What if we could see roadblocks in advance and navigate to a smoother path? Slingshot's MemWorks initiative is utilizing data to discover roadblocks hindering the local workforce, and collaborating with organizations like Soulsville Charter School to create solutions to move the community forward. Josh Gettys of Slingshot Memphis and Maya Robinson of Soulsville Charter School share what the data shows, how that impacts the community today, and the plans for the future. Resources mentioned in this episode include: 2024 Summer Experience Celebrate What's Right: Big Visions for Big Change on June 11 Slingshot Memphis Slingshot's MemWorks initiative Soulsville Charter School Roadblock #1: Aptitude Alignment Soulsville's Summer Growth Experience (SGE) for high school students Baptist Memorial Healthcare "Crash Course Camp" MDRC MMDC This episode is powered by Independent Bank.

What does it mean to learn, lead, and leave a legacy? New Memphis understands that the leaders of tomorrow are created in the classroom today through the transformative power of education. Empowering and educating youth is one way that our city continues forward momentum. Happy Teacher Appreciation Week, Memphis! In this conversation with newly appointed Memphis Shelby County Schools Superintendent, Dr. Marie Feagins, we take a look at her plan, witness her passion, and hear examples of her "whole soul" leadership style. Resources mentioned in this episode include: New Memphis Instagram New Memphis Stride program Nominate for Stride here New Memphis Educator of Excellence Award Dr. Feagins appointed as MSCS Superintendent Greater Memphis Chamber Greater Memphis Chamber Chairman's Circle Habitat for Humanity MSCS Infrastructure Celebrate What's Right: A Conversation with the Superintendent was powered by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Tennessee. Please note that this conversation originally took place to a sold-out audience on April 23, 2024. This episode is made possible in partnership with Independent Bank.

How do you continue to grow what you know? With 96 acres, 30 specialty gardens, and a brand new tropical plant house, Memphis Botanic Garden offers the people of all ages and interests opportunities for education, relaxation, and connection. Olivia Wall and Gina Harris drop by to share how the Youth Education and Tropical Plant House is a unique regional asset and what role the gardens play in experiential learning for all. Recourses mentioned in this episode include: Teacher Appreciation Week Teachers' Lounge on May 7 Memphis Botanic Garden Specialty gardens Youth Education and Tropical Plant House Live at the Garden This episode is made possible in partnership with Independent Bank.

What does it really mean to champion your city? Tune in to today's conversation to hear how leaders are able to thrive in Memphis inside arenas, on fields, and most importantly, in their connections with others. Today's guests are Chandell Ryan from the Downtown Memphis Commission and Jason Mims from Memphis 901FC. Resources mentioned in this episode include: Memphis 901FC Downtown Memphis Commission Our previous conversation with Chandell Ryan Cancer Kickers The Memphis Redbirds 100 North Main Sterick Building Brooks Museum of Art Renasant Convention Center Downtown Memphis Commission Instagram Memphis 901FC Instagram Tom Lee Park Birdies Memphis in May AAPI Heritage Month This episode is made possible in partnership with Independent Bank.

What happens when a community takes chance on second chances? Ellen Zahariadis of the Humane Society of Memphis and Shelby County and Dominique Winfrey-McKinnie of Shelby County Mayor's Office of Innovation share how their new project is creating meaningful experiences and increasing empathy for animals and humans alike in this week's episode. With dogs being utilized in hospitals, schools, and more for their therapeutic benefits, we'll dive deeper into how "man's best friend" is continuing to provide purpose, confidence, and joy. Resources mentioned in this episode include: Humane Society of Memphis and Shelby County Humane Society Services and Programs Shelby County Office of Re-Entry The Memphis Flyer's article "Pawsitive Training Benefits Shelter Dogs and Incarcerated Women" "Our Faithful Comeback" via Shelby County Mayor's Office during the pandemic William "Fry" Arnold's TEDxMemphis Talk and subsequent conversation with us DeAndre Brown's conversation with us Josh Spickler's TEDxMemphis Talk and previous conversation with us Allegiance Canine 901 Student Passport This episode is made possible in partnership with Independent Bank.

