Junior Achievement of Memphis and the Mid-South

Celebrating 70 years of working to make Every Child World Ready in Memphis and the Mid-South!

[Junior Achievement of Memphis and the Mid-South @JAMemphis]

As we wrap up this chapter of JA Letters to Myself: Hometown Heroes, we couldn't imagine a better story to close with.

In our final episode of this season, Greg Duckett, Executive Vice President and Chief Legal Officer of Baptist Memorial Health Care (@BaptistOnline), writes to his younger self about dreaming beyond what was in front of him—and believing that more was possible.

Growing up in a low-income Memphis neighborhood, Greg didn't have a roadmap to many of the opportunities that would later shape his life. Yet through education, hard work, mentors, and a willingness to keep moving forward, he became a trailblazer in law, government, and health care leadership.

“You didn’t have the opportunity to dream beyond what you saw on a daily basis, yet you did.”

That's why exposure matters. When students can see pathways they didn't know existed and connect with leaders who have walked them, new possibilities begin to take shape.

Thank you for joining us throughout this season of Letters to Myself. We hope these stories continue to inspire students to dream bigger, explore what's next, and build futures of their own.

Helping students see what's possible is at the heart of our mission. Explore the pathways waiting for you at https://t.co/Kf5sKFwiqw.
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Listen to the World Ready Radio podcast episode here: https://t.co/u0JCgQMzne

Watch all episodes here: https://t.co/S1FN9vPGao

🎥: @prptlmotion

#EveryChildWorldReady #JALettersToMyself #JAHometownHeroes

[Junior Achievement of Memphis and the Mid-South @JAMemphis]

What if leadership looks more like serving than standing at the top?

In JA Letters to Myself: Hometown Heroes, Kat Gordon, founder of Muddy's Bake Shop and the Homemade Kitchen, writes to her younger self about the lessons that came from entry-level customer service jobs, teamwork, and learning how to care for people well.

From retail floors to call centers, she learned how to listen, connect with people, solve problems, and stay calm under pressure: skills that later became the foundation for leading teams, serving over a million customers, and building a beloved Memphis business rooted in community and care.

“You’ll figure out fast that none of us can do it alone and we all need help—and encouragement—from coworkers, bosses, community, and friends. You’ll realize that leaders take a lot of different forms and a lot of them mop floors regularly.”

Because when students understand that leadership can start in any role, they begin to see possibility in every opportunity.

Start your future today at https://t.co/Kf5sKFvKAY.
—
Listen to the World Ready Radio podcast episode here: https://t.co/u0JCgQM1xG

Watch all episodes here: https://t.co/S1FN9vP8kQ

🎥: @prptlmotion
#EveryChildWorldReady #JALettersToMyself #JAHometownHeroes

[Junior Achievement of Memphis and the Mid-South @JAMemphis]

What if your greatest challenges became the reason you could help others?

In JA Letters to Myself: Hometown Heroes, Marianne Dunavant, Community Relations Manager at @Ford, writes to her younger self about resilience, growth, and choosing to move forward no matter the obstacles ahead.

From attending 13 schools in 12 years to serving at some of the highest levels of local, state, and federal government, her journey is proof that setbacks do not define your future. Instead, they can shape the perspective, empathy, and strength you use to help others.

“Instead of focusing on the challenge, you will focus on finding the lesson and become better because of it.”

Today, Marianne uses those life experiences to connect with people, advocate for others, and help create brighter futures through her work at Ford.

Because when students learn how to grow through challenges instead of being defined by them, they begin to see just how powerful their future can be.

