Testimonials

“I have really enjoyed NEXUS this year and am honored to have been involved in the program. It is refreshing to know that there is a future generation of leaders in this city that are dedicated and passionate to serve their community. NEXUS provides the tools needed to further their success.” Billie Jo Parker, NEXUS Mentor, Class of 2019, Senior Managing Director, Private Client Experience & Operations, Renasant Bank

Billie Jo Parker, NEXUS Mentor, Class of 2019Content -

"Being in the NEXUS program reaffirmed that successful individuals are ordinary individuals, like myself, who had a dream & surrounded themselves with like-minded individuals who helped them to reach their goals & develop their potential. I learned that successful individuals don’t take no for an answer, remain persistent, seek opportunities, & most importantly, find themselves a mentor.” Laquita Johnson, NEXUS Protégé, Class of 2019, Student Affairs Coord., Grizzlies Prep

Laquita Johnson, NEXUS Protege, Class of 2019Content -

“This experience has shown me that every journey is a story worth sharing, be it the choices we’ve made, obstacles we’ve overcome, and even the missteps along the way. To a young professional, my journey may provide them with valuable lessons and nuggets of wisdom.” NEXUS has helped me realize the value in sharing my story! Lisa Smith, NEXUS Mentor, Class of 2019, Organizational Effectiveness Consultant, Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare

Lisa Smith, NEXUS Mentor, Class of 2019Content -

“I am so grateful for my experiences in the NEXUS program, from the lifelong relationships I have built with my Mentor and Protégé class to the engaging, invaluable Speaker Sessions from Leaders across the City of Memphis. I will use the advice I have been given in my personal and professional life. If you have the opportunity to be a part of NEXUS take it!” McKenzie Nash, NEXUS Protégé, Class of 2019, Human Resources Generalist, International Paper

McKenzie Nash, NEXUS Protege, Class of 2019Content -

My NEXUS experience has given me great hope for our community and has re-energized me to, “be the change I want to see happen!” #betterispossible Drayton Mayers, NEXUS Mentor, Class of 2019 President & Owner, TeamLogic IT

Drayton Mayers, NEXUS Mentor, Class of 2019Content -

As an entrepreneur, this program has afforded me the opportunity to converse and share best practices with local change-agents, grow my professional network and cultivate life-long relationships with my Mentor and fellow Protégés. I unequivocally recommend the NEXUS leadership program to anyone looking to improve yourself and ascend to the next level.” - Corbin I. Carpenter, NEXUS Protégé, Class of 2019, Esquire, Carpenter Law, PLLC, Managing Member

Corbin Carpenter, NEXUS Protege, Class of 2019Content -

Video Testimonials

Sandy Willson

Bethany McRae, NEXUS protege talks about her experience.

Bethany McRae

NEXUS protege Amy Strickland talks about her experience in the class of 2019.

Amy Strickland

NEXUS Protege/Mentor-Jill & Hayley

Mentor-Jill & Hayley

Announcements

Lunch with Leaders

Members of the NEXUS Network had the opportunity to network and be inspired by NEXUS leaders. During Lunch with Leaders Chris Coleman, Caroline Kuebler, and Bathsheba Sams shared their personal leadership journeys and the insights they’ve gained through experience. Read More
NEXUS Alumni Returns as November Session Speaker

Alumni and members of the NEXUS Class of 2026 had the privilege to hear NEXUS Alumni Brooke Jones, Director for Strategy for Martin Brower return to NEXUS and speak at the November session. Brooke spoke on the topic of “Focusing as a Leader” and shared that it’s okay to give yourself permission and grace to be focused in the moment – that will set you up on the right path... Read More
Doug McGowan Shared with NEXUS Class of 2026

Doug McGowan, President and CEO for MLGW spoke to the NEXUS Class of 2026 at the October session. Doug is a dynamic leader that spoke on the topic of “Planning as a Leader”. Doug’s remarks and examples provided valuable take-aways applicable to everyone. He discussed four kinds of Work/Buckets -Day to Day Work -Process Improvement -Break Through Thinking -Critical/Crisis Action Planning Plan + Metrics / Activity + Outcome / Measure... Read More
First NEXUS Class of 2026 Session a Success with Dr. Coopwood

Dr. Reginald Coopwood, President & CEO for Regional One Health spoke at the first session to the NEXUS Class of 2026. Dr. Coopwood did excellent job speaking on his experiences as proven community-focused leader and a visionary. He shared a few things he believes makes an effective leader including culture is the most important thing and it starts with the top. The leader sets the expectations. NEXUS Alumni are invited... Read More
NEXUS Welcomes the Class of 2026

NEXUS is excited to officially kick off another year of growth, connection, and impact with the newest class. The Class of 2026 represents the next generation of leaders who are ready to learn, serve, and make a difference in our community. We’re grateful to our mentors for sharing their wisdom and to our protégés for bringing their energy and curiosity to the table. The class recently had Orientation with the... Read More
Special Thanks to NEXUS Partner First Horizon Bank

NEXUS partner First Horizon Bank recently hosted the NEXUS Class of 2026 Meet + Greet at the Ron Terry location. The event provided an opportunity for new NEXUS class members to get to know one another and set the tone for an impactful beginning to this year’s NEXUS experience. We are grateful for the partnership with First Horizon Bank and the role they play in supporting the development of emerging... Read More
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