Posts

Netisha Burnett takes the lead as the Executive Director of the S.O. What! Foundation

Honoring the Memphis State Eight: How Their Courage Shaped My Journey

Sixty-six years ago, eight courageous students walked onto the campus of Memphis State University for the first time, integrating the school and making history. On that September day in 1959, the Memphis State Eight faced hostility and isolation…
Dr. Justin Lawhead
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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…
Lisa Moore
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S.O. What! Success Stories: Lisa Moore

It’s funny when you meet someone who looks so different from you and who has a completely different background from you, but you end up being so much alike. And even discovering more similarities with life transitions. Lisa Moore, founder…
Bertha Rogers Looney in my grandmother's dress
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Embracing Legacy and Resilience: How to Honor Legacy and Foster Resilience Through Symbolic Actions

I'm not sure how I came to the realization of the importance of embracing legacy and resilience, but I have learned to love the power in journies of those who have come before me. Especially, because I am a black woman, I appreciate…
Women's History Month
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Empowering Women’s History Month: Honoring Legacies and Creating Your Own

As we step into Women's History Month, I can't help but reflect on the incredible women who have shaped history and left an indelible mark. In this photo, I'm surrounded by two of my friends and mentors, Beverly Robertson and Rose Flenorl, both…
Black History Month
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Empowering Black & Women’s History: Unveiling Stories of Resilience

As we approach the upcoming Black History Month and Women's History Month celebrations, I want to share a personal snapshot with you. A moment frozen in time when I left the football field as Ms. University of Memphis. Making history as the…
Jae Henderson
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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…
Summer Owens with mother and 101 year-old grandmother at the S.O. What! Awards and Scholarship Soiree
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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…
Netisha Burnett takes the lead as the Executive Director of the S.O. What! Foundation

New Leadership Feels SO Good

You never know where your dreams can take you. In 2011, I started my speaking business, S.O. What! LLC, and the next year I founded the S.O What! Foundation. I had no idea how hard it would be to lead and grow both organizations simultaneously.…