Meet the Interns INVESTING IN MEMPHIS THIS SUMMER
At City Leadership, we believe Memphis's future is built by the people who love it most, and this summer, we're excited to welcome three interns who are doing exactly that. Investing in young talent isn't just good for our organization; it's good for Memphis. When we give emerging leaders the space to learn, create, and contribute to real work, we're planting roots that grow long after the summer ends. Meet the crew.
Elizabeth "Betsy" Nearn
Is there a skill you want to strengthen or a campaign that particularly interests you?
"I want to strengthen skills in strategic planning, and of course, I am interested in Choose901. I go to Auburn University, where most people are from the suburbs of Birmingham, so I'm constantly advocating for and promoting my city, which I am very much proud of. Many people think it's scary, but what they don't realize is that it is a city with true culture and liveliness. I wrote for the Lifestyle column of the Auburn Plainsman, so I love highlighting culture through storytelling. I know it's not about events, but about the positioning of the Memphis brand through storytelling. It's show and not tell."
What's your go-to Memphis recommendation?
"My classic go-tos in Memphis are a Redbirds baseball game and Rendezvous combo. I also love the hot honey pepperoni pizza at Hog and Hominy, and a good Huey's burger. A Cordelia's market meal on a picnic by the river never disappoints either."
If you could describe yourself using a movie, what would IT be?
"Little Women (1994) because I believe I am warm, caring, comforting, bubbly and girly. I feel like this movie is a comfort movie ,and I hope that that's the way I make others feel. I'm cognitive of how others are feeling and am creative, just like the girls in the film.
Kai Barnes
What drew you to City Leadership?
"I am super passionate about Memphis and am extremely excited to learn more about City Leadership. I was intrigued by the opportunity to gain hands on experience. Being able to learn through mistakes and experience is something that I am eager to take on. Being trained by strong leaders to become a stronger leader myself is a very important. I have always been invested in the city of Memphis, and City Leadership is a way to invest in the city while gaining real experience in the workforce."
What do you love about Memphis?
"I love the people of Memphis. The people of Memphis make the culture of Memphis strong. Memphis is full of people wanting to give back to others and the city. The mix of keeping the deep history of Memphis alive while creating new culture has made Memphis a unique blend of history and innovation. From helping out neighbors to coming together to support local artists, sports teams, and restaurants, Memphis is a tight group of unique and diverse people."
What is something about you that might surprise your coworkers?
"I would describe myself as a banana. My peel is not completely covering up everything about me. You can still get a good idea of a banana by its peel. However, the more someone gets to know me, the more the peel reveals who I truly am. They are also my favorite fruit and are very sweet."
Tyler Malone
What drew you to City Leadership?
"I am an alumnus of City Leadership and wanted to gain first-hand experience working for the betterment of Memphis and its residents. This summer internship offered the perfect opportunity for intentional work within the community while also accumulating meaningful job experience."
What is one thing you hope to learn or take away from your experience this summer?
"I want to learn my strengths and weaknesses so that I can better utilize myself in the spaces I'm placed into."
What do you love about Memphis?
"I love the food available in Memphis, especially the barbecue."
If you could describe yourself using a song, what would it be?
"If I could describe myself as a snack, I would say THANKFUL'."
We're grateful to have Betsy, Kai, and Tyler with us this summer. They’re ready to learn, contribute, and invest in the city they love. Stay tuned to meet them in action.
