We recently connected with Keesa Mitchell and have shared our conversation below.
Keesa, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
I found my purpose by embracing my experiences, values, challenges, and the impact I want to leave on the world. The question I get ALL the time—and the hardest one for me to answer—is, “Where are you from?” For some, it’s such a simple question, but for me, I always struggle to answer. I moved around a lot as a child, living back and forth between Texas, Tennessee, and Kentucky. Each place shaped me in unique ways, giving me a sense of adaptability, resilience, and perspective that has become a core part of who I am today.
My mom has always done her best to raise me and my siblings, and for that, I am endlessly grateful. Life wasn’t always easy, and we faced challenges along the way, but she met every obstacle head-on. There were times when she couldn’t physically be in my life, but I was fortunate to have a tribe of family and role models who stepped in and helped shape me into the woman I am today.
One of those role models was my aunt in Kentucky—my mom’s older sister. She took me in when I needed love and guidance, even though she was a single mother of three, working third shift as a charge nurse, and battling stage 3 cancer. She taught me that no matter what life throws at you, you can persevere with grace, compassion, and strength. Her example of resilience and unconditional love became one of the most important lessons of my life.
I also spent time living in Nashville with my mom’s other sister, who was the first woman I knew to own a home and hold leadership roles at work. She, too, was a single mother, and I watched her balance the demands of a career while raising her son and me. From her, I learned the value of a strong work ethic and perseverance—principles that continue to guide me in both my personal and professional life.
In addition, my bonus mom—because “step-mom” just doesn’t seem like the right title—chose to invest in me emotionally and took me in as her own. She taught me that family isn’t just defined by blood, but by the love and commitment we show one another.
Along the way, I was blessed with several other role models who stepped up and poured into me when I needed it most. Each one of them taught me something valuable—about love, strength, and persistence.
These experiences shaped my purpose and taught me that no one succeeds alone. My purpose is rooted in giving back, building connections, and creating opportunities for others—just as my tribe did for me. Every challenge I faced, every lesson I learned, and every bit of love and support I received have made me who I am today.
And because of that, I stand here stronger, more determined, and ready to leave a meaningful impact on the world.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I serve as the Vice President of Operations at the Memphis Medical District Collaborative (MMDC), where I oversee key functions such as Finance, Human Resources, Communications, and Development. My role centers on streamlining processes and building systems that ensure our organization operates smoothly and efficiently—work I am deeply passionate about. What energizes me most is the chance to make a direct impact on our rapidly growing community. It’s rewarding to see how our efforts create meaningful change for those who live, work, and play in the Medical District.
What sets this work apart is MMDC’s emphasis on collaboration. By bringing together nonprofits, businesses, institutions, and local residents, we develop innovative solutions and foster partnerships that drive economic growth and community engagement. A prime example is our Hire Local program, which connects residents to employment opportunities with local organizations, creating a win-win for individuals and businesses alike.
On March 4, 2025, MMDC will host WIN (Women Inspiring the Narrative) during Women’s Month. This special event celebrates the power of women coming together and is designed to empower and motivate women at every stage of their careers. Having experienced firsthand the transformative impact of collaboration among women, I’m thrilled to see MMDC create an event that amplifies this strength and unity.
At MMDC, no two days are the same. Whether I’m planning events, meeting with partners, or brainstorming innovative ways to enhance our community presence, I’m fortunate to engage in work that blends strategy, operations, and community building—all while staying closely connected to the people we serve.
Ultimately, my mission is to create opportunities and forge connections—not just for MMDC, but for the broader community. I aspire for our work to promote inclusive growth, inspire new collaborations, and leave a lasting, positive impact on Memphis.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Resilience, adaptability, and relationship-building have been critical to my journey, shaping both who I am and how I lead.
Resilience helped me keep going, even when things felt overwhelming. It’s about learning from failures, staying focused, and never losing sight of your goals, no matter the setbacks. Every challenge I’ve faced has taught me that persistence, even in the most difficult moments, is what ultimately drives progress.
Adaptability taught me early on how to adjust to new environments and circumstances. This ability to adapt has been invaluable in my career, especially in leadership, where things are always evolving. Whether it’s tackling new challenges at MMDC or adjusting to shifts in community needs, being adaptable has allowed me to thrive in uncertain situations and remain effective no matter what comes my way.
Relationship-building has shown me that success doesn’t happen in isolation. From the tribe of family members and mentors who helped raise me to the partners and collaborators I work with at MMDC, strong relationships have been a driving force in my journey. Building genuine, meaningful connections is essential—whether it’s with team members, community partners, or stakeholders. These relationships create opportunities, provide support, and make it possible to achieve lasting impact.
Together, these three qualities—resilience, adaptability, and relationship-building—have shaped my leadership approach and taught me that success is as much about how you respond to challenges as it is about who you connect with along the way.
For those early in their careers, my advice is to:
Embrace failure as part of the learning process. Instead of dwelling on mistakes, focus on what you can learn and apply moving forward.
Surround yourself with positive influences—mentors, peers, and communities that uplift and encourage you during tough times.
Practice self-care and reflection. Resilience is as much about knowing when to rest and recharge as it is about persevering.
Get comfortable with change. View unexpected shifts as opportunities rather than obstacles.
Keep learning. Stay curious and build new skills—it will prepare you for opportunities you may not see coming.
Be open to feedback and different perspectives. Adaptability grows when you are willing to listen, learn, and pivot as needed.
Focus on building trust—it’s the foundation of every good relationship. Be honest, reliable, and open.
Give as much as you take. Offer help, share knowledge, and celebrate others’ successes.
Be intentional about networking and mentorship. Find people whose values align with yours and build relationships based on mutual respect and growth.
What do you do when you feel overwhelmed? Any advice or strategies?
When I feel overwhelmed, I rely on reflection, prioritization, and self-care to regain my balance.
First, I pause and reflect. I take a step back to assess the situation, reflect on what’s truly important, and realign with my goals. This helps me separate what needs immediate attention from what can wait, allowing me to make thoughtful decisions rather than reactive ones.
I also lean on my support system. Whether it’s family, friends, sorority sisters, or mentors, I reach out to my tribe for support and advice, knowing that success isn’t achieved in isolation. Their encouragement and perspective help me stay grounded and remind me that I don’t have to carry every burden alone.
Lastly, I practice self-care and recharge. I recognize the importance of rest and renewal—whether that’s spending quality time with family, exercising, or simply taking a moment for myself. These moments of self-care allow me to recharge and return to challenges with a clearer mind and renewed focus.
By relying on reflection, support, and self-care, I’ve learned how to navigate stressful moments and stay effective, calm, and purposeful, even when things feel overwhelming. These strategies help me recenter, maintain perspective, and continue moving forward with clarity and intention.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.memphismedicaldistrict.org/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MMDC901/
Image Credits
Natalie Jeans Photography
