Host Jeremy C. Park talks with Dr. Bobby White, President and CEO of Leadership Memphis and Volunteer Memphis, along with Candace Tate, Director of Volunteer Memphis and Community Outreach, who highlight Leadership Memphis and its action initiative, Volunteer Memphis, which both serve to connect leaders to leaders, leaders to information, and leaders to the community. Leadership Memphis develops community change agents, connects them with others who have a passion to serve, and empowers them with information and opportunities to make a difference. The nonprofit organization strengthens and mobilizes “impact networks” of community leaders and volunteers through best-in-class programs, strategic alumni and partner engagement, and targeted action initiatives focused on creating a more equitable city – and making Memphis a place where everyone belongs, contributes, and is valued.

Originally founded in 1979 as The Memphis Institute of Public Responsibility, Leadership Memphis has graduated more than 4,100 leaders from its programs. During the interview, Dr. White shares some of his personal background and his vision looking forward after stepping into the role as President and CEO in October 2024. Dr. White is a native Memphian, long-time educator and founder of Frayser Community Schools, a Leadership Memphis Changemaker award recipient, and a 2014 Leadership Memphis Executive Program graduate. He discusses the importance of building on the organization's legacy and becoming even more strategic with how he and his team equip and engage leaders and alumni, and align their efforts and programs to make a meaningful and measurable impact in the community.

Candace Tate then spotlights Volunteer Memphis, which is an action initiative of Leadership Memphis and builds capacity for effective volunteering and connecting people with opportunities to serve throughout Memphis and Shelby County. The organization helps individuals, families, corporate teams, and community groups strengthen Memphis and the Mid-South through service at more than 300 nonprofit organizations and schools. Candace talks about their MLK Days of Service taking place January 16-20, 2025, and how the community can get involved and then help carry the spirit of service and volunteerism throughout the year. Dr. White and Candace wrap up talking about what makes them excited for 2025 and how the community can get involved with Leadership Memphis and Volunteer Memphis.

Visit https://leadershipmemphis.org to learn more about Leadership Memphis. Visit https://volunteermemphis.org to learn more about Volunteer Memphis, and https://volunteermemphis.org/mlk-days... to learn more about their MLK Days of Service.