Start your future today at https://t.co/Kf5sKFvKAY.
—
Listen to the World Ready Radio podcast episode here: https://t.co/u0JCgQM1xG

Watch all episodes here: https://t.co/S1FN9vP8kQ

🎥: @prptlmotion

#EveryChildWorldReady #JALettersToMyself #JAHometownHeroes

[Junior Achievement of Memphis and the Mid-South @JAMemphis]

What does it take to build a future—and help others do the same?
In JA Letters to Myself: Hometown Heroes, Alex Pina, owner of Piña Elite Restaurant Group (@McdPina) and a Junior Achievement board member, writes to his younger self about staying focused, taking risks, and investing in the path ahead.
From growing up in Southwest Chicago as the son of immigrants to becoming a @McDonalds Owner/Operator, his journey is built on education, mentorship, and the willingness to step into new opportunities. Today, he’s not just running a business—he’s creating jobs, developing talent, and helping others find their place in the workforce.
Because success isn’t just about what you achieve—it’s about what you build and who you bring along with you.
“It is going to be very important for the youth to see someone that looks like them succeeding and know that dreams can come true.”
When students can see real pathways—and the people who have walked them—they’re better prepared to take the first step toward their own future.
Start your future today at https://t.co/Kf5sKFvKAY.
—
Listen to the World Ready Radio podcast episode here: https://t.co/u0JCgQM1xG
Watch all episodes here: https://t.co/S1FN9vP8kQ
🎥: @prptlmotion
#EveryChildWorldReady #JALettersToMyself #JAHometownHeroes

[Junior Achievement of Memphis and the Mid-South @JAMemphis]

JA Letters to Myself: Hometown Heroes | Jan Young
What if one mindset shift could change everything?

In JA Letters to Myself: Hometown Heroes, Jan Young, Executive Director of The Assisi Foundation of Memphis, shares with her younger self the 40 reflections that have guided her path across education, military service, and nonprofit leadership.

Each one offers a reminder that growth isn’t accidental—it’s shaped by how you respond, how you learn, and how you move forward.

“You can choose your reaction to anything that happens, is said, or done. Choose wisely.”

Because when students understand the power of their choices, they begin to take ownership of their future.

Start your future today at https://t.co/Kf5sKFwiqw.

—

Listen to the World Ready Radio podcast episode here: https://t.co/u0JCgQMzne

Watch all episodes here: https://t.co/S1FN9vPGao

🎥: @prptlmotion

#EveryChildWorldReady #JALettersToMyself #JAHometownHeroes

[Junior Achievement of Memphis and the Mid-South @JAMemphis]

Staying the same isn’t the goal—growth is.
In JA Letters to Myself: Hometown Heroes, Susan Stephenson, Co-Founder and President of @ibankmemphis, writes to her 18-year-old self about staying curious, trusting your voice, and having the courage to evolve.
From stepping into spaces where women weren’t always expected to helping build a bank grounded in trust and community, her journey shows that leadership isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about continuing to grow.
“Your education is never over, so be willing to pivot, to reinvent, to evolve and to change your mind.”
During Financial Literacy Month, her story is a powerful reminder that learning—especially when it comes to money, careers, and life—opens doors and creates opportunity.
Because when students understand that growth never stops, they’re better prepared for whatever comes next.
Take the first step toward your future at JA Connect: https://t.co/Kf5sKFvKAY.
—
Listen to the World Ready Radio podcast episode here: https://t.co/u0JCgQM1xG
Watch all episodes here: https://t.co/S1FN9vP8kQ
🎥: @prptlmotion
#EveryChildWorldReady #JALettersToMyself #JAHometownHeroes

[Junior Achievement of Memphis and the Mid-South @JAMemphis]

JA Letters to Myself: Hometown Heroes | Tanya Hart

What if the opportunities you’re waiting for never come?

In JA Letters to Myself: Hometown Heroes, Tanya Hart, Chief Human Resources Officer at @FirstHorizonBnk, writes to her younger self about pushing past doubt, embracing what makes her unique, and staying the course.

From navigating life as a first-generation college student to building a career that began as a bank teller, her journey is a reminder that growth doesn’t happen by accident—it happens through intention, persistence, and belief.

And sometimes, it means creating the opportunity yourself.

“Don’t let fear or complacency hold you back. If opportunities aren’t offered, create them. Invest in yourself.”

Because when students hear stories like this, they begin to see how far their own path can go and how they can start building it today.

