Create Yours: women’s empowerment brunch
The Sheet Cake Gallery in Memphis' Edge District is not your typical art museum. It's a woman-owned space featuring women artists, and it was exactly the right setting for Create Yours, Choose901 Alumni's women's empowerment brunch.
More than 50 alumni showed up, and it was absolutely incredible.
Built for Belonging
Create Yours is a strategic alumni engagement experience, designed to strengthen alumni identity, surface Memphis-based leadership pathways, and connect women to the tangible resources and networks they need to grow.
"It's more than a celebration," said Breunna Lovett, Choose901 Alumni Director. "We want to elevate women who are actively shaping our city and make sure we're connecting alumni to tangible resources and networks."
That purpose runs through everything. The venue wasn't chosen by accident; the Sheet Cake Gallery is woman-owned, features women artists, and sits in a part of the city that doesn't always get its moment. Being in that space, surrounded by that kind of intentionality, set the tone for the whole morning. Choose901 Alumni is focused on ensuring that alumni don't just graduate and disappear; they stay connected, stay supported, and stay rooted in Memphis.
The Panel
The morning's panel conversation was moderated by Victoria Meeks, Operations Manager at City Leadership, and featured four Memphis women doing serious work in the city.
Chandell Ryan, President & CEO, Downtown Memphis Commission: Chief advocate and strategic leader for the heart of the city. Chandell is charged with shaping a bold, coordinated vision for downtown Memphis, driving investment in development, infrastructure, safety, and vibrancy to ensure the city center remains a catalyst for regional growth.
Dr. Jamesha Hayes, Managing Director of Program, Teach for America Memphis: Memphis-born education leader and Managing Director at Teach For America Memphis, where she leads alumni engagement and develops the next generation of educators and civic leaders. An author and performance coach who overcame homelessness, she uses her lived experience to advance educational equity and empower women and communities.
Jada Mitchell, Assistant District Attorney, Shelby County District Attorney General's Office: Licensed Tennessee attorney and Assistant District Attorney with the Shelby County District Attorney General's Office, where she represents the State and advances justice, accountability, and public safety. Passionate about public service and mentorship, she is committed to increasing representation in the legal field and empowering women to pursue impactful careers in law.
Tensia Echols, Founder, Dwell & Be Co.: Memphis-based entrepreneur, author, licensed hairstylist, and founder of faith-centered lifestyle brand rooted in intentional living and spiritual growth. Through The Homegirl Devotional and her work in beauty, content, and community, Tensia empowers women to deepen their faith, grow in confidence, and walk boldly in their purpose.
THE FULL CREATE YOURS EXPERIENCE
Alongside brunch bites, live entertainment and networking, the morning included:
Custom cake decorating from Gimme Sugar Bakery
901-themed scented perfume crafting by Oh Sweets Natural Skin Care
Yummy strawberry matcha samples with Ouri Matcha Bar
Permanent bracelet making with Full Circle Permanent Jewelry
Floral bouquet making with Belles Fleurs Par Glam
Five-minute massages from Jasper Float Spa and Wellness
Event decor by The Modern Designs - a special thank you to them for bringing the space to life
The Junior League of Memphis was also on-site recruiting, connecting diverse women to organizations serving Memphis beyond the Choose901 Alumni network.
Made Possible by Adams Keegan
Huge thank you to our sponsor, Adams Keegan, a Memphis-based HR and payroll solutions firm that thinks beyond the transactional to focus on what actually helps organizations thrive — people. Their dedicated experts combine personal focus with intelligent workplace solutions, helping organizations stay efficient and compliant so they can focus on their mission. That same people-first philosophy is what brought them to Create Yours.
How You Can Support
Choose901 Alumni serves graduates from six Memphis partner schools for up to ten years after graduation, adding roughly 450 new graduates each year. Events like Create Yours don't happen without community investment.
If you want to be part of what's building in Memphis, consider becoming a monthly donor to support Choose901 Alumni. Every dollar goes toward excellent teachers, innovative schools, and empowering mentors.
