Meet Lakeisha Edwards

We were lucky to catch up with Lakeisha Edwards recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Lakeisha , thank you so much for joining us today. There are so many topics we could discuss, but perhaps one of the most relevant is empathy because it’s at the core of great leadership and so we’d love to hear about how you developed your empathy?

I grew up in Covington, Tennessee, in a loving family with parents who were natural nurturers within our community. They led by example, showing me the importance of helping others, and our church family provided the foundation that shaped my values and sense of compassion. In our small, rural town, it was second nature to look out for one another. Whether it was lending a hand to a neighbor or supporting someone through difficult times, kindness and service were simply part of life.

That upbringing instilled in me a strong sense of empathy, but my understanding of it deepened when I stepped out of the sheltered world my parents lovingly created for me. My mother was careful about what I could watch, the music I listened to, and even the books I read, keeping my world a safe and insulated space. It wasn’t until I attended Baptist Memorial College of Health Sciences that I came face-to-face with a reality I had only read about in books.

I’ll never forget meeting a homeless man who slept in the parking garage of the college. This encounter challenged the abstract image I had of poverty and replaced it with the raw reality of a human being struggling to survive. It forced me to confront the complexity of life and how circumstances beyond one’s control can lead to unimaginable hardship. This was a pivotal moment that transformed my understanding of empathy, moving me beyond sympathy to a deeper awareness of what it means to truly see and feel someone else’s experience.

My studies in social work and psychology gave me a framework to understand human behavior, but my most profound lessons in empathy came from my personal journey with grief. Losing my father was a life-altering experience that reshaped my perspective on everything. Grief strips away the superficial and forces you to see the world in a different light. It deepened my understanding of human fragility, resilience, and the difficulty of making good decisions in the midst of pain.

That journey gave me a newfound courage and fearlessness, but it also softened my heart toward others. I often wonder how different my life might have been if my grief journey had begun before I had the maturity to process it. But I truly believe every experience comes in its season. That loss taught me to embrace my humanity—and the humanity of others—with greater compassion.

Empathy, for me, is more than a skill; it’s a way of seeing the world. It’s rooted in the love and nurturing I received growing up in Covington, shaped by life experiences that tested and stretched me, and solidified by the lessons I learned through grief. At its core, empathy means understanding that everyone has a story, and every story deserves to be heard, respected, and honored. It’s this belief that continues to guide my life and work.

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?

As the Executive Director of the UrbanArt Commission (UAC), I have the privilege of leading an organization that has been transforming spaces and communities in Memphis through public art since 1997. Our work is guided by three pillars: Community Engagement, Artistic Excellence, and Sustainable Impact. These pillars drive every project we undertake, both private and government funded, ensuring that public art reflects the voices of Memphis neighborhoods, supports local and underrepresented artists, and creates lasting cultural and economic value.

Community Engagement is at the heart of what we do. We actively collaborate with residents, community organizations, and schools to ensure public art reflects the diverse stories and identities of Memphis neighborhoods. In 2024, we partnered with 27 neighborhoods across the city, with 235 residents serving on selection committees to directly shape the art in their communities.

Through our commitment to Artistic Excellence, we prioritize amplifying the work of local and underrepresented artists. In 2024, 88% of our commissioned artists were Memphis-based, with 50% identifying as artists of color and 67% as women artists. Programs like the New Public Artist Fellowship, our Tiny Gallery, and free exhibition space provide innovative platforms for artists to tell their stories and connect with broader audiences.

Our Sustainability Impact pillar ensures that public art doesn’t just beautify spaces but also creates long-term benefits for individuals, communities, and the local economy. One powerful example of this is our partnership with the Shelby County Juvenile Court, where we were approved as a Level 4 Community Service Provider. Through this initiative, justice-involved youth engage in public art projects, gaining mentorship, creative skills, and a sense of pride in their work. This program introduces young people to the transformative power of art while equipping them with tools to build brighter futures.

