUS Board Chair Reflects on This Past Year

May 17, 2021 Uncategorized

May 2021

These past fourteen months have looked more different than we could have ever imagined, and we have learned more about each other and our world than we ever thought.

I am proud of the NEXUS Board of Directors for their dedication and commitment as we have led together.  Our Board knows the importance of relationships and were determined to fulfill that need for the Mentor and Protégé participants.  I am proud of the volunteers that serve on the NEXUS Program Committee;  they have been dynamic and creative as the environment and sessions changed monthly.

I am proud of the NEXUS Class of 2021 for entrusting us to provide a safe and successful NEXUS experience.  This year’s Mentors and Proteges began meeting in-person in August through November with masks and social distancing.   In December and January, the class met via zoom due to the spike in COVID-19 numbers paired with the holiday season.  We came back together in-person in February through the spring and are celebrating with Graduation in the Garden in May.  We have continued to offer a virtual option throughout the year for those not comfortable meeting in-person.

I am proud of our partners who have continued to support NEXUS and also led our city through a world pandemic.  We want to express our sincere gratitude to those committed individuals and partners who share our vision of building a stronger Memphis through the duplication of principle-centered leaders.  Our partners include AutoZone, Baptist Memorial Health Care, eBiz Solutions,  First Horizon Foundation, International Paper Foundation, Kemmons Wilson Family Foundation, and The Marston Group.  A special thanks to Memphis Botanic Garden for hosting the Graduation in the Garden event to celebrate the NEXUS Class of 2021 and Class of 2020.

As this year comes to an end and we start to plan for the Class of 2022, we are committed to provide an engaging & interactive experience for both mentors and proteges no matter what the environment looks like.  The NEXUS experience is proven!

On behalf of the NEXUS Board of Directors, congratulations to the Class of 2021! 

Bathsheba Sams, NEXUS Board Chairman

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Announcements

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  • Leading in Our Community

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

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  • Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from NEXUS

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  • 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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  • Doug McGowan Shared with NEXUS Class of 2026

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March 3, 2026 - March 3, 2026
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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