MEET THE INTERNS: Connecting with MPLOY City Leaders Kévon, Deontrey, and Kaleb
“Memphis has a lot of potential. I just feel like if the right leaders rise up, we can make a big change.”
This Summer, City Leadership is hosting interns from all over Memphis, each with different stories, motivations and dreams, but all have a common interest: bringing hope to our city.
Today, we’ll be spotlighting CL’s MPLOY participants, a program offered by the Memphis Office of Youth services that provides opportunities for local youth between the ages of 14-22 to engage in valuable work experiences over the Summer. MPLOY strives to connect its members with like-minded organizations based on their interests and strengths, and in turn, lead them to environments that will nurture their professional development.
Meet Kévon Jordan
Kévon is a junior at Lane College majoring in Sociology who joined City Leadership to learn the in depth function of non-profit organizations. Currently, he is devoting his time at City Leadership to communicating with Choose901 Alumni Partner Schools to spread awareness about the MPLOY program and garnering interest from prospective city leaders and upcoming Alumni.
How did you get involved with MPLOY?
“I served as an ambassador for the MAP program from 9th through 12th grade, and during that time, my involvement also extended into the MPLOY program. It allowed me to look for internships in the field that I might be interested in,” says Kévon, who is eager to explore the non-profit industry. One thing that captured Kévon’s attention most about MPLOY was the welcoming atmosphere of the program. “The family-oriented office environment is very arms open. Also just the experience of being able to meet different people from different backgrounds that all have the same common interests.”
What do you love most about Memphis?
“I really appreciate working in family-oriented office spaces, because negative things that happen in Memphis can really cast a shadow over our lives. But we all come together for the same interests and goals. So even if you’re lost or not even from Memphis, you always find somebody willing to help you regardless of skin color, age, or race.”
Food Favorite
Kévon recommends Taconganas on Germantown Parkway for casual eating and delicious Mexican food.
Meet Deontrey Douglas
Deontrey has taken initiative and gone straight to work to pursue his dreams of starting a non-profit ministry organization. He joined MPLOY via the reference of a close friend, and has been assisting City Leadership in finding potential speaking opportunities for its Directors– which could in turn lead to future partnerships.
What has been your favorite part of MPLOY?
“My favorite part is the welcoming community, the experience that I’m getting, and the care and empathy that the other program members have.”
How are you hoping to grow as a leader at City Leadership?
“I want to grow closer to the leaders of nonprofits and acquire some attributes that will help me lead in the future.”
Fun Fact
A fun fact about Deontrey is his love for ministry work and leading others to their life callings.
Meet Kaleb Clark
Kaleb is learning the ins and outs of real-life workplaces with City Leadership. Through the various tasks he’s been working on, Kaleb is eager to develop a “strategic mind” and grow as a leader. As of now, Kaleb is strategizing ways to help City Leadership increase follower counts for the Choose901 Alumni socials.
What are you hoping to learn from your internship?
“I hope to learn more about real work experience. I didn’t really know that this was a nonprofit. I selected City Leadership for more experience, but seeing what you guys are doing here, I can see that I’m learning a lot more valuable skills.”
What impact do you hope to make on the world (or your community) long-term?
“I want to develop more community centers for youth in Memphis.”
Favorite Memphis Hidden Gem
Kaleb’s go-to hidden gem is the Kroc Center, a place that is inspiring him to eventually establish more recreational community centers for youth in Memphis. He also enjoys Tom Lee Park, which offers a great view of the Mississippi river and many pleasant walking trails.
