Jae Henderson
, , , , , , , , ,

Redefining Resilience: Jae Henderson S.O. What! Success Story

Most of the time, we don’t understand the impact or importance of relationships until years (or even decades) later. I met Jae Henderson when we were both undergrads at the University of Memphis. She was a Zeta, and I was an AKA. As part of…
Derichia Wells
, , , , , , , , ,

Navigating Loss with Resilience: A Journey to Peace and Happiness

From the moment I met Derichia Wells, whom I affectionately call my daughter, Derichia has exemplified unwavering resilience and a spirit that conquers any challenge. Her story is a testament to the power of determination and the ability to…
Summer Owens Day 4 10th anniversary countdown. Silence the Inner Critic and Overcome Self-Doubt.
, , , , ,

10-DAY 10-YEAR ANNIVERSARY COUNTDOWN- DAY 4: Silence the Inner Critic and Overcome Self-Doubt

Although it was over 20 years ago, I vividly remember something the graduate advisor for my sorority said to me at a leadership conference in Orlando, Florida. “Summer, you think too much.” In the moment, I was offended. However, she was…
Summer Owens with mother and 101 year-old grandmother at the S.O. What! Awards and Scholarship Soiree
, , , , , ,

The Success of the Inaugural S.O. What! Awards and Scholarship Soiree

One night about six years ago, I had a dream about an awards and scholarship program. I've been a part of several awards programs either as a recipient or helping to plan the event, and I knew I wanted this one to be special. On April…
Black History Month speaker Summer Owens
, , ,

This Black History Month, Make Your Own Mark

Imagine the impact on the world if more people worked to leave a legacy. When I started my career and became the first marketing manager for the NBA Memphis Grizzlies, I had no idea I was making history. However, when I initiated the effort…
Melissa Graham
, , , , , , , , , , ,

Melissa Graham: S.O. What! Success Story

One thing I always tell my students is to talk to people. And something that almost always happens is you’ll find a lot that you have in common. Melissa Graham and I started talking because both of us have a passion for student success.…
Ms. Univesity of Memphis
, , , ,

Ms. University of Memphis and Me

Do you attend your college or high school homecoming events and games? As a student at the University of Memphis, I enjoyed the basketball games but have never been a big football fan. So the first Homecoming I attended was when I was a finalist…
Ekundayo Bandele
, , , , , , , ,

Ekundayo Bandele: S.O. What! Success Story

When the artist becomes a businessman a beautiful creation and asset to a city is born. Ekundayo Bandele has always known he was an artist, a creator. Since I’ve lived in Memphis, I have heard his name and admired his work. Ekundayo Bandele…
Dr. Mario Brown
, , , , , , ,

Dr. Mario Brown: S.O. What! Success Story

When the blueprint is not given to you, but you still succeed and exceed even your own expectations. That’s the story of my friend, Dr. Mario Brown. As college students at the predominantly white institution, the University of Memphis.…