Testimonials

“NEXUS was an incredible experience. Beyond the opportunity to mentor a very dynamic and up-and-coming individual, I met a diverse group of seasoned and young professionals from a variety of industries which led to several interesting and thought-provoking discussions. The speakers who spoke with us throughout the year were also very enlightening and offered open and honest dialogue about relevant topics ranging from ethics, planning, crisis management, communication, and several other subjects

Steve French, Retired, NEXUS Mentor, Class of 2021Content -

“I am so thankful to be doing NEXUS this year. Yes, adapted and different, but hugely valuable. My mentor has been simply a Godsend in a season where a lot was poised to change even before a global pandemic. NEXUS and that relationship is already such an asset; I'm sure it will only grow. Many thanks for working to allow me this opportunity in such a wild context.” -Ally Velderman, Director of Camps and Programs, Service Over Self, NEXUS Protégé, Class of 2021

Ally Velderman, Director of Camps and Programs, Service Over Self, NEXUS Protégé, Class of 2021Content -

“The NEXUS program provides Memphians the unique and rewarding experience to talk with a true cross-section of the community and believe that you as an individual can indeed have an impact upon your community. Being part of an organization that shares similar core values as you do is so refreshing and enlightening. I leave each meeting feeling uplifted and inspired. NEXUS has allowed me to take a look from the outside in and this has provided me great insight both into myself but into the profes

Hanna Oysel, NEXUS Protégé, Class of 2020, Adams Keegan, Inc., Client Service ManagerContent -

“Memphis = Access and Impact. I love this saying! I've been a NEXUS mentor for 4 years, and truly believe in the work NEXUS is doing to connect and inspire proteges and mentors to make a difference in this city. As Memphians, we all have the opportunity to engage our networks AND dive into rewarding work to make Memphis better. Please stay in touch and thanks for all you do. Congratulations to our 2020 Graduates!” Caroline Keubler, NEXUS Mentor, Class of 2020, Community Found

Caroline Keubler, NEXUS Mentor, Class of 2020, Community Foundation of Greater Memphis, Director of DevelopmentContent -

“From the retreat in August, to hearing stories from top Memphis business leaders, NEXUS superseded all my expectations. I am beyond grateful to become a part of the NEXUS family.” Quentin Hendree, NEXUS Protégé, Class of 2020, ALSAC/St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Account Representative, Strategic Partnerships

Quentin Hendree, NEXUS Protégé, Class of 2020, ALSAC/St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Account Representative, Strategic PartnershipsContent -

“I’ve been blessed to be part of the NEXUS program. It has connected me with other young professionals that care about Memphis and matched me with a mentor that understands my personal and professional hurdles. Not only have I learned more about myself, but I truly feel like I have a greater connection with my city as well. Thank you to everyone who makes NEXUS possible and I couldn’t recommend it more!” Reid Cates, NEXUS Protégé, Class of 2020, AutoZone, Senior Category Manager

Reid Cates, NEXUS Protégé, Class of 2020, AutoZone, Senior Category Manager-Customer SatisfactionContent -

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

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
First Horizon’s David Popwell Spoke at the March Session

David Popwell, Senior Strategic Executive for First Horizon Corporation, spoke to alumni and class members at the March session on “Building Leaders”. David is prominent leader in the financial sector of Memphis and has demonstrated long-standing leadership through his value-based approach and commitment to ethical business practices. He started the evening by asking participants to reflect on these questions: “What kind of person do you want to be?” and “What... Read More
NEXUS Winter Workshop Series was a Success

NEXUS recently hosted a Winder Workshop Series focused on using the Enneagram and AI to be an effective communicator. Special thanks to Katie West and Sridhar Sunkara for facilitating this series. NEXUS is where mentoring and leadership meet. We continue to provide opportunities for current participants and alumni to develop as leaders. To learn more about upcoming events visit www.nexusleaders.org. Read More
Brett Batterson Shared at Feb NEXUS Session

On February 4, President & CEO of the Orpheum Theatre Group Brett Batterson spoke to the members of the NEXUS Class of 2025. Brett is an empathetic leader who is all about the people. To lead through change, he shared you must pivot, be nimble, and take everyone with you. Special thanks to Begin Now, LLC. for sponsoring this session. To join us for an upcoming session, contact NEXUS to... Read More
January Session with Christian Owen

Members of the current NEXUS class began 2025 hosting Christian Owen, Founder and Publisher of RiverCity Lifestyle Magazine as the session speaker. Christian shared her insights and experiences as she spoke to the mentors and proteges on the topic of “Dreaming as a Leader”. A few things she suggested when dreaming big include- -Start with the Why? Define your dreams. Remember that your compass is your Why. -Dreams must have... Read More
NEXUS Winter Workshop Series Underway

NEXUS is hosting a Winder Workshop Series focused on using the Enneagram and AI to be an effective communicator. Session One took place on January 14 with Leadership Development Consultant Katie West on the topic of Communicating with Your Enneagram Number. The next session will help you learn how to utilize your Enneagram number to effectively communicate and strengthen your communication both personally and professionally by accessing the world of... Read More
NEXUS Serves at St. Jude Marathon

NEXUS Alumni and members of the NEXUS Class of 2025 volunteered at this year’s St. Jude Marathon. Volunteers cheered for marathon runners and served at a Hydration Station. Read More