Your future begins now. Visit JA Connect to get started: https://t.co/Kf5sKFvKAY
—
Listen to the World Ready Radio podcast episode here: https://t.co/u0JCgQM1xG

Watch all episodes here: https://t.co/S1FN9vP8kQ

🎥: @prptlmotion

#EveryChildWorldReady #JALettersToMyself #JAHometownHeroes

[Junior Achievement of Memphis and the Mid-South @JAMemphis]

Accelerating economic mobility starts with access, and we’re grateful to do this work in partnership with @StateFarm at our Wang Experiential Learning Center.

Through JA BizTown and JA Finance Park, students across the Mid-South are stepping into real-world experiences where they manage budgets, run businesses, and make decisions that connect directly to their futures.

As one teacher shared after JA BizTown, “The kids loved it—it’s such a great hands-on experience that teaches life skills.”

We’re thankful for @StateFarm and their continued investment in helping students build pathways that connect their learning of today to what's next for them tomorrow.

#EveryChildWorldReady #EconomicMobility #StateFarm #JuniorAchievement #EducationForWhatsNext

[Junior Achievement of Memphis and the Mid-South @JAMemphis]

JA Letters to Myself: Hometown Heroes | Kesha Ivy

What if the door doesn’t open because you’re meant to build something entirely new?

In JA Letters to Myself: Hometown Heroes, our own Kesha Ivy, Chief Academic Officer at Junior Achievement of Memphis and the Mid-South, writes a letter to her younger self reflecting on a journey shaped by resilience, purpose, and impact.

From navigating profound loss to finding courage in motherhood, to becoming the first-ever Chief Academic Officer in a JA area office and now helping shape work across the national network, her story is a reminder that the path isn’t always given. Sometimes, it’s built.

And that kind of impact doesn’t come from waiting for a seat at the table.

“Sometimes the greatest gift is not being given a seat but being brave enough to construct something new—something so powerful it reshapes the entire landscape.”

Stories like this give our students more than inspiration—they show them what it looks like to lead, to persist, and to create what doesn’t yet exist.
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Listen to the World Ready Radio podcast episode here: https://t.co/u0JCgQM1xG

Watch all episodes here: https://t.co/S1FN9vP8kQ

🎥: @prptlmotion

#EveryChildWorldReady #JALettersToMyself #JAHometownHeroes @JA_USA

[Junior Achievement of Memphis and the Mid-South @JAMemphis]

40 years on the lanes. 70 years of impact. 🎳

Over two Saturdays, our 40th Annual JA "Bowlin' on the River" showed up & showed out—bringing together partners from across the region to celebrate four decades of fun, fundraising, & fueling futures, all while marking 70 years of serving Memphis & the Mid-South.

To every bowler who showed up, THANK YOU. You’re helping accelerate economic mobility and build a stronger future workforce for our region.

And the fundraising continues at https://t.co/qGCEZK5sU0! Every dollar raised goes toward making #EveryChildWorldReady.

Special thanks to our presenting sponsors, Buckman, First Horizon, and Power & Tel for helping make this milestone moment possible.

And if you caught the soundtrack— that’s local legend Joyce Cobb! The song was recorded in honor of Bowl-a-Thon’s 5th anniversary, making it the perfect throwback for year 40. 🎶
—
Sponsors: Buckman, First Horizon, Power & Tel, Baptist, Billy Hardwick’s All Star Lanes, BlueCross BlueShield of TN, Chick-fil-A, City of Memphis, Dee Lakes Realty, EDGE, Ernst & Young, FedEx, Horne Law Firm, Hyosung HICO, Malco, McDonald’s, Memphis Grizzlies, MLGW, Morgan Steel, nexAir, Pinnacle Financial, Regional One Health, ServiceMaster Facilities Maintenance, Shelby County Government, Total Credit Solutions

