October 2026

What community organizations have you been involved with?

When I first arrived at Rhodes, I knew I wanted to get involved in community service. My first experience was volunteering at St. John's Soup Kitchen through Kinney Service after a friend invited me to join her. From there, I became involved with Just City Advocates, a student organization that works alongside the Memphis nonprofit Just City to advocate for a smaller, fairer, and more humane criminal legal system. I now also work in development at Just City.

I've had opportunities to volunteer with the Shelby County Voter Alliance, participate in immigrant voter registration efforts in collaboration with the Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition, and canvass with the Memphis Interfaith Coalition for Action and Hope (MICAH).

I've also volunteered with the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program through a Rhodes service-learning course, Taxation of the Working Poor. After becoming certified as an advanced tax preparer, I completed 40 hours of service helping eligible community members prepare their taxes.

Tell us about your involvement with the Rhodes Liberal Arts in Prison program.

The Rhodes Liberal Arts in Prison program has been one of the most formative experiences of my time at Rhodes. I began volunteering during my sophomore year at the West Tennessee State Penitentiary, serving as a teaching assistant in the liberal arts certificate program. Student volunteers facilitate group discussions, work through readings, and help create opportunities for incarcerated students to engage with a liberal arts education. This year, I'm serving as a Senior Fellow as the program expands to offer a bachelor's degree and extends its programming to the men's side of the facility.

I'm excited to take on more leadership responsibilities, support students in both programs, and help strengthen the connection between the Rhodes campus in Memphis and the program at the penitentiary in Henning.

What inspires or motivates you to get involved in the Memphis community?

One of my earliest experiences in Memphis was visiting the National Civil Rights Museum with my mom. Seeing the stories of people who were younger than I am and who helped transform their communities was incredibly inspiring. It made me recognize the power of individuals to create meaningful change.

Memphis has a remarkable spirit of resilience and progress, despite its history of racial and economic injustice. I appreciate the city's willingness to acknowledge difficult realities while continuing to work toward something better.

That spirit motivates me to contribute in whatever ways I can.

What do you love most about community engagement in Memphis?

One of my favorite things about Memphis is the people. There are so many individuals and organizations doing meaningful work, and opportunities to get involved seem to be everywhere. Whether you're visiting a local coffee shop, attending an event, or simply having a conversation, there's often an invitation to become part of something bigger.

I've found that people in Memphis are incredibly welcoming and willing to help others find ways to contribute.

Compared to larger cities, Memphis feels particularly connected. There's a strong sense of community and a shared commitment to making things better.

How have your experiences shaped your commitment to community engagement?

My involvement with the Rhodes Liberal Arts in Prison program has profoundly shaped how I understand service, education, and justice. Being able to enter a prison, participate in meaningful educational experiences, and then return home has made me more aware of the privileges and opportunities I have. Working with incarcerated students has inspired me to become a better student and community member. It's also reinforced my belief that education can be transformative, even within challenging circumstances.

My work with Just City, including participating in a pen-pal program with someone incarcerated at the Shelby County Jail, has further deepened my understanding of the criminal legal system and the urgency of advocating for change.

These experiences have taught me that recognizing injustice isn't enough. We have to be willing to engage with it and take action.

What advice would you give other students who want to get involved?

Don't let the size of the challenges facing our communities discourage you from getting involved. It's easy to feel overwhelmed or believe your individual efforts won't make a difference. But I believe everyone has an important role to play in creating progress.

Find your niche. Whether that's organizing events, volunteering, advocating, writing, learning, or simply showing up, every contribution matters.

Small actions, when combined with the efforts of others, can create meaningful change.

How can Rhodes students get started with community engagement?

A great place to start is Rhodes Engage, where students can explore volunteer opportunities throughout Memphis. I'd also encourage students to pay attention to campus flyers, follow local organizations, talk with friends, and accept invitations to community events.

You don't have to do everything at once. Start by attending one event or trying one new opportunity. 

Sometimes the most meaningful experiences begin with simply saying yes when someone invites you to get involved.

What is one unpopular opinion you have about Memphis?

My Memphis hot take is that if you live here, you should never eat at Chick-fil-A! Memphis has some of the best local restaurants, and supporting them is a great way to experience the city and connect with its people.

