Lulu Abdun is a 2026 Change Collective Fellow!

We are so excited to celebrate our very own Lulu Abdun, Digital Engagement Manager at City Leadership, as a selected member of the 2026 Change Collective Fellowship, the largest cohort in the program's history! Lulu is a public interest technologist and community advocate with over a decade of nonprofit experience, and her selection to this national network is a true reflection of her passion for Memphis and for making a real difference.

About the Change Collective

Launched in 2023, Change Collective is a nationwide network dedicated to training and connecting local leaders across the country. With a nonpartisan, collaboration-first mindset, the program empowers changemakers to bridge divides and tackle challenges at the community level. Fellows go through a six-month leadership training program, build a Civic Action Plan around a critical local issue, and then join a lifelong national membership network committed to learning, collaboration, and civic impact.

From Memphis to a National Stage

Lulu's work lives at the intersection of technology and social change. With a background in web development, marketing, and community organizing, she has spent her career building partnerships and using digital tools to elevate causes that matter.

"The Change Collective fellowship stood out to me because it brings together people who are deeply committed to their cities and equips them with the tools to turn passion into impact. As someone who cares deeply about Memphis and civic engagement, I saw this as an opportunity to grow as a leader while being part of a national network of changemakers doing similar work in their own communities. I was especially inspired by the idea that this work doesn't end after the six-month program is over. But rather it continues through a lifelong national network dedicated to civic impact," Lulu said.

What This Fellowship Means for Memphis

"It's an incredible honor to represent Memphis in the largest cohort in Change Collective's history. Memphis deserves to be part of national conversations about civic leadership, collaboration, and community-driven change. Personally, this selection affirms my commitment to strengthening civic participation and telling our city's story in ways that empower its residents. I'm proud to bring Memphis's perspective, grit, and creativity into a network that values inclusion and believes diverse communities are essential to building a more connected and equitable future. I'm excited to represent Memphis on a national stage and to learn from leaders in cities like Chicago, Detroit, Jackson, and San Antonio who are tackling complex challenges in unique ways."

Skills, Growth, and Getting Things Done

One of the best things about the Change Collective program is its focus on real, measurable impact, which is very much Lulu's style.

"I'm most excited to sharpen my skills in community organizing, systems thinking, and sustainable project development. I'm especially interested in learning how to translate big ideas into actionable, measurable impact. Something I love is putting together a plan and executing it. So I'm excited for the follow-through and future impact my cohort members and I will continue to make long after the program is over."

Bringing It Back to City Leadership

Everything Lulu learns through this fellowship will come right back to the work we do here and to the campaigns that serve Memphis every day.

"This fellowship will deepen my ability to connect storytelling, digital engagement, and civic action. By learning alongside leaders from across the country, I'll bring back new strategies, fresh perspectives, and innovative approaches that can strengthen City Leadership's campaigns like Choose901, Teach901, and Serve901. Ultimately, this experience will help amplify Memphis's story. Our city being included in this national network ensures our challenges and innovations are part of a broader civic conversation. I'm excited to elevate the work happening here and help build a stronger, more connected Memphis."

Congratulations, Lulu!

We couldn't be more proud to have Lulu on our team and even more excited to see her carry Memphis's story onto a national stage. Her passion, creativity, and drive are exactly what this city needs, and we can't wait to see everything she accomplishes. Memphis is in great hands.

Lulu Abdun is the Digital Engagement Manager at City Leadership in Memphis, Tennessee, and a 2026 Change Collective Fellow. Learn more about the Change Collective at changecollective.org.