Ciara Neill’s journey into marketing and real estate has been anything but conventional. With degrees in geology, history, and economics, plus a master’s from Tulane, Ciara’s early career took unexpected turns. But it was her passion for Memphis and its communities that led her to LPI Memphis, where she now serves as Vice President of Marketing.

Stacey Saed’s journey to founding Annestasis was shaped by a lifetime of diverse experiences, from financial consulting to operations management, all coming together to help people find peace during life’s chaotic transitions. A Memphis native, Stacey now runs Annestasis, a company dedicated to bringing compassion and care to the often stressful process of moving.

Since its launch in 2020, WYXR 91.7 FM has become Memphis’ heartbeat, offering an eclectic mix of music, news, and community-driven programming. Whether you're tuning in for the soul of blues, the pulse of hip-hop, or the smooth grooves of jazz, WYXR plays it all, serving as a true reflection of the city’s diverse musical landscape.

Josh Campbell’s journey into storytelling began with a deep love for sharing personal narratives and helping others find their voices. After competing across the Southeast and honing his craft, Josh became a central figure in Spillit Memphis, a live storytelling platform he’s helped grow since 2010. Over the years, Spillit has become a vital part of the city’s cultural fabric, bringing Memphians together to share stories that reflect the diversity, resilience, and heart of their community.

Some people are natural-born innovators, using their skills to drive change and impact industries in meaningful ways. As the Principal and CEO of Regional One Health Solutions, she has built a career at the intersection of public health, data analytics, and innovation—helping transform the way hospitals serve their communities.

Dacquiri Baptiste’s path to becoming a leader at the Orpheum Theatre was sparked by her passion for dance and a deep interest in creative problem-solving. With a background in dance and a strategic mindset, Dacquiri now serves as a key leader at the Orpheum, overseeing operations and empowering those around her. At the Orpheum, she is helping shape Memphis’s arts scene and ensuring that the theater remains a cultural cornerstone for the community.

For three decades, Hope House has been a beacon of light for individuals and families affected by HIV and poverty in Memphis. By offering child care, social services, food, and more, the nonprofit aims to improve current quality of life and be a catalyst for life-long change for those benefitting from its programs.

Leigh Mansberg’s journey into education and leadership was sparked by her curiosity about systems and operations, which began when she was an English teacher. With over 25 years of experience, Leigh has held roles ranging from COO of Epicenter to the President and CEO of Junior Achievement (JA) of Memphis and the Mid-South. Through JA, Leigh is empowering the next generation of leaders by equipping them with essential skills in entrepreneurship, financial literacy, and workforce readiness.

Some people are natural-born advocates, fueled by a deep-seated passion to uplift others. Mia Henley is one of those people. As the Executive Director of Creative Aging, Mia is on a mission to bring joy, purpose, and connection to older adults through the power of the arts.

Since their founding in 2015, CodeCrew has empowered more than 15,000 students with high-quality computer science education, equipping them with the skills to thrive in a tech-driven world. 

Molly Quinn has served as the CEO of OUTMemphis since 2019 and is the first woman-identifying leader in the organization's history. Founded in 1989, OUTMemphis is the largest and longest-running LGBTQ+ organization in Tennessee, providing direct services to the Mid-South region and supporting statewide policy and advocacy initiatives. Under Molly’s leadership, OUTMemphis has more than doubled the size of its facilities, operating budget, and staff, including opening a youth transitional shelter in 2022. 

The Dorothy Day House is devoted to serving  families experiencing houselessness. Working with other local agencies, staff members, and volunteers, the Dorothy Day House provides families in need with a safe environment and the means to re-establish their independence. The nonprofit’s comprehensive services allow families to stay together. 

On Episode 23 of Just Bluffin’, we talked with Jeremy Park, CEO of cityCURRENT, an organization whose goal is to serve as a catalyst for positive change in the Mid-South, Middle Tennessee, and beyond. cityCURRENT makes an impact through financial contributions to nonprofits as well as volunteer opportunities that engage companies and individuals to give back.

Meka Egwuekwe’s journey into computer science began with a Texas Instruments home computer, which ignited his passion for coding during his youth in South Memphis. Decades later, Meka has a master’s degree from Duke University and nearly twenty years of experience as a software architect for Fortune 500 companies. In 2015, Meka co-founded Code Crew to fill the void of tech opportunities for Memphis’ under-represented youth.

Meet a multi-talented, multi-hyphenated Memphis changemaker! Andrew Arbogast of Arbogast Foods is a combat veteran, a graduate of Northwest Missouri State University, and the creator of Arbo’s Cheese Dip. In 2022, he was named one of Memphis Business Journal’s Top 40 Under 40 business leaders and received  MBJ’s Emerging Entrepreneur Award. A husband and father of two, Andrew wears a lot of hats, but says he wouldn’t have it any other way.

Theatre artist and filmmaker Jazmin “Jazzy” Miller has embraced her role as the Executive Director of the non-profit Carpenter Art Garden. A native of Memphis, Jazzy is an advocate for racial justice and social change. She conducted extensive biographical research on Sojourner Truth and wrote a one-woman play on her life, Journey of Truth, which Jazzy performed across the United States, Latin America, Africa, and Asia. At the time of our podcast, she was working on a documentary film, Jonesland, and was featured on two episodes of Monument Lab's podcast Plot of Land. She is a member of the board of directors of St. Paul Catholic School and Crosstown High School. 

A native of Memphis, musician Al Kapone follows in the footsteps of the greats from STAX, Hi Records, and more. He developed a new Southern hip-hop sound that would later become the Southern rap standard. But outside of groups like Three 6 Mafia, Eightball & MJG, and Yo Gotti, Al went unnoticed by the rest of the country until Craig Brewer and John Singleton’s cult classic film Hustle and Flow. Al wrote and produced three songs for the film and soundtrack, winning a Critic’s Choice Award for the Hustle and Flow theme song It Ain’t Over. His signature composition Whoop That Trick has become one of the most memorable crunk songs of all time.

The Humane Society of Memphis & Shelby County has been a compassionate force in the community since 1933, dedicated to rescuing and caring for animals in need. From offering medical care and rehabilitation to homeless animals to educating future animal advocates, their work is essential to preventing cruelty and promoting responsible pet ownership.

Carpenter Art Garden began in July 2012 with the transformation of a single blighted lot into an outdoor art classroom for Binghampton children.

Since then, a growing number of neighbors, Memphis artists, and volunteers have worked to build and expand the nonprofit into a creative safe haven for Binghampton kids. Over a decade later, Carpenter Art Garden remains an inspirational outdoor space where children gather to create art, experience performances, and build relationships – all at no cost.

We talked to Jazmin “Jazzy” Miller, CAG’s former Executive Director, about the history, vision, and future of this unique organization.