Some of my favorites include Kwik Chek, Masiel's, and Hard Times Deli.

There are so many incredible local places to explore, and I think people should take advantage of them.

What are your plans after graduation?

I'm hoping to attend law school and pursue a career in law. Right now, I'm particularly interested in criminal defense and public defense, with the possibility of eventually working in civil rights or constitutional litigation.

My experiences at Rhodes and in Memphis have helped shape those interests and strengthened my commitment to pursuing a career focused on justice and advocacy.

Tell us about the work and projects you're doing in the community.

Over the past 13 years, my community work has focused primarily on three areas: healthcare access, addiction recovery, and housing.

One of my earliest projects was helping establish the Wellness and Stress Clinic of Memphis, a free healthcare clinic in the Oakhaven neighborhood. Rhodes students have been involved since the beginning, including during COVID-19, when they helped operate an evening testing site for residents who couldn't access testing during traditional work hours.

I've also worked extensively on opioid addiction and recovery through two major initiatives. One focuses on expanding recovery services and reducing stigma in rural West Tennessee, while the other supports an addiction medicine fellowship program in partnership with Baptist.

More recently, my work has expanded into housing and community development through partnerships with Hospitality Hub and Memphis Housing Lab. Through Rhodes' Research for Action Lab, students help develop research, pursue grant funding, and support projects addressing housing insecurity and affordable housing in Memphis.

What community organizations are you involved with?

I'm actively involved with several organizations working to address critical needs in Memphis and West Tennessee.

• Wellness and Stress Clinic of Memphis: I served as the clinic's first director and continue supporting its work through board service.
• Hospitality Hub: I collaborate on projects and grant proposals supporting individuals experiencing housing insecurity.
• Memphis Housing Lab: I support efforts to develop affordable housing solutions in Memphis.
• Baptist: I collaborate on an addiction medicine fellowship program that trains physicians specializing in addiction treatment.

These partnerships allow me to connect my academic work with organizations doing meaningful work throughout the community.

How are Rhodes students involved in your community work?

Rhodes students play an essential role in many of these projects.

At the Wellness and Stress Clinic, students have supported patient intake, translation, health education, data collection, and administrative operations. During the COVID-19 pandemic, students helped organize and operate evening testing services for working residents.

Through the Research for Action Lab, students—including our Housing and Community Development Fellows—participate in research and community development projects. They've helped conduct needs assessments, develop grant proposals, and collaborate with neighborhood organizations on projects addressing community priorities.

I believe students can learn the same research and analytical skills they would develop in a traditional classroom while contributing to projects that have real implications for the community.

What inspires or motivates you to do this work?

My motivation comes partly from personal experiences that helped me recognize how systems and institutions affect people's opportunities and quality of life.

I'm also motivated by the opportunity to make education more meaningful. When students can apply what they're learning to real community challenges, the experience becomes more powerful.

Rather than creating hypothetical assignments, I want students to work on projects that matter to the people and organizations involved. They're learning valuable skills while contributing to something beyond themselves.

How can students and others get involved?

Students interested in housing, community development, and applied research are encouraged to connect with me about opportunities through the Research for Action Lab.

We regularly recruit students for fellowship cohorts and summer projects, and some opportunities can be completed through internships or course credit.

The Wellness and Stress Clinic also continues to need support. As a free clinic funded primarily through grants, sustaining its operations requires ongoing community partnerships, resources, and volunteers.

Whether you're interested in healthcare, housing, research, or community development, there are opportunities to contribute.

What is one unpopular opinion you have about Memphis?

Memphis is awesome, and we shouldn't have to apologize for it.

One of the things I appreciate most about Memphis is how accessible and collaborative the city can be. In many places, it can be difficult to build relationships or get involved in community work. In Memphis, people are often willing to open doors, have conversations, and explore opportunities to collaborate.

There's so much happening here, and I think Memphis deserves more recognition for the opportunities it offers.

Tell us about your involvement in the Memphis community.

Much of my community involvement centers on the arts, particularly theater and arts education. I've been active in Memphis' theater community for more than 20 years. I spent approximately nine years working with Theatre Memphis, designing touring productions and puppets. Today, I work with several local arts organizations in roles ranging from directing and teaching workshops to supporting programming and serving on boards.

