WE HAVE MORE JOINING THE TEAM THIS SUMMER! MEET THE INTERNS INVESTING IN ALUMNI
At City Leadership, our summer interns bring energy and creativity. Their eagerness to learn makes a lasting impact on our organization and the city of Memphis as a whole, and we're excited to introduce more of our summer interns who just joined the team.
Six of these interns are participating through MPLOY, 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. We can’t wait for you to get to know them better!
RAY DUCH
Hendrix College
Political Science major with minor in Social Justice
What drew you to City Leadership?
City Leadership builds Memphis up, and I wanted to be a part of that and stay invested in my community.
What do you love about Memphis?
The thing I love the most about Memphis is the food!
What is your go-to Memphis recommendation, whether it is a place, a meal, or a hidden gem?
I always tell people to check out Broad Ave.
CAILYN YOUNG
Recent Graduate of Tennessee State University
Psychology and Political Science scholar on a Pre-Law track
What do you love about Memphis, and what are you most excited to discover about it this summer?
I love Memphis because you can be yourself without the judgment from others. Most people understand why you are you and you don’t have to explain yourself. I’m most excited about thriving and finding new career opportunities here in the 901!
What is your go-to Memphis recommendation?
Chings Hot Wings! I stamp it!
If you could describe yourself using a movie, what would it be?
Calm & Patient by Jhené Aiko
SHANIKA McKinley
TSU
Major: Human performance and sports sciences
What is one thing you hope to take away from this experience?
I hope to learn more about marketing.
What is your go-to Memphis recommendation?
Tops
LAYLAH BASS
Christian Brothers University
Marketing Major, Graphic Design Minor
What drew you to City Leadership?
I love what City Leadership does for the residents of Memphis and the youth. The opportunities, pathways, and events.
What are you most excited to discover about Memphis this summer?
I love all of the hidden opportunities Memphis has that Choose901 shines light on. I would just like to be up to date on what's happening in Memphis.
If you can describe yourself using candy, what would you choose?
Milk Duds: old-school, sweet, and always evolving
MAKENZIE WALKER
Vanderbilt University
Law, History and Society & African American Diaspora Studies
What do you love most about Memphis?
Despite all odds, Memphians continue to stay resilient. Even though the city isn't as developed as it should be compared to other cities, our spirit is unmatched, and I've never met someone who isn't proud to be from here. I love our accent, our music, our dances, our slang, everything! We do what we can with what we have, and that's what makes the city so special to me.
If you could describe yourself in a song, what would it be?
Want it All - Young Dolph. I fell in love w/ Hip Hop at a really young age, and Young Dolph was one of the many artists I would ride around listening to w/ my dad. A lot of people dismiss Hip Hop as a genre, I feel, but I think a lot of the lyrics are very uplifting, inspiring, and motivational. I'm a very ambitious person, and "Want It All" by Young Dolph is one of those songs that perfectly describes my mindset perfectly. I deserve it all, and I know I'm going to continue to work hard until I get exactly that.
What drew you to City Leadership?
I'd been following Choose901 online for a while now, and really enjoy their mission of drawing people to Memphis. I understand a lot of people often leave after graduation, because there doesn't seem to be much to offer here, but I would love to see this city grow and thrive in my lifetime. However, that won't happen if no one is here to put in the work to do so, which is why City Leadership was the place for me!
STEPHANIE HAYES
Tennessee State University
Nursing majors with minors in Africana Studies and Psychology.
What are you hoping to learn this summer?
I hope to learn more about alumni’s experiences since their graduation and where they currently are.
What do you love most about Memphis?
I love the culture of Memphis and all that it offers.
What is something about you that might surprise your coworkers?
I have 3 cats.
SHAKERIA MCKINLEY
Davidson College
Majors in Computer Science and Math
What is your go-to Memphis recommendation?
Sunrise for sure!
What drew you to City Leadership?
I have been invested in City Leadership through Choose901 Alumni and I wanted to give back to my community and help connect Memphians together.
What do you love about Memphis?
I love being able to see family and my childhood friends every time while in Memphis. I also like the number of events and activities that are available to the public.
