Meanwhile in Memphis conversations showcase collaboration in Memphis and beyond, and tody's episode is part of a mini-series within the show: Legislately with Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris. This collaboration will bring together experts and local leaders to amplify the way leaders in our community are learning, collaborating, innovating, and working to set Memphis and Shelby County up for success.

Today's installment features a conversation with Beto Sanchez (Starbucks employee and member of Memphis 7) and Jessica Stewart (SEIU Local 205).

Resources mentioned in this episode include:

• "The Memphis 7"
• SEIU Local 205
• Starbucks Workers United origin story in Buffalo, NY
• Previous installments of Legislately with Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris can be found here, here, here, and here
• What the Memphis Seven Decision Means for Starbucks Workers

The Memphis Medical District is among the city’s most vibrant business districts. This success is a direct result of a strategic vision that was put in place a decade ago and brought to life by the Memphis Medical District Collaborative. This visionary organization has spent the last 10 years collaborating and coordinating efforts in the district to ensure shared success for businesses, residents, hospitals, and higher-ed institutions that share space in the heart of the city.

The model they have created is one worth replicating, and in today’s episode, we’ll be airing a live-event recording of a recent “Celebrate What’s Right” panel conversation that reflects on the first decade of impact in the distract, and to hear what’s in store for the next era. This event took place on September 15, 2025 and was made possible by BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee, Kroger, Regional One Health, and Turner Foundation.

Resources mentioned in this episode include:

• Memphis Medical District Collaborative
• Regional One Health
• Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare
• ALSAC
• St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
• Other episodes that focus on MMDC include S5E37, S5E34, and S5E8

This episode is made possible in partnership with Independent Bank.

Memphis is a city known for its arts and culture output and with the city's expansion in support for the arts and culture sector infrastructure (which you can also learn about in this conversation), it's vital to understand what potential creative investment can unlock for youth.

Rychetta Watkins of Memphis Music Initiative and Ruth Abigail Gardner of AngelStreet join Meanwhile in Memphis to share how their organizations collaborate to help youth redefine success and creatively reimagine career pathways. Tune in, then share what you learn in a conversation this week!

Resources mentioned in this episode include:

• Memphis Music Initiative
• AngelStreet
• Orpheum
• Opera Memphis
• TN Shakespeare Co.
• New Ballet Ensemble and School
• Ballet Memphis
• Collage Dance Collective
• Matt Ross Spang's TEDxMemphis Talk
• Crosstown Arts
• Previous conversations on arts education can be found here, here, and here
• PRIZM Ensemble
• Young Actors Guild
• MMI Works Short Film
• Community Reinvestment Agency

This episode is made possible in partnership with Independent Bank.