I'm also the director of Kids on the Block, an educational puppet troupe through Les Passees. We develop scripts, create short films, and provide free educational performances throughout the Memphis area.

What community organizations are you involved with?

I've had the opportunity to collaborate with several organizations throughout Memphis, including:

• Les Passees: Director of Kids on the Block, an educational puppet troupe providing free community programming.
• Theatre Memphis: Former touring production designer and longtime participant in its educational theater work.
• New Moon Theatre Company: Director and collaborator on theatrical productions.
• Lone Tree Live: Board member supporting programming and productions.
• UrbanArt Commission: Collaborated on a community puppet theater project in Raleigh.
• Thistle & Bee: Collaborated on a graduate practicum addressing sex trafficking in Memphis.
• Germantown Community Theatre: Involved in conversations about creating puppets for upcoming productions.

These organizations have allowed me to explore how storytelling and creative expression can connect people across different communities.

What projects are you currently working on?

I'm involved in several productions and creative projects throughout Memphis. With New Moon Theatre Company, I'm working on Men on Boats, a production inspired by John Wesley Powell's exploration of the Colorado River. The show uses a contemporary approach to storytelling and explores themes of gender and historical representation.

I'm also working with Lone Tree Live on an immersive audio production planned as a fundraiser, potentially hosted at the Woodruff-Fontaine House, and preparing to direct another production in spring 2028.

Recently, I directed The Drowning Girls, a theatrical production based on a historical true-crime story. The production presented an exciting creative challenge in using a small cast and minimal staging to tell a compelling story.

What inspires or motivates you to do this work?

I've always loved storytelling and the collaborative nature of theater. What excites me most is the opportunity to work with others, share ideas, and solve creative challenges together. I enjoy exploring unconventional ways to tell stories and create experiences that move audiences emotionally.

I also love seeing how different artists approach the same challenges. Theater allows us to experiment, take risks, and create something meaningful together.

How do you believe the arts impact the community?

I've seen the arts make a particularly meaningful impact on young people. Theater creates opportunities for individuals to build confidence, develop creative problem-solving skills, and express themselves without fear of judgment. 

It also creates a sense of belonging. People from different backgrounds and experiences can come together, collaborate, and find community through storytelling. I believe theater should encourage people to think, feel, and see the world differently. 

It's a space where everyone has something valuable to contribute.

How can Rhodes students get involved in the Memphis arts community?

There are many opportunities for students interested in theater, whether they want to perform, work backstage, build sets, or explore technical production. I encourage students to reach out directly to local theater organizations, attend auditions, and explore opportunities through the Rhodes Theatre Guild.

Students are also welcome to contact me. I'm happy to help connect them with organizations and individuals who can support their interests.

One of the most important lessons theater teaches is how to handle rejection, remain resilient, and continue pursuing opportunities.

What is one unpopular opinion you have about Memphis?

I believe Memphis offers tremendous opportunities for people to make a meaningful impact. In larger cities, it can be difficult to find your place or establish yourself. In Memphis, there's room to create something new, whether that's a theater company, a business, or a community initiative.

We certainly have challenges, but we also have talented people, valuable resources, and communities that want the same things we all do: safety, opportunity, and a place to belong.

What advice would you give students?

Life doesn't always unfold the way you expect it to, and that's okay.

Sometimes unexpected challenges lead you in directions you never imagined. Be open to those changes, embrace new opportunities, and recognize that a different path can sometimes lead to something even better.

Tell us about yourself and what inspired you to get involved in community work.

I grew up in the mountains of East Tennessee, where neighbors looked out for one another. My grandparents might share vegetables from their garden, and someone else might stop by with a cake. These weren't simply friendly gestures; people were genuinely helping meet each other's needs.

When I moved to the city for college, seeing people asking for money on the streets challenged my understanding of community and faith. I began asking how we could move beyond simply talking about loving our neighbors and actually put those values into practice.

That question eventually led me into ministry and, later, to the creation of the Hospitality Hub.

How did the Hospitality Hub get started?