"The first eight years really determine so much about our life in the future. Most of our brain growth and development happens in the first five years of life. Then at eight, there's a lot of research that shows that, good or bad, we have a general sense of how someone's life will be like as adults." Dr. Kandace Thomas of First 8 Memphis and Kimberly Carter of Brilliant Minds Child Development Center share how infant mental health impacts children and those caring for them. First 8 Memphis conducted a landscape survey to glean data directly from those in our community, and some of the findings may surprise you. Resources mentioned in this episode include: First 8 Memphis NEXT Memphis Tennessee's Department of Children Services Shelby County Early Childhood Education Plan Tennessee Early Intervention Services Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) First 8 Memphis Partner Organizations and Leadership Council Pre-K readiness website Sweet Cheeks Diaper Ministry Habitat for Humanity This episode is made possible in partnership with Independent Bank.

"It is about leveraging all the stories that we have from the past -- every song, every story, every everything -- to be able to co-create the stories of the future." Memphis is making a smart business case for arts and culture because t_here's no business like show business, after all!_ New Memphis' Celebrate What's Right: Creative Economics brought local experts to the stage who shared how to artfully blend creativity and business at a scale that is shaping our city, its image, and its bottom line. Revisit this conversation with Jessica Mosley, Lakeisha Edwards, George Monger, Elizabeth Rouse, and Anasa Troutman. This event was powered by Duncan Williams Asset Management and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Tennessee. Resources mentioned in this episode include: artsMemphis Greater Memphis Chamber Urban Arts Commission Connect Music Historic Clayborn Temple ArtsMemphis arts calendar Memphis Cultural Coalition Memphis' first mayoral arts forum This episode is made possible in partnership with Independent Bank.

"We stand by the fact that these individuals will be some of the best employees you've ever had -- they're going to work hard, come in on time, do what they have to do, and then go home. But until more employers start giving opportunities to justice-involved individuals, it will be a revolving door system of barriers." Josh Spickler of Just City and Myletta Moore-Dawson of Center for Employment Opportunities (CEO) are working to create sustainable employment for all which will in turn increase the local workforce & employment but also reduce recidivism. They will share why employers not only can but should consider hiring justice-involved individuals. Resources mentioned within the episode include: William "Fry" Arnold's TEDxMemphis Talk and subsequent conversation with us DeAndre Brown's conversation with us Just City Josh Spickler's TEDxMemphis Talk and previous conversation with us Center for Employment Opportunities (CEO) Slingshot's 2024 MPACT Award spotlight on CEO Clean Slate Fund Tennessee expungement fee reduced over Just City's 5 year effort City and County governments are encouraging employers to look beyond criminal history when hiring This episode is made possible in partnership with Independent Bank.

In 2023, Memphis earned the dubious distinction of being ranked the second most overweight city in America. With the health of our city on the line (literally!), medical professionals across organizations are joining hands to rally for our community. Healthier 901 aims to help Mid-Southerners create small changes to access the vibrant quality of life we all deserve. Here with us to discuss the initiative are Tabrina Davis, Dr. John Leslie, and Jimmy Scott. Resources mentioned in this episode include: Healthier 901 Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare Learn more about Jimmy Scott's journey here Side effects of obesity according to the CDC Mid-South health challenges according to UTHSC A note of motivation from Methodist's CEO This episode is made possible in partnership with Independent Bank.

"You can complain about what you don't have or you can build what you want. If we want a prosperous Memphis, we can't expect anyone to give it to us. It is something that we have to work, spend our own blood, sweat, and tears to build. Whether it's a business, your career, or anything -- you can complain about it or you can build it." Alan Gumbel of Black Business Association of Memphis and Cynthia Daniels of Cynthia Daniels & Co. join us to show how Memphians can harness the inspiring, dynamic potential of minority-owned and operated businesses to reach greater success for all. Resources mentioned in this episode include: The Link Up Memphis Milton Memphis Entertainment Memphis 101 Delta Regional Authority Black Business Association of Memphis Cynthia Daniels & Co. Memphis Black Restaurant Week Cynthia Daniels' signature events Clayborn Temple India Festival Greek Festival Italian Festival BBA Business Booster The Four Way Interstate BBQ Memphis Black Restaurant Week Kick-Off Preview Party Arnold's BBQ & Grill Shroomlicious Meals Smurfey's Smokehouse SugaShack Epicenter Memphis City of Memphis Office of Diversity and Compliance TN Small Business Development Center, Tom Lee Park Instagram for BBAMemphis Instagram for Cynthia Daniels & Co. Mahogany Terrace Oteka Technologies Muggin Coffee House The Frosted Oven Alcenia's Brother Juniper's This episode is made possible in partnership with Independent Bank.