
Resilience, Leadership, and Friendship: An Inspiring Interview with Dr. Reginald Porter Jr
In this episode of S.O. What! Success Stories, I sit down with my friend and mastermind partner, Dr. Reginald Porter, Jr, whose journey is a masterclass in resilience and leadership. From leadership roles at FedEx to serving as chief of staff…

From 22-Year-Old Single Mom to County Leader: Dorcas Young Griffin’s Story of Resilience
In this inspiring episode of S.O. What! Success Stories, I sat down with my longtime friend, Dorcas Young Griffin, whose journey exemplifies resilience and grace. From our first connection at the Healing Center to her current role as Deputy…

From Medical School to Medical Director: Dr. Jara Best Resilient Rise
In this episode of S.O. What! Success Stories, I’m reconnecting with my friend, Dr. Jara Best, whose journey is a powerful example of resilience and success. From being one of only 20 Black students in her medical school class to becoming…

Rooted in Memphis, Built on Resilience: The Cortney Richardson Story
In this episode of S.O. What! Success Stories, I had the honor of speaking with Cortney Richardson, CEO of Peer Power Foundation and a proud University of Memphis alum. Cortney’s journey is a powerful testament to resilience, leadership, and…

Teen Mom to University Dean: Linda Hall Journey of Resilience and Leadership
8/22/25 Update: Due to the Dismantling DEI Departments Act, the University of Memphis closed the Multicultural Affairs Office, impacting and upsetting thousands of students and alumni who benefit from that office, Dean Hall, and staff.
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Celebrating Grandparents Day: How I Turned Grief Into Something Grief On My Grandparents Day First Without My Grandmas
This Grandparents Day is bittersweet for me. It's the first one without my grandmothers, Agnes Idella “Dorothy” Jones Owens and Ocie Lee Woods Williams, who both transitioned this year. They were two of the strongest, wisest women…

Actions and Accountability, Choices and Consequences: The Capital Murder of My Cousin, Avis Terrell Jones
August 22, 2021, that was the last time I saw my cousin Avis Terrell Jones. He was showing me around a house he was fixing up for his mother. It was about two months before his life was tragically taken. I had gone to visit his father, my great…

The Power of Authentic, Resilient Leadership | Dr. Justin Lawhead
In this inspiring episode of S.O. What! Success Stories, I was moved by Dr. Justin Lawhead openness and vulnerability that I’m sure will move you too. As someone I consider a friend, I call him Justin.
There are people in every organization…

S.O. What! Success Stories: Crystal Clark-Chatman
Crystal Clark-Chatman is an extraordinary advocate for young women, particularly within the Black community.
Moreover, I am incredibly honored to have met her through her tireless work serving youth. Her unwavering passion and immense sacrifice…