News

+Thanks to the Commercial Appeal and James Dowd for highlighting the Academy's Memphis-The Summer Experience program. 

This article was originally published in thr Commercial Appeal on June 3, 2011.

By James Dowd

Hoping for a successful three-peat of their popular Memphis immersion series, organizers at The Leadership Academy are inviting young professionals from throughout the area to experience and explore some fun factors in the city's cool quotient.

From 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Monday, the organization will launch its third annual "Memphis: The Summer Experience" program, which is open to college interns, graduate and professional students and recent college graduates. The kickoff reception will be held Downtown at Felicia Suzanne's Restaurant at 80 Monroe.

Keynote speaker at the mixer will be Josh Pastner, men's basketball coach at the University of Memphis.

"This is a fantastic way for young people to get together and enjoy some of our city's gems and also to discover some of its best-kept secrets," said Elizabeth Lemmonds, director of communications and marketing at Leadership Academy. "We really showcase some wonderful aspects of Memphis and Shelby County."

And it's free.

The interactive series features 13 events scheduled over the next two months, including taking in a Redbirds game, trips to Memphis Botanic Garden and the Shelby Farms Park Conservancy, tours of the National Civil Rights Museum and Stax Museum of American Soul Music and a luncheon with Memphis Mayor A C Wharton.

There's even a backstage tour and a movie at the Orpheum.

The goal is to expose young talent to the city's charm and encourage them to call Memphis home as they establish their careers, Lemmonds said.

Last year's program attracted more than 350 participants, and more are expected this year, said Rashana Lincoln, director of community engagement for the organization.

"I'd like to see us surpass 500, and from the interest we've seen so far, I think that's going to happen," Lincoln said. "It's a great deal, and there's something of interest for just about every taste."

The program runs through July 26 and while all programs are free, registration is required to attend events. Participants aren't required to commit to a specific number of outings; instead, they're encouraged to go to as many as their schedules allow.

For more information, call Lincoln at (901) 527-2625, ext. 16, or go online at leadershipacademy.org

-- James Dowd: 529-2737