Bowlers: AutoZone, Baptist Memorial Health Care, Baptist University, Buckman, City of Memphis, Cummins, Dunavant, Duncan Williams Asset Management, EDGE, EEOC, FedEx, Horne Law Firm, Hyosung HICO, International Paper, Jackson HVAC, Memphis Record Pressing, MLGW, Morgan Steel, MSCS School Board, Pinnacle Financial Partners, Regional One Health, Regions, Ruby Bright & Family, ServiceMaster Clean, Shelby County Government, Simmons Bank, Smith & Nephew, South Memphis Alliance, Strategic Financial Partners, The Harvey Group, Total Credit Services, University of Memphis Law School, Wells Fargo, West TN Bankruptcy, Divine 9 Fraternities & Sororities: Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority

[Junior Achievement of Memphis and the Mid-South @JAMemphis]

JA Letters to Myself: Hometown Heroes | Brandon Seavers

The easy road isn’t always the right one.

In JA Letters to Myself: Hometown Heroes, Brandon Seavers, co-founder and CEO of Memphis Record Pressing (@MemphisVinyl)—a leader in the resurgence of vinyl manufacturing and a growing force in Memphis’ creative economy—reflects on choosing purpose over “normal,” and building something that matters.

From creating opportunity through his company to encouraging others to grow where they’re planted, his message is clear:

“Grow up and follow the path of most resistance, not the least. It’s the road less traveled that reveals the most glorious sunsets.”

Real stories like this give students more than inspiration—they give them a vision for how to move forward.
🎥: @prptlmotion

#EveryChildWorldReady #JALettersToMyself #JAHometownHeroes

[MLGW @MLGW]

Teams of #MLGW employees took over Billy Hardwick's All-Star Lanes Saturday morning to bowl, have fun, and fund-raise on behalf of Junior Achievement of Memphis and the Mid-South. The organization helps local kids prepare for life as adults with programs that teach work readiness, entrepreneurship, and financial literacy. @JAMemphis

[Junior Achievement of Memphis and the Mid-South @JAMemphis]

What does a purpose-driven journey really look like?

In our JA Letters to Myself: Hometown Heroes series, local leaders reflect on the lessons, dreams, and defining moments that shaped their paths, and the message they would send back to their younger selves.

For Tomeka Hart Wigginton, now President and CEO of @uwmidsouth, it started in North Memphis—shaped by teachers, role models, and big dreams—and unfolded through a path that was anything but linear.

From teacher to lawyer to public servant to nonprofit leader, each step has built toward the work she does today helping people thrive in our community.

One reminder she shares with her younger self says it best:
“Each new role will feel like it might be the destination, but it will turn out to be just another step in a purpose-driven journey.”

Sometimes the path isn’t straight—but every step is preparing you for what’s next.

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Listen to the World Ready Radio podcast episode here: https://t.co/u0JCgQM1xG

🎥: @prptlmotion
#EveryChildWorldReady #JALettersToMyself #JAHometownHeroes

[Junior Achievement of Memphis and the Mid-South @JAMemphis]

What would you tell your younger self?

Introducing JA Letters to Myself: Hometown Heroes—an 11-part video series where leaders from across the Mid-South share the real stories behind their journeys. The risks they took. The setbacks they faced. The decisions that shaped who they are today. These are the journeys behind the titles, and the lessons that don’t always make it into a resume.

We gave you a sneak peek of this series a few months ago, and now, we’re ready to bring the full story forward.

And this is just the beginning. Starting next school year, this series will be paired with JA curriculum, helping bring these stories directly into classrooms and connecting them to the skills students need for their own futures.

You’ll be able to watch each episode on YouTube and across our social channels, or listen on the go with our World Ready Radio podcast, available wherever you get your podcasts.

Because when students hear directly from the people building our workforce and shaping our communities, they start to see what’s possible for their own path, and how to take that first step.

Stay tuned—Episode 1 drops tomorrow.

🎥: @prptlmotion
#EveryChildWorldReady #JALettersToMyself #JAHometownHeroes

[Junior Achievement of Memphis and the Mid-South @JAMemphis]

We’re proud to introduce a new video series from Junior Achievement: JA Letters to Myself: Hometown Heroes. ✉️

In this series, hometown heroes from across our region read a letter they wrote to their younger selves—reflecting on the journey, the lessons, and the courage it took to get where they are today. We’re honored to launch the series with Rose Jackson Flenorl, @FedEx Global Citizenship & Human Resources Manager, a native of Clarksdale, Mississippi, and proud @OleMiss alumna.

