Testimonials

"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

Ramonda Clayborn, Sylvamo, NEXUS Class of 2025 MentorContent -

“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

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

"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

Emmanuel Amido, AgroTech Noire, NEXUS Protégé, Class of 2025Content -

“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

Beverly Gates, Monogram Food, NEXUS Mentor, Class of 2025Content -

"This year was my first experience with NEXUS, & I can see what all the buzz was about. The staff & volunteers are passionate about leadership development & the monthly meetings were fantastic. Honestly, the quality of the speakers blew my mind! The common denominator was their passion for being a great leader & their willingness to share what made them successful. NEXUS is a wonderful organization & an asset to Memphis." - Gordon McIntyre, NEXUS Mentor, Class of 2025

Gordon McIntyre, NEXUS Mentor, Class of 2025Content -

“I was honored to participate in the inaugural year of NEXUS, 20 years later I’m honored to still be involved in NEXUS as a mentor, past speaker, and Board member. Just five years after being a protégé I became President & CEO of NCC, because of NEXUS I appreciate and see the importance of servant leadership.” Ephie Ballard Johnson, President & CEO of Neighborhood Christian Centers

Celebrating 20 Years of NEXUS – Alumni Highlight – Ephie Ballard JohnsonContent -

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

Reggie Davis led a “Better Together” Workshop

“Comfort is the quiet enemy of connection.” – Reggie Davis Members of the NEXUS Network participated in a “Better Together Workshop” led by Reggie Davis, Founder of Uplift Coaching & Consulting in October. This workshop provided a space that acknowledged bias and challenged assumptions while we learned how to build trust, equip people to work, lead, and live better together. Read More
October Session a Success with Tanya Hart

The NEXUS Class of 2027 NEXUS session was a success with Tanya Hart, Senior Executive Vice President + Chief Human Resources Officer for First Horizon Corporation as the speaker. Tanya shared from her experiences and on the leadership topic of “Leading with Questions”. Tanya shared that it has been paramount in her career to ask questions and be curious and she has developed that into her superpower. Her message encouraged... Read More
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