About
Our Youth Memphis is a dedicated nonprofit organization in Memphis, TN, focused on empowering the city's youth through educational programs, mentorship, and community initiatives. Our mission is to move Memphis forward by reaching back into the lives of Memphis youth. We aim to uplift Memphis by investing in its young generation, bridging educational gaps, and nurturing leadership qualities.
We provide various educational pathways, such as tutoring, college preparation, and career exploration, supported by a team of enthusiastic educators, mentors, and community partners committed to creating a lasting impact. Join us in making a difference through donations, volunteering, or sharing your story. Stay engaged with our calendar of events, gallery, and extensive educational resources and links. Together, let's pave the way for brighter futures for Memphis youth.

Our History
Our Youth Memphis (OYM) was founded in 2012 to serve the youth of Memphis, grounded in a deep commitment to empowering young people through educational programs, community engagement, and skill-building initiatives. The organization was officially incorporated as a 501(c)(3) in 2018.
Over the years, the founder’s personal journey and advocacy work—particularly her experiences navigating educational challenges and supporting youth during the COVID pandemic—have shaped the organization’s focus on understanding and addressing the needs of Memphis youth and families.
Through youth-centered workshops, college tours, and overnight initiatives, OYM has helped young people develop essential life skills and envision brighter futures. Despite temporary program pauses due to the pandemic, the organization’s mission remains strong, with a continued dedication to fostering success stories of youth who are now thriving as college students, community leaders, and upstanding citizens. The organization is actively working toward building capacity and expanding its impact in the community.
Our Mission
At Our Youth Memphis, our mission is to move Memphis forward by reaching back into the lives of Memphis’s youth – Our Youth! Our purpose is to empower Memphis youth and young families by providing transformative leadership opportunities, mentorship, and resources. We are dedicated to fostering a supportive community that inspires the next generation to reach their full potential, bridging the gap between past experiences and future possibilities to build a brighter Memphis for all.


Our Vision & Impact
We envision a thriving Memphis where every youth and young individual has the tools and support to lead with confidence and purpose. By nurturing the potential within our communities and celebrating the rich history of Memphis, we aim to create a legacy of leadership, resilience, and innovation that uplifts our city and inspires future generations to contribute positively to society.
With Your Help...
Our Youth Memphis offers and connects youth and young adults to a variety of programs, wrap-around services, and initiatives designed to empower youth and young adults. These include leadership development workshops that teach essential skills such as communication, teamwork, and critical thinking. The organization also conducts college tours and educational initiatives to expose participants to higher education opportunities and the importance of planning for their futures. Mentorship programs connect youth with experienced community leaders, fostering meaningful relationships that support personal and academic growth. Additionally, OYM facilitates community engagement events that promote collaboration among youth, families, and local organizations, building a stronger, more connected Memphis.


Press Inquiries
We appreciate your interest in Our Youth Memphis and the work that we do! Ensuring that our mission and services are accurately represented is important to us; we’re happy to collaborate and provide feedback on media stories and partner communications.
For all media requests, please email ouryouthmem@gmail.com with the subject line "Media Inquiry."
If you’re a partner planning to share something about us on social media, we’d love the opportunity to review it first. This helps make sure everything is accurate and aligned with our mission.
Thank you for helping us share our services—we look forward to connecting with you!
We believe all youth deserve the necessary support to overcome the individual barriers with individualized wrap-around services.

Our Team
Meet our team of passionate individuals dedicated to youth empowerment by lead with passion and expertise, driving Our Youth Memphis and participants towards success.

Board Chair & Volunteer
Pearlina
Ivory
Strives to promote equity and access in education and community services.

Board Member
Cameron
Cooley
Dedicated to community engagement and building strong partnerships.
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Board Member & Volunteer
Taylor
Irons
Ensuring a holistic approach to youth development.

Board Member & Volunteer
Britney
Walls
Ensuring a holistic approach to youth development.

Board Vice Chair & Volunteer
Nikita
Gardner-Joyner
Passionate about fostering career growth and skill-building opportunities for youth.

Board Member & Volunteer
Dr. Sheron
Davenport
Advocates for mental health awareness and emotional well-being for youth.

Board Member & Volunteer
Bria
Jordan-Jackson
Dedicated to supporting mental health resources and reducing stigma among young people.

Board Treasurer & Volunteer
Annie
Ivory
Committed to integrating mental health and substance abuse services into youth initiatives.

Board Member
Dr Elizabeth
Gillespie
Dedicated to inspiring youth to become future community leaders.

Board Member
Logan Bryce
Martin
Committed to empowering youth through mentorship and professional training.

Board Member & Volunteer
Jasmine
Bowles
Ensuring a holistic approach to all youth development programs and initiatives.
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Board Member & Volunteer
JT
Hall
Ensuring a holistic approach to youth development.

Board Member & Volunteer
Taylor
Duncan-Nelson
Ensuring a holistic approach to youth development.