Meet Stephanie Hayes, 2026 Shainberg Scholars
The Shainberg Scholarship honors the legacy of Herbert Shainberg, a Memphis businessman known for his philanthropy and his belief in the power of kindness. His grandchildren carry that legacy forward by funding scholarships for students in the Choose901 Alumni network who have significant financial gaps, whether they're headed to a four year college or an alternative path like trade school or a certificate program. Recipients are known as Shainberg Scholars.
This year, we're introducing you to the students behind that title. Next up is Stephanie Hayes.
Stephanie Hayes
Alumni School: The Soulsville Charter School
College: Tennessee State University
Major: Nursing
Where It Started
For Stephanie, the moment that clarified everything happened in a clinical rotation, not a classroom.
"One of the most impactful experiences was my psychiatric nursing clinical, where I had the opportunity to care for and interact with people from all walks of life, each with their own unique experiences and mental health challenges. That experience reinforced my desire to become a psychiatric nurse and showed me the importance of providing compassionate, nonjudgmental care while advocating for patients who are often misunderstood."
That instinct for meeting people where they are goes back further than nursing school. Stephanie grew up in Whitehaven, moving through several Memphis schools before landing at Soulsville.
Finding Her Calling
Now entering her senior year at Tennessee State University, Stephanie's path to nursing traces back to her father.
"I chose nursing for several reasons, but one of my biggest inspirations was my late father, whose frequent hospitalizations showed me the compassion, strength, and dedication that nurses bring to patients and their families during some of life's most difficult moments. I have also always been passionate about psychology and mental health, so even before I entered nursing school, I knew I wanted to become a psychiatric nurse. After I graduate, I plan to work as a psychiatric nurse, where I can support individuals experiencing mental health challenges and help them receive compassionate, quality care. I am especially passionate about addressing mental health issues in the Black community because stigma, limited access to care, and cultural barriers often prevent people from seeking the help they need. My goal is to advocate for my patients, create a safe and supportive environment where they feel heard, and help make mental health care more accessible and accepted within underserved communities."
Right Now
Stephanie isn't waiting for graduation to put that mission into practice. She's already gaining hands-on experience, both in healthcare and back home in the Choose901 community.
"I recently completed an internship through the Memphis Office of Youth Services (MPLOY) at Dr. Williams Comprehensive Healthcare, PLLC, where I gained valuable hands-on experience in a healthcare setting while building skills that will support my future career in nursing. I am currently working with Choose901 Alumni as an Alumni Outreach Intern, connecting with alumni and helping strengthen engagement within the Choose901 community."
What the Scholarship Means to Her
As a first-generation college student, Stephanie says the scholarship's impact reaches beyond tuition.
"Winning the Shainberg Scholarship means a great deal to me because it is an investment in my education and my future as a nurse, while also easing the financial burden of earning my degree as a first-generation college student. This scholarship allows me to focus more on my coursework, clinical experiences, and preparation for the NCLEX, bringing me one step closer to achieving my goal of becoming a psychiatric nurse. It also reminds me that my hard work and perseverance are being recognized and motivates me to continue making a positive impact in the lives of others and in underserved communities."
Giving Back
Stephanie already has a vision for what her nursing career will mean for Memphis.
"To me, giving back to Memphis means using my education, career, and personal experiences to create meaningful change for the people and communities that shaped me. As a future psychiatric nurse, I hope to help address the mental health needs in Memphis by advocating for accessible care and eventually opening mental health facilities in urban areas where many individuals may not have convenient access to resources. I also want to inspire and support young people in Memphis by showing them that they can overcome challenges, pursue their goals, and use their success to create opportunities for others in their community."
Beyond the Classroom
Ask Stephanie what she's into outside of nursing school, and you'll get a mix of the expected and the unexpected.
"Some of my favorite hobbies include playing volleyball, shopping, going out to parties and different kinds of events, and watching YouTube videos in my free time. Something that most people might not know about me is that I am obsessed with 1970s Black culture, especially the movies, music, fashion, and overall style of that era. I love learning about the history and influence of the decade because I think it had such a lasting impact on Black culture and entertainment."
When she's home, you can usually find her at the Rock 'N' Soul Museum, or grabbing a plate at Soul Fish Cafe.
