“At the end of this, the bigger goal for More for Memphis is putting people on a pathway to economic mobility. And so for us, education is that pathway,” says Teshanda Middleton, project lead for the E&Y Anchor Collaborative and CEO of the Communities In Schools of Memphis nonprofit organization. “How you do that is being intentional about the support that you spread across generations of people.”

“These grants contribute to the well-being of individuals and communities, help meet the challenges of our time, and build towards a future in which all people can lead artful lives and reach their full potential,” says NEA Chair Maria Rosario Jackson.

“Turning the tide on generations of poor health is no easy feat, and I commend the neighborhood gyms who have committed to help us expand access to great health,” says Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris.

“Dr. King once said ‘anyone can be great because anyone can serve,’” says Museum President Dr. Russ Wigginton. “At our museum, we create opportunities to highlight the greatness in our communities. Dr. King’s legacy and the progress we’ve collectively made encourages us to keep moving forward."

“It's a gift, not only to receive Pacelloship resources for a project in our friend Tommy's memory, but to know that turning one more bad patch of downtown asphalt (our staff parking lot) into a vibrant place for people would have brought the wide, irrepressible grin we miss so much to Tommy's face,” says the Rev. Scott Walters, rector of Calvary Episcopal Church.

“These fellowships may be the springboard that the awardees need to build businesses that, when scaled, have the potential to provide economic opportunities for the founders and good local jobs for Memphians,” says Jessica Taveau, president and CEO, Epicenter.

“We are seeing great advances in repurposing tires for environmental benefits, and this grant for Memphis Tire Recyclers is a great example,” says TDEC Deputy Commissioner Greg Young. “Programs like this not only help clean up sites of used tires, they involve innovative new uses for them. We congratulate Memphis Tire Recyclers on this project.”

Arnika Carter is a local entrepreneur with a passion for helping people stay healthy.

“I am very self-motivated and independent,” says Leah Williamson. She couldn't be more right.