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Upcoming Events

Join us as we serve, connect, and create meaningful impact throughout Memphis. Every event is an opportunity to strengthen our community together.

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4250 Faronia Memphis, Tn 38116 Suite 2

901-300-0682

© 2026 901Strong. All Rights Reserved.

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MEET Vickie Vick - Board of Directors

901Strong is more than a nonprofit organization to me — it is a reflection of the heart I have carried for service since I was eight years old. From a very young age, I knew that helping others and making a difference in people’s lives was part of my purpose. That passion led me into the nursing profession, where I have dedicated more than 20 years serving in the health and medical field. Throughout my career, nothing has brought me greater fulfillment than knowing I have positively impacted someone’s life and provided care, compassion, and hope during times they needed it most.
My commitment to service also extends through my membership in Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., an organization grounded in the principle and motto of “Service to All Mankind.” Those values align deeply with who I am and the mission I strive to live every day.

Joining 901Strong was a natural extension of my lifelong commitment to serving others. I admire not only what the organization brings to the community, but also how it actively works to uplift and support the downtown Memphis community and surrounding areas throughout the city. Being born and raised in Memphis, I understand both the challenges and the strength within our community. I want to be part of the solution by helping wherever I can and using my experience, compassion, and dedication to make a meaningful impact.

Through 901Strong, I have found another opportunity to fulfill my heart’s mission — serving people, strengthening communities, and giving back to the city that has given so much to me.

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MEET TARA CRAWFORD- Chaplain

COMING SOON

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MEET Mary Jackson- Thomas - Chairman and CEO

Mary Jackson Thomas is a powerhouse of resilience and a visionary entrepreneur who has spent over 25 years bridging the gap between corporate excellence and community impact. Known throughout Memphis as a "true philanthropist of the 901," Mary doesn't just inhabit her city—she champions its soul. With over 25 years of expertise as a Sr. Human Resources professional, A proud product of the Memphis City School system and The University of Memphis, Mary Jackson Thomas is a catalyst for change in the city of Memphis and beyond. Mary’s career is defined by a unique blend of corporate leadership and a deep-seated passion for community restoration. In 2021, Mary achieved a historic milestone by securing a U.S. software and technology patent, which she has since scaled globally through the power of AI technology. This spirit of innovation fuels her work as the Founder and CEO of 901Strong. Born from a collaboration of other local bicycle ministries, 901Strong reflects Mary’s vision to move beyond basic aid, fostering an ecosystem of mentorship and community engagement. Mary has built a reputation as a leader who delivers results. Whether she is leveraging high-tech solutions or spearheading local outreach, Mary Jackson Thomas remains dedicated to transforming lives in the 901—one act of kindness at a time.

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MEET DeAndra Gates - Co- Chair/Vice President

DeAndra Gates a native Memphian and human resources professional whose commitment to people doesn’t stop at the office door. A proud graduate of Bethel University, where she earned her master’s degree in Human Resources, Deandra brings both academic depth and a genuine passion for human potential to everything she does. That passion extends into her community, where she actively serves as a member of City Changers of Memphis and President of 901Strong — organizations she believes are transforming the fabric of the city she loves. Whether developing talent in the workplace or investing in the lives of those around her, Deandra Gates is driven by one conviction: people are always worth the effort.

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MEET Nikki Jones - Director of Finance/Treasurer

Nikki Jones is a finance and operations professional with more than 13 years of experience supporting nonprofits, mission-driven organizations, and small businesses through strategic financial management, operational leadership, and organizational development. As the founder of Medfastbilling, she specializes in medical billing, bookkeeping, and business support services, helping organizations build strong financial foundations, improve operational efficiency, and position themselves for sustainable growth. Nikki is known for her hands-on leadership, attention to detail, and commitment to helping organizations turn vision into long-term impact.

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MEET Phelon Grant - Board of Directors

Phelon Grant was born and raised in the great city of Memphis. Phelon Grant spent 26 years of professional experience in the utility industry. During his tenure at Memphis Light, Gas & Water Division, he built a distinguished career in leadership, developing people and navigating complex systems that served an entire community. Grounded in faith and a lifelong commitment to service, Phelon extends that same dedication beyond the workplace as a board member for City Changers of Memphis and 901Strong. His corporate experience, community investment, and passion for human potential now fuel his passions.

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MEET Myron Myers- Board of Directors

Myron Myers began his nursing career in 1992 and has since held leadership roles in mental health care. Since starting his health care career, he has provided compassionate, comprehensive support to veterans as well as others in the Shelby County community. He previously held a youth mentor for His Majesties Ministry and found it easy to transition to the role on the Board of Directors with 901 strong as many of the homeless population suffer with mental illness. Myron is dedicated to improving the lives of people living with serious mental illness. Outside of work, he enjoys traveling, sports, working out, and cheering for the Dallas Cowboys. He is married to a fellow Registered Nurse and they share three adult children and one granddaughter.

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MEET Jesse Thomas- Board of Directors

Jesse Thomas is a Memphis native and dedicated supporter of 901Strong, where he has been actively involved for the past three years. As a successful entrepreneur and 20 year IT professional, he brings innovation, leadership, and a strong commitment to strengthening the community. His passion and faith have been the pillars of his success. He believes a community is only as strong as the people that live there. Jesse’s vision is to mentor young men in the 901 community from early childhood to young adults

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MEET Mya Macklin - Director of Event Services

Mya Macklin is a 2019 graduate of the University of Memphis, earning a Bachelor of Business Administration in Human Resources. While in college, she served as an on-campus recruiter for the Memphis Tigers Football program and was actively involved in student organizations.

Mya began her career in Human Resources with FedEx Supply Chain before relocating to Atlanta in 2021 to pursue opportunities in sports and entertainment. She later worked with Quality Control Music as an Artist Relations Manager and became General Manager of QC Sports, overseeing operations and athlete relations for more than 100 athletes across the NCAA, NFL, MLB, and NBA.

In 2025, Mya founded M3 Management, focusing on helping college and professional athletes create impactful community initiatives, including youth camps, school givebacks, and holiday drives. She was also selected to coordinate new youth programs for the Memphis Police and Sheriff’s Activity League launching Summer 2026, designed to provide affordable cheer, dance, and tumbling opportunities for girls ages 4–18 across Memphis.

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MEET Katrina Myers - Vice Chair of Board

Katrina is a Memphis native, is a highly skilled mental health nurse with more than 25 years of dedicated service. Since beginning her career at the Memphis VA in 1997, Katrina has focused her expertise on psychiatric nursing, rising to leadership roles as a supervisor and nurse manager at Memphis Mental Health. She is board-certified in psychiatric mental health nursing (PMH-BC) and has contributed to training future nurses as a clinical instructor in psychiatric nursing. Currently, Katrina serves as nurse manager of the RRTP unit at the Memphis VA, where she continues her mission to provide outstanding mental health care. She is passionate about reducing stigma around mental illness and regularly educates the community through church outreach. Katrina’s career reflects a deep commitment to advancing mental health nursing and empowering both patients and fellow nurses.

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MEET Chenile Taylor- Secretary

Chenile Taylor- Secretary is a proud native Memphian and graduate of Melrose High School whose faith and passion for service inspire her commitment to the community. Dedicated to uplifting others, she is a strong advocate for the homeless population and a faithful donor and volunteer with 901Strong. Through her continued support of local organizations and the Orange Mound community, Chenile strives to be a light of hope and positive change throughout the city of Memphis.