Rose has spent her career leading global engagement at FedEx at the highest level, but it’s the lessons learned along the way—and her gratitude even for the failures—that shine through most.

“Dreaming big in an uncertain world takes courage. But just because it’s never been done doesn’t mean it can’t be done.”

As we look ahead to new opportunities for students across Mississippi, we hope stories like this spark possibility. Stay tuned—more voices, more letters, and more to come.

🎥: @prptlmotion

#EveryChildWorldReady #JALettersToMyself #JAHometownHeroes #JAforMississippi

[Junior Achievement of Memphis and the Mid-South @JAMemphis]

“I give to Junior Achievement because I believe every young person deserves the confidence and skills to own their future. JA empowers students to see what’s possible … to dream bigger, think smarter, and take control of their own success.”
– Jason Campbell, JA Board Chair and @FedEx executive

IMAGINE the change you can make for children across our region when you join with Jason and make your generous gift to JA TODAY. Your gift will be matched through the end of the year. Thank you for helping us make sure EVERY CHILD is WORLD READY.

https://t.co/aB73buHSAi

#EveryChildWorldReady #JAMM70 #InvestingInTheNextGen #JuniorAchievement

[Junior Achievement of Memphis and the Mid-South @JAMemphis]

We’re thrilled to share a recipe for success this season: Junior Achievement is proud to partner with the Marco’s Pizza Foundation! 🍕

During the holiday hustle, when time is short and cooking feels impossible, making an impact can still be simple. By rounding up your order at any @MarcosPizza across Memphis and the Mid-South, you’re helping support education, workforce readiness, and entrepreneurship — the building blocks students need to step confidently toward their futures.

Dinner solved. Impact made. Bright futures secured.

Learn more about the Marco’s Pizza Foundation and how you can make an impact in our region: https://t.co/xkHwClYzpR

#MarcosPizzaFoundation #JuniorAchievement #RoundUpForChange #BigDreamsStartFromScratch #WorkforceDevelopment #Entrepreneurship

[Junior Achievement of Memphis and the Mid-South @JAMemphis]

🎁✨ What if your holiday to-do list could help inspire future leaders?
Every time you print, ship, or handle your seasonal errands at your local @TheUPSStore, you can help Junior Achievement open more doors for students across Memphis and the Mid-South.
By rounding up at checkout, every cent fuels JA lessons in financial literacy, workforce readiness, and entrepreneurship, empowering the next generation of business leaders.
Together, we can make sure every child is world ready!
#StartSmallGrowBig #EveryChildWorldReady

[Junior Achievement of Memphis and the Mid-South @JAMemphis]

Thanks to @StateFarm's incredible support, students across the Mid-South are gaining real-world financial skills through JA Finance Park.

They’re stepping into adult roles--balancing jobs, families, and budgets--and realizing just how much goes into managing money. As one 7th grader from Maxine Smith STEAM Academy shared: “I learned that adults have a lot on their plates when it comes to expenses aside from what they want or what their kids want, and as a result of this it's really easy to come up short.”

We’re so grateful to @StateFarm for helping make this learning possible and for investing in the financial success of students across our region. ❤️

#EveryChildWorldReady #JAFinancePark #StateFarm

[Junior Achievement of Memphis and the Mid-South @JAMemphis]

Real-world lessons, real-world decisions. 💡

Lowrance K-8 School students put their financial skills to the test at JA Finance Park! After weeks of learning about budgeting, saving, and smart money choices in the classroom, they stepped into our hands-on simulation — managing jobs, families, and expenses like pros.

Having support from @simmons_bank, @FSNBna, and our community made every scenario come to life, helping students connect what they learn in school to how money moves in the real world. These students left ready to make smarter choices today and even bigger moves tomorrow!

#JAFinancePark #EducationForWhatsNext #MoneyMoves @lowrancek8 @MSCSK12