Junior League of Memphis APEX 2024

In 2020, the Junior League of Memphis launched its signature diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) event - APEX. APEX is designed to empower and educate Junior League of Memphis members and our community partners by providing culturally relevant programming and conversations to enhance DEIB knowledge, cultural awareness, and understanding.

At APEX 2024, we invite you to embark on a journey of self-discovery and leadership, inspired by the Junior League of Memphis’ current President Lori Evans’ theme "Remember Your Why." To truly remember our why, we often need to rediscover our way—navigating through the unique blend of experiences, backgrounds, family dynamics, education, and childhood influences that shape us. This APEX experience will explore how these diverse elements converge to define who we are as leaders and how we engage with the world. 

The theme of "Intersectionality and Leadership" underscores the importance of recognizing the multifaceted nature of our identities and the significant role these intersections play in how we show up in the world, how we are perceived, and how we perceive others. Understanding these layers not only enhances our self-awareness but also deepens our empathy and effectiveness as leaders. 

We are honored to have Donna Murray Brown as our keynote speaker, recognized as the 2024 Social Impact Woman to Watch. Her talk, "Radical Curiosity: Building Bridges to Authentic Community" will inspire attendees to embrace a mindset of openness and inquiry as they navigate the complexities of leadership. 

In addition to the keynote, APEX 2024 will offer a series of dynamic breakout sessions designed to delve deeper into the practical applications of intersectional leadership. We will also feature a Poverty Simulation, providing a powerful, immersive experience that challenges participants to confront the realities of systemic inequities. 

Join us where we will explore the intersections of our lives and leadership, and together, we will "Remember Our Why." 

Who should attend

This interactive day-long event is designed for leaders at all levels who want to move forward in their DEIB journey to contribute to positive change in our community. Companies are encouraged to sponsor your employees to attend.

What to expect

• A deeper understanding of DEIB strategies for personal and professional growth
• Best practices to address DEIB challenges in a variety of organizational environments
• Interactive sessions that allow participants to apply the knowledge and insight they have gained into practical application in both their personal and professional lives
• Networking with community leaders who are proactively implementing DEIB practices into their organizations.

Donna Murray-Brown is the inaugural Vice President of Strategy and Development of the National Council of Nonprofits. In her new role, Donna will lead the growth of NCN's core resources through practical and impactful strategic initiatives that integrate the knowledge, policy, and advocacy competencies and support the network in advancing those strategic initiatives.

Twice honored as a NonProfit Times Power and Influence Top 50 leader in the nonprofit sector, Murray-Brown was recognized by Crain’s Detroit Business in 2021 as one of the Most Influential Women in Michigan. She was also recognized as a 2024 Social Impact Woman to Watch by Nonprofit HR. She serves on the Board of Trustees for Candid, the McGregor Fund, and Housing Partnership, Inc., and as part of the Leadership Council for the Dorothy A. Johnson Center for Philanthropy at Grand Valley State University.

She is a first-generation college graduate earning a master's degree in Community Development from the University of Detroit Mercy and a BS in Business Administration from Central State University. She also holds certifications in corporate community affairs from Boston College and strategic perspectives in nonprofit management from Harvard Business School.

Host or Publisher Junior League of Memphis