Remembering 911
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What 25 Years Can Teach Us About Time, Survival and Living Now

Twenty five years. It’s hard to believe it has been that long since September 11, 2001. And I remember exactly where I was. I was working for the Memphis Grizzlies, and we were in a sales meeting. When we came out, everyone was gathered…
Dolly Parton Dollywood
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The Kind of Woman I Want to Be: Remembering Dolly Parton

It is always sad to hear about someone special passing, and it is always sad to hear about someone losing a battle with cancer. But when you have had cancer yourself, news like that hits differently because you know your story could have been…
S.O. What! Ambassador Program meeting with board members
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Building Young Leaders: The Vision Behind the S.O. What! Ambassador Youth Leadership Program

At tonight's S.O. What! Ambassador Program meeting, I listened as our young people talked honestly about what was happening in their lives. One student was adjusting to high school. Another was thinking seriously about college and the future.…
Teen Mom Aaliyah with Summer Owens after using the S.O. What! Literacy, Life Skills, and Character Education curriculum
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10 Ways to Use Life After Birth and the S.O. What! Curriculum to Build Confidence and Literacy in Teen Moms

Every teen mom has a story. Too often, that story is defined by statistics, stereotypes, or the mistakes people assume will shape the rest of her life. But what if the story became the very thing that inspired her to read more, think deeper,…
Resilience and Failing Forward
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Resilience and Failing Forward: The Story of Kim Karr

What Happens When Failure Does Not Get the Final Word? Some conversations make me think about the moments we keep carrying long after they happen. That was one of the things that stayed with me during my conversation with Kim Karr. As we…
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Resilience Under Pressure: The Inspiring Story of Prima Jope

What Happens When Pressure Changes You? Some people experience pressure in ways that force them to grow earlier than expected. That was one of the things that stayed with me during my conversation with Prima Jope. As we talked, I kept thinking…
Transformative leadership and breaking barriers
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Transformative Leadership and Breaking Barriers: The Journey of Rose Flenorl

What Does It Take to Break Barriers? Rose Flenorl’s story is a powerful example of transformative leadership in action. Growing up in Clarksdale, Mississippi, as the oldest of four, Rose was determined to make her mark. Her ambitious goal?…
Faith-centered leadership and community service
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A Life of Service, Faith, and Purpose: Cary E. Vaughn’s Inspiring Journey

A Story of Faith-Centered Leadership and Community Service Growing up in North Memphis, Cary Vaughn faced adversity early in life. Raised in the shadow of his father’s alcoholism and the pain of losing him at a young age, Cary could have…
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Leading With Faith and Responsibility: A Leadership Journey That Redefines Success

A Conversation That Makes You Think Some conversations leave you thinking, and that is exactly what happened during my recent S.O. What! Success Stories conversation with Mickell Lowery. Yes, he has the titles. Yes, he has built a strong…