John Best
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John Best: S.O. What! Success Story

Have you ever met a giant? During my time working for the NBA, I did meet a few men who seemed like giants to me.  When I met John Best I definitely noticed his stature but I wasn’t shocked. I wasn’t shocked to learn that John…
Rosie Phillips Davis
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Dr. Rosie Phillips Davis: S.O. What! Success Story

Dr. Rosie Phillips Davis went from poverty to a Ph.D. and has inspired thousands of people along the way. As a nineteen-year-old black female college student, I’ll never forget the day I saw Dr. Rosie Phillips Davis (known to me as Dr.…
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3 Lessons From Hosting the 40th Distinguished Alumni Awards at the University of Memphis

In 2019 when I became the president of the University of Memphis Alumni Association National Board of Directors, hosting the 40th Distinguished Alumni Awards (DAA) program was something I looked forward to doing at the end of my term. For…
Cherryl Pigues Crite
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Cherryl Pigues Crite: S.O. What! Success Story

Homelessness, breast cancer, domestic violence, and more. Cherryl Pigues Crite has been through a lot. I can see so much in her eyes.  The pain of what she’s been through, and the passion to help women. Strength, beauty, resilience.…
Darrell Cobbins
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Darrell Cobbins: S.O. What! Success Story

Cool, calm, and collected. When I think of Darrell Cobbins those are the words that immediately come to mind.  In addition to professional, inspiring, and just cool. All of which I had the privilege of experiencing as a fellow University…
Erica Nathan
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Erica Nathan: S.O. What! Success Story

You know that friend with so many gifts and talents that you’re amazed by all they are able to do?  Fittingly, I met Erica Nathan at church through a mutual friend. Also, fittingly, she was stylish and her hair was laid. As an evangelist,…
Derek Ryan
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Derek Ryan S.O. What! Success Story

Have you ever connected with someone over a testimony? I’m not sure exactly how it started, but when I met Derek Ryan it seems like our first words to each other were our testimonies.  Our stories. Seeing the amazing place he was…
Karren Todd
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Dr. Karren Todd: S.O. What! Success Story

Who do you look up to? I’m grateful that there are several people I’ve observed and learned from over the years. This includes several women who look like me, who have modeled what I could and probably should be in many ways.  One…
Carlos Malave
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Carlos Malave S.O. What! Success Story

I love new friends!  Especially those with incredible stories of strength and resilience that inspire me and so many others.  Carlos Malave is one of the newest speakers in the agency that currently represents me for my college speaking.…