The Hospitality Hub began in 2007 through a collaboration among local clergy who wanted to create a more coordinated and dignified way to support people experiencing homelessness. At the time, churches were often responding individually to requests for assistance. We recognized that people needed more than occasional financial help. They needed someone who would listen, understand their circumstances, and help them navigate available resources.

Our first location was a storefront provided by Calvary Episcopal Church in downtown Memphis. We offered coffee, conversation, and a welcoming environment where people could receive individualized attention. 

Over time, we realized that our original approach wasn't meeting everyone's needs. We had to rethink our model and create a space focused on helping people move toward stability and independence.

One of the things I appreciate most about the Hub is our willingness to recognize when something isn't working, learn from it, and make changes.

Tell us about the work the Hospitality Hub is doing today.

Today, the Hospitality Hub provides a range of services designed to help individuals and families experiencing homelessness find stability and pathways toward permanent housing.

Our work is grounded in a trauma-informed approach that emphasizes dignity, trust, and individualized care. We recognize that people experiencing homelessness often face significant trauma, and our responsibility is to create environments where they feel safe, respected, and supported.

Our programs include:

• Guest Services: Individualized assistance connecting people with housing, shelter, and other resources.
• Youth Programs: Transitional housing and support for young adults ages 18–24.
• Family Services: Shelter and support for women and children.
• Non-Congregate Shelter: Alternative accommodations for families and individuals whose needs cannot be met in traditional shelters.
• Community Outreach: Teams that connect with people experiencing homelessness and help them explore available resources.

The Hub serves approximately 4,000 unique adults annually. We're also seeing growing needs among families, with approximately 800 families and 2,600 children receiving assistance in a year.

Our goal is to ensure that everyone in Memphis has access to a better option than sleeping outside.

Tell us about your partnership with Rhodes College.

Rhodes has been an important partner since the early years of the Hospitality Hub, particularly through the Bonner Scholars Program. Students have supported our guest services operations, worked alongside staff, and learned how to provide individualized, trauma-informed assistance.

One of the most meaningful moments in our partnership happened during the COVID-19 pandemic. When many organizations were temporarily closing, a Rhodes student volunteered to continue showing up and serving guests. That moment helped reinforce our commitment to keeping the Hub operating during an incredibly challenging time.

Rhodes students bring intelligence, compassion, creativity, and a willingness to engage with difficult challenges. Those qualities have made them valuable partners in our work.

What other projects are you working on with Rhodes?

Through Dragonfly, a social impact company I lead, we've expanded our partnership with Rhodes to include research and development projects focused on affordable housing, workforce development, mental health, and homelessness. 

Our collaboration with Dr. Peter Hossler and Rhodes students helped establish a model for engaging students in applied research through the Research for Action Lab. Students investigate community challenges, develop potential solutions, and translate their research into grant proposals, policy briefs, and pilot projects.

Dragonfly has also hired Rhodes students who participated in this work, creating opportunities for them to continue contributing professionally. 

What excites me about this partnership is that students aren't simply studying community challenges. They're helping develop solutions that can be implemented in the real world.

What inspires or motivates you to continue this work?

I've always believed that we have a responsibility to create a world where people can live with dignity. Over the years, I've learned that meaningful change requires more than good intentions. It takes creativity, persistence, collaboration, and a willingness to learn from failure.

I often think about the extraordinary things humans have accomplished, like building bridges across rivers. If we can solve challenges that complex, surely we can figure out how to create communities where people don't have to sleep outside.

We need people who are willing to question how things currently work, imagine something better, and then do the difficult work of building it.

How can Rhodes students and community members get involved?

The Hospitality Hub offers volunteer opportunities for individuals interested in working directly with people experiencing homelessness. Our community engagement team helps connect volunteers with meaningful opportunities that align with their interests and skills.

Students can gain experience in guest services, learn about trauma-informed care, and explore careers in nonprofit leadership, social services, and community development.

For anyone interested in making service a meaningful part of their life or career, the Hub provides opportunities to learn while making a difference.

What is your favorite thing about Memphis?

One of my favorite things about Memphis is that people recognize there's work to be done. In some communities, people may not recognize the challenges around them. But in Memphis, there's a shared awareness that we have opportunities to make things better. That creates tremendous potential for collaboration, innovation, and meaningful change.