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NEXUS EXPERIENCE

The need to encourage and equip the next generation of community leaders in Memphis is obvious to those who know our city best. To meet this demand, NEXUS provides a place for our young leaders to learn proven leadership skills in a mutually challenging environment from top-flight coaches and mentors.

  • A Protege-driven program, whereby the proteges commit to participate in the monthly sessions, to be trained in leadership alongside their mentor and to meet with their mentor once per month informally outside of the monthly sessions, arranged at the convenience of both.  Proteges are asked to come to the program with goals they wish to accomplish over the ten-month program.
  • Mentor recruitment takes place through the NEXUS Network-alumni and current participants and is based on the needs provided by the protege applicants.  Mentors are proven leaders within their profession and the community; leaders NEXUS would like to see duplicated.
  • Attend the Orientation which focuses on individual strengths, mentor/protege training, and opporuntities to get to know class participants.
  • Nine monthly interactive teaching sessions led by local key-leaders.  Both mentors and protégés are required to attend at least seven of the nine monthly sessions.
  • Service Projects which offer participants an opportunity to make a difference and learn more about non-profits in Memphis.
  • A reasonable cost, subsidized by corporate sponsors and private donations. The program fee is $650 for mentors and protégés, and includes an opening retreat, curriculum materials and monthly dinner sessions. Scholarships are available upon request.
  • A proven curriculum, timely assignments that include books, articles, assessments, TedTalks, Podcasts, etc.  The speakers teach on leadership topics NEXUS thinks every leader must master including: Asking, Building, Communicating, Dreaming, Emotional Intelligence, Ethical Decision Making, Focusing, Leading Through Change, Mentoring, Motivating, and Planning.

 

Nexus Engage

An ongoing goal is to keep members of the NEXUS Network engage within the NEXUS Program and our city.  NEXUS Alumni and current participants are key leaders within the community who want to continue to have a pulse of the needs of our city, the Memphis leadership community, and young emerging leaders of the next generation.

NEXUS creates opportunities for current participants and alumni to engage, learn, connect, and network together through many special events throughout the year.  Alumni are always invited to the monthly speaker sessions to hear a motivating message from a local key leader around a specific leadership topic.

NEXUS provides many special event opportunities for members of the NEXUS Network which include workshops, NEXUS Night Out, NEXUS IN MOTION, lunch events around topics and proven alumni, and more.

Opportunities are always evolving for the NEXUS Network to engage depending on the need and climate of our community.

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

June 30, 2026 - June 30, 2026
NEXUS Year End on June 30

Thank you for your continued leadership and support! Because of you, we provided an engaging and impactful NEXUS experience

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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