During the interview, Monnie talks about how growing up in Dayton, Ohio, and spending summers working on a family farm in Kentucky, picking tobacco and baling hay, helped form a work ethic that continues to drive success today. He talks about father's service and his family's legacy of service and how that led him to serve in the US Marine Corps, then seek to serve locally as a police officer. After a distinguished 15-year career in law enforcement, Monnie was recognized with prestigious state and local awards, including multi Officer of the Year and Medals of Valor. Monnie shares how an accident and injury led him to pivot and become a Vice President of a private investigations firm, spearheading nationwide investigations into corporate espionage, fraud, and internal theft, but then how his faith and heart led him to launch V1CTORY PROJECT to help the very youth and families he got to know while in law enforcement, but didn't have the ability to effectively serve and support. He talks candidly about the challenges of being a police officer and yet the importance of the role and power of relationships to support the community. He then talks in-depth about V1CTORY PROJECT, the early days and the growth to now being able to serve and support one hundred youth across two campuses.

Monnie shares the V1CTORY PROJECT model and some of the valuable lessons learned along they way serving disengaged youth, and giving them something to believe in, to fight for and want to be part of and attend. He shares how accountability is a love language and how Authenticity, Consistency, and Proximity create Opportunity. Monnie also talks about how this work has impacted his own family, as a husband to Kelly and father of four sons. It's an important conversation centered on how we can more effectively engage our youth, live out our faith, uplift our community, and create lasting, positive change.

Visit https://victoryproject.org/ to learn more about V1CTORY PROJECT.

The ChangeMakers Podcast is produced by cityCURRENT and powered by Higginbotham Insurance and Financial Services.

Be inspired by more positive media by following cityCURRENT here: www.cityCURRENT.com

In this episode of the ChangeMakers Podcast, host Andrew Bartolotta sits down with Dr. Stewart Burgess, CEO of the Children's Museum of Memphis (CMOM). With over 25 years dedicated to childhood development, Dr. Burgess shares his fascinating journey—from early inspirations in childhood to groundbreaking research in emotional and cognitive processes—and how it all culminates in his leadership at CMOM.

Dr. Burgess discusses the importance of play in childhood learning, how emotions influence memory and suggestibility, and the impact of enriching environments on brain development. He provides an in-depth look at CMOM’s innovative exhibits, including the newly launched Mississippi River exhibit and upcoming STEAM-focused learning spaces. Dr. Burgess also highlights CMOM’s efforts to ensure accessibility for all families, working collaboratively with organizations like Porter-Leath and St. Jude to provide enriching experiences for underserved communities.

Listeners will be inspired by Dr. Burgess’ passion for education, his vision for the future of early childhood learning, and his dedication to fostering creativity, innovation, and equity in the Greater Memphis area. Whether you're a parent, educator, or community member, this episode will leave you with actionable insights on how to inspire and empower the next generation.

The ChangeMakers Podcast is produced by cityCURRENT and powered by Higginbotham Insurance and Financial Services.

Be inspired by more positive media by following cityCURRENT here: www.cityCURRENT.com

In this heartfelt and inspiring episode of the ChangeMakers Podcast, host Jeremy C. Park sits down with Taylor and Carter English, co-founders of The Rise School of San Antonio, to explore the transformative power of faith, family, and purpose-driven action. Their journey begins with personal challenges—the birth of their daughter Isabelle, who was diagnosed with Down syndrome—and evolves into a mission to redefine inclusion and early intervention for children with special needs.

Through their story, listeners witness the couple's unwavering commitment to turning challenges into blessings. From Carter's transition from coaching and sports to insurance and leadership at Higginbotham, to Taylor’s poignant reflections on motherhood and resilience, their narrative highlights how purpose and community can fuel extraordinary impact.

The couple's creation of The Rise School of San Antonio emerges as a testament to their vision of a better world—not just for Isabelle, but for all children who deserve tailored care and education. They share moving moments of personal growth, the generosity of others, and the collective effort required to build something greater than themselves.

Key themes in this episode include:
• The importance of embracing unexpected challenges with faith and determination.
• How small, consistent steps create ripple effects that inspire broader change.
• The power of community and leadership in making dreams a reality.
• Celebrating progress, big and small, as life’s most meaningful milestones.

Listeners will leave inspired to look inward, find their own unique ways to make a difference, and embrace life’s unexpected turns as opportunities for growth.

This episode is a powerful reminder that, when fueled by purpose and love, even the hardest challenges can lead to the most profound transformations.

To learn more or donate, please visit the Rise School of San Antonio website at riseschoolsa.org.

The ChangeMakers Podcast is produced by cityCURRENT and powered by Higginbotham Insurance and Financial Services.

Be inspired by more positive media by following cityCURRENT here: www.cityCURRENT.com