Leadership Memphis

For over 45 years, Leadership Memphis has been the cornerstone of civic engagement and community leadership development. As we look ahead to 50 years, we are excited to continue impacting Memphis through connecting, training and mobilizing leaders in service to Memphis.

We believe that diverse community leaders and volunteers committed to civic engagement, community service, and collective impact can make a difference in Memphis. We envision a healthy and thriving Memphis where all citizens have access to safe neighborhoods, quality resources, and robust opportunities.

LEADERSHIP PROGRAMS IMPACT

Over 4300 alumni have been trained to lead and serve Memphis since 1979.  Three current programs train cohorts of leaders in civic leadership, including education, economic development, hunger and homelessness, community safety, healthcare, arts and culture, and city and neighborhood planning. Since 1979, during their programs, they have participated in over 300 community outreach projects with local neighborhood non-profits and community development corporations.

VOLUNTEER MEMPHIS IMPACT

Over 36,000 volunteers are registered in the Volunteer Memphis available opportunities platform. Over 9200 service hours tracked in the database with over 200 nonprofit and service organizations. Volunteer Memphis coordinates 5 annual Weeks of Service and events including MLK Days of Service, 9/11 Days of Remembrance, Make a Difference Week, Family Volunteer Day, and Volunteer Appreciation Month.

ALUMNI ASSOCIATION IMPACT

Our 4300+ alums include people from all sectors and positions of influence in Memphis – from leaders in publicly held corporations and local government, leaders in the education sector, elected officials and people who are leading nonprofits that support Memphians and the community at large. In 2026, the Memphis Business Journal Top 100 Business People included 42 Leadership Memphis alumni. On an annual basis, all alumni are invited to participate in annual events to continue their learning journey and celebrate the achievements of their peers and our community – Multicultural Breakfast, Leadership Awards Luncheon, Volunteer Memphis Awards and the Alumni Holiday Party.