The vision of Leadership Memphis is a healthy, thriving Memphis.
We believe that diverse community leaders and volunteers committed to civic engagement, community service, and collective impact can make a difference in Memphis.
Our Mission
Our mission is to cultivate community leaders, curate opportunities for service and leadership with local nonprofits and community organizations, and connect and convene leaders to share ideas, collaborate around solutions for Memphis’ most pressing issues, and celebrate community advancements
Our Theory of Action and Change
Community Leadership
educating, inspiring, and mobilizing people toward shared goals that create lasting strength and resilience in the community
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Civic Engagement
the active participation of our alumni and volunteers in service, advocacy, and collaboration to drive solutions and meaningful change
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Collective
Impact
positive, sustainable change
for Memphis
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Leadership Programs Impact
- 4,300+ alumni trained to lead and serve Memphis since 1979
- 3 programs training cohorts of leaders in civic leadership, including Education, Economics, Hunger & Homelessness, Community Safety, Healthcare, Arts & Culture, Hunger & Homelessness, and City and Neighborhood Planning
- Over 300 Community Action Projects with local neighborhood nonprofits and Community Develop Corporations completed since 1979
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Volunteer Memphis Impact
- 36,000+ registered volunteers in the Volunter Opportunities Portal
- 9,200+ annual volunteer hours across 200+ local groups
- 5 Annual Weeks of Service including:
MLK Days of Service
9/11 Days of Remembrance
Make A Difference Week
Family Volunteer Day, &
Volunteer Appreciation Month -
Alumni Association Impact
- Alumni Association for over 4300 Leadership Memphis program graduates
- 4 Annual Signature events designed for convening around issues, connecting with leaders, and celebrating community advancements including:
Multicultural Breakfast
Leadership Awards Luncheon
Volunteer Memphis Awards, &
Annual Alumni Holiday party
Cultivate: Leadership Programs
Leadership Memphis programs develop, connect, and mobilize leaders to create positive change across our city. Through our signature programs—Executive, FastTrack, and the College Internship Program—we equip leaders at every career stage with the knowledge, networks, and experiences to drive impact in their organizations and communities. Each program is designed to deepen civic understanding, foster cross-sector collaboration, and inspire participants to lead with purpose. Graduates of these programs join the Leadership Memphis Alumni Network, a powerful and active community of more than 4,300 changemakers continuing to strengthen Memphis through service, mentorship, and collaboration.
Curate: Volunteer Memphis
Volunteer Memphis mobilizes volunteers to make a difference in their communities and builds capacity for effective service across Memphis and Shelby County. As an action initiative of Leadership Memphis, Volunteer Memphis connects individuals, families, corporate teams, and community groups with meaningful opportunities to serve more than 200 nonprofit organizations and schools. Our volunteers are at work every day of the year—tutoring and mentoring children, helping individuals and families find pathways out of poverty, and improving our local environment.
Connect & Convene:
Alumni Association
With more than 4,300 graduates since 1979, Leadership Memphis alumni represent one of the city’s most powerful and diverse networks of changemakers. From CEOs and elected officials to grassroots organizers and nonprofit leaders, our alumni lead across every sector to advance Memphis forward. Together, they embody our mission to train, connect, and mobilize leaders who work collaboratively for the good of the whole community.
Graduates of the Executive, FastTrack, and College Internship programs automatically join the Leadership Memphis Alumni Network — a lifelong community that fosters continued learning, civic engagement, and connection. Alumni stay involved through exclusive events, volunteer opportunities, and partnerships that drive collective impact across the Mid-South.