It’s graduation season, and many students are graduating against the odds. Financial challenges, lack of support, illnesses, competing priorities, too many responsibilities and so many other obstacles keep many people from completing college. But so many did it in spite of the odds. Many overcame tremendous obstacles, self-doubt, and doubt from others…but you did it! […]
When I worked in marketing at FedEx, my VP, Len Hostetter invited me to speak on Creativity as part of the University of Memphis’s 4 C’s program to the class he taught as an adjunct professor. As I walked back to my car that evening after speaking, I heard, “Ms. Owens, do you have a […]
Luther McClellan is a blessing to our younger generation! Luther McClellan was one of the Memphis State Eight, who were the first African-American students admitted to Memphis State University in 1959. He became the first African-American to graduate from The University of Memphis in 1962, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics. The Alumni […]
Before finding out that I was pregnant, I had dreams. I wanted to go to college. I wanted to be successful. I wanted a career. Then at 15 I got pregnant by a guy I didn’t know and was soon a single, teenage mother. If you have found yourself in the same situation, you may […]
As a college freshman, I made a decision to pledge an amazing sorority, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. That decision opened my world up and introduced me to an entire Greek family with incredible brothers sisters who would go on to do incredible things in life. Two of those people were this powerhouse couple, Reginald […]
Andrew Bailey was one of the most incredible people I met during my time as a student at the University of Memphis. We were both teen parents and student leaders with tremendous challenges. And less than ideal backgrounds that most people had no idea we fought through just to get to college. Over the next […]
At some point I was exploring relationships because I wanted my son to have a father figure in his life. I had been a teenage mother from the time I was 15-years old. I’d also been raising my son alone as a single mother for years. I wanted to have a boyfriend and had dated […]
Toni Boland-Evans is a proud Memphian and University of Memphis alumni. She is a very passionate and determined woman. Toni has worked for NIKE as part of the Social and Community Impact Team for over 25 years. She was named Memphis Business Journal’s “Superwoman in Business”. She received the “Strong Award” from Girls Inc. Currently, […]
A Birth Defect that Birthed Purpose Born with a birth defect, cleft lip, and palate, Alexia Young is a woman with a brave mind and heart, she chooses to stand beyond challenges and helps others embrace their struggles. Through her organization, she is helping children all over the world overcome this challenge as well. She […]
