Meet the Interns Putting in the Work for Memphis
Memphis grows when its people choose to stay and invest in it. Our latest interns are doing exactly that. We asked each of them what they love about the city, what song describes them, and why City Leadership. Here's what they had to say.
Cutye Henderson
The Collective Blueprint
Medical Assistant
What do you love most about Memphis?
"I love Memphis because of the culture, music, and how much history the city has. I love how the city has so much history and personalities. I also love how people in Memphis have their own unique style and way of doing things."
If you could describe yourself in a song, what would it be?
"I'd choose Good Days by SZA because it matches my vibe and growth. The song reminds me of growing, healing, and becoming a better version of myself. I feel like it represents how I keep moving forward even when things get hard."
What do you love about City Leadership?
"I love that Memphis leadership focuses on improving the community and making the city a better place to live. I also like when the leaders listen to what Memphis residents need. I appreciate the effort to make the city safer and create more opportunities for people."
What's your top Memphis food recommendation?
"My top recommendation for Memphis food would be an American Deli. They have really good wings, sandwiches, and fries. I would definitely recommend it if you want a good and affordable meal."
Rokerria Jones
The Collective Blueprint
Cosmetology
What do you love most about Memphis?
"I love Memphis for the different personalities and vibes that everyone has. I love the strong bonds people have with this community. Memphis is a place you would always feel welcome because there is a lot of experience here."
If you could describe yourself in a song, what would it be?
"I would describe myself as “ Good as Hell “ by Lizzo because I seem more confident, determined , and focused on everything I do in life. I give the energy of someone who pushes themselves to be someone in life and values a lot of respect. But most of all, I know my worth and am not afraid to say it."
What do you love about City Leadership?
"I love that City Leadership gives you different opportunities and a voice to learn and watch the community grow. I also love seeing my people and the community work together, set the madness aside, and come together as a team. From what I've learned, Choose901 is a great head start for leaders in Memphis, Tennessee."
What's your top Memphis food recommendation?
"My top one place in Memphis that I love to go to is American Deli . It is one of my favorite places to eat because I'm a picky eater. I recommend you try it if you are new to Memphis."
Anika Smith
The Collective Blueprint
Cosmetology, EKG Technician
What do you love most about Memphis?
"Something I love most about Memphis is how big we are on our culture, the food, and our music. When it comes to culture in Memphis, it seems that we know how to come together and celebrate when it comes to our culture. The food in Memphis tastes amazing; I wouldn’t have it any other way. The music is top tier on my roster. We have so many great artists in the city and some that come from the city."
If you could describe yourself in a song, what would it be?
"The song that best describes me is “Long As I Got King Jesus” by Vickie Winans. As a person who is big on our lord and savors King Jesus Christ, and as a person who grew up in church. I feel that I would be nowhere without God. He keeps me pushing and going through life."
What do you love about City Leadership?
"I love that City Leadership gives me opportunities to meet new people and try new things. They give you room to grow and to be yourself. It has helped me to step out of my comfort zone and explore great things."
What's your top Memphis food recommendation?
"My top one recommendation for food in Memphis is Crumpy’s Hot Wings. If you are ever looking for a place to eat and you're new to Memphis, Crumpy’s Hot Wings is the place for you. The food is always fresh, and I mean, who can say no to wings?"
Marlon Jacobs
The Collective Blueprint
Welder
What do you love most about Memphis?
"What I love most about Memphis is the community, culture, and the food. Memphis has many different ways to connect with people of all types and interests, like sports, cars, or entrepreneurship. Memphis culture has a vast amount of things, from the lingo and celebrated days to the different spots in the city. Memphis is known for its infamous BBQ and in-city restaurants."
If you could describe yourself in a song, what would it be?
"If I could describe myself in a song, it would be Donda Bag by Babyface Ray. I chose this song because Babyface Ray talks about his life experiences from family, money, relationships, and his lifestyle, which I related to a good amount of lyrics from the song."
What do you love about City Leadership?
"What I love about City Leadership is how everyone on the team is willing to help with any problem presented to them, the work environment, and the communication."
What's your top Memphis food recommendation?
"My top food recommendation in Memphis is Howards Donuts.
I chose Howard's Donuts because of the variety they have, from apple fritters, filling, blueberry, red velvet, donut balls, and the sizing of their donuts."
Thank you, Marlon, Cutye, Rokerria, and Anika, for choosing to put in the work for Memphis. We can't wait to see what you do next.
