By JR Robinson, CEO & Co-Founder of JustMy

When you talk about the organizations that have shaped Memphis for the better, Leadership Memphis stands out as a true force for progress, equity, and community empowerment. With a legacy spanning more than four decades, Leadership Memphis has become the city’s premier community leadership organization—developing, connecting, and mobilizing leaders who are passionate about making a difference.

A Legacy of Leadership and Impact

Founded in 1979, Leadership Memphis has graduated more than 4,000 community leaders from its signature programs, equipping individuals at every stage—from seasoned professionals to emerging talent—to become catalysts for positive change. The organization’s mission is clear: to connect leaders to leaders, leaders to information, and leaders to the community. Through best-in-class programs, strategic alumni engagement, and targeted action initiatives, Leadership Memphis is building “impact networks” that strengthen the entire city.

Leadership Memphis is more than a training ground—it’s a movement. Its alumni are found at the helm of nonprofits, businesses, schools, and civic initiatives across Memphis, each one empowered with the knowledge, relationships, and vision to lead Memphis ahead. The organization is unapologetically optimistic about the city’s future, operating on the belief that you can’t change your city until you change your perception of it.

Dr. Bobby White: Leading with Vision and Heart

In October 2024, Dr. Bobby White was named President and CEO of Leadership Memphis and Volunteer Memphis. Dr. White is a native Memphian, a long-time educator, and the founder of Frayser Community Schools. He’s also a proud graduate of the 2014 Leadership Memphis Executive Program and a past recipient of the Leadership Memphis Changemaker Award.

Dr. White brings a wealth of experience and a deep personal commitment to equity, education, and community transformation. His vision is to build on Leadership Memphis’s storied legacy by becoming even more strategic in equipping and engaging leaders and alumni, aligning efforts and programs to create meaningful, measurable impact throughout Memphis. Under his leadership, the organization continues to foster a culture where everyone belongs, contributes, and is valued.

Volunteer Memphis: Action in Motion

As an action initiative of Leadership Memphis, Volunteer Memphis expands the organization’s reach by connecting people with opportunities to serve at more than 300 nonprofits and schools across the Mid-South. From the annual MLK Days of Service to year-round volunteer initiatives, Volunteer Memphis mobilizes individuals, families, and corporate teams to strengthen the fabric of our community through hands-on action.

Celebrating 45 Years of Excellence

This year marks the 45th anniversary of Leadership Memphis—a testament to its enduring impact and the thousands of alumni, partners, and supporters who have fueled its journey. Signature events like the Multicultural Breakfast, Leadership Awards, and citywide volunteer days continue to bring together the best of Memphis’s leaders, all united in the pursuit of a more equitable and vibrant city.

Why Leadership Memphis Matters

Leadership Memphis is proof that when you invest in people, you invest in the future of your city. By developing community change agents, connecting them to critical information and networks, and empowering them to act, Leadership Memphis is helping to build a Memphis where everyone can thrive.

To learn more about Leadership Memphis, its programs, and how you can get involved, visit their website.

Amplify Memphis. Amplify Leadership. Amplify You!

Written by JR Robinson, CEO & Co-Founder of JustMy