Another critical aspect of our Sustainability Impact is the economic boost we provide to Memphis’s creative ecosystem. In 2024, we paid over $410,000 directly to artists, providing both recognition and financial support for their livelihoods. Additionally, we invested $318,000 with local fabricators, ensuring that the materials and craftsmanship behind our projects also strengthen the local economy. With more than $2.1 million in active project contracts, UAC is driving cultural enrichment and economic growth throughout the city.

Looking ahead, we are excited to expand programs like our “Canvas for a Cause” fundraiser, which provides opportunities for artists and community members of all ages and abilities to contribute to Memphis’s artistic legacy. We remain committed to making public art accessible, amplifying underrepresented voices, and fostering a sense of pride and connection across the city.

Through the lens of our three pillars, UAC is not just creating art—it’s creating opportunity, connection, and lasting impact. For me, seeing how public art can bring people together, empower individuals, and contribute to Memphis’s cultural and economic vitality is what makes this work truly special.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

1. Adaptability
Life is full of twists and turns, and being adaptable has been a cornerstone of my success. Whether it was adjusting to unexpected personal loss, transitioning between roles, or leading organizations through periods of change, adaptability helped me remain focused and resilient. At the UrbanArt Commission (UAC), this skill has been invaluable in balancing the shifting needs of communities, managing priorities, and ensuring our mission continues to thrive even in uncertain times.

Advice: Practice approaching challenges with flexibility. Instead of resisting change, view it as an opportunity for growth. Stay open to feedback, be willing to pivot when necessary, and invest in continuous learning. The more you embrace change, the more confident you’ll become in navigating it.

2. Strategic Thinking
Strategic thinking has been critical in transforming ideas into actionable plans. It’s about understanding the big picture while also managing the small details that drive progress. At UAC, this skill has allowed me to align our work with our mission, secure funding for public art projects, and ensure our programs contribute to Memphis’s cultural and economic vitality. It’s about focusing on long-term goals while taking calculated steps to get there.

Advice: Take time to analyze situations from multiple perspectives. Develop clear goals, break them into actionable steps, and evaluate progress along the way. Surround yourself with mentors and peers who challenge you to think critically and strategically. Their guidance can help you refine your decision-making and sharpen your ability to see opportunities others might overlook.

3. Being an Opportunist
One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is to always be ready for the unexpected. Being an opportunist isn’t about luck—it’s about staying prepared and paying attention to the possibilities around you. Whether it’s a chance conversation at an event or identifying potential partnerships that align with UAC’s mission, I’ve found that success often comes from saying “yes” at the right time. For example, attending spaces where I know potential funders or collaborators are present has led to conversations and opportunities that helped advance our work in ways I couldn’t have planned.

Advice: Be proactive in seeking opportunities, but also stay ready to respond when they arise. Keep your “elevator pitch” polished, carry business cards (digital and physical), and don’t be afraid to put yourself out there. Networking isn’t just about asking for something—it’s about building genuine connections. When opportunity knocks, make sure you’re ready to answer.

To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?

The most impactful thing my parents did for me was exercising the self-discipline to be consistent examples of healthy relationships. They never allowed my brother and me to see them fight or argue, creating a home that was peaceful and nurturing. Their actions showed me what it meant to foster love, respect, and harmony, and those lessons have stayed with me throughout my life.

Equally important was how they prioritized my happiness. Through both their words and their actions, they taught me that my well-being mattered. This allowed me to grow up understanding that happiness should always be a priority and that suffering is not the only way to demonstrate dedication. I don’t ever recall my parents acting as if my happiness wasn’t important. No matter how I expressed that I was unhappy, they responded with love and understanding. They never made me feel like I had to suppress my feelings to make things easier for them.

These lessons gave me a strong foundation of self-worth and emotional confidence. Because of their example, I’ve carried those values into every area of my life—demanding that my happiness be a priority and fostering spaces where others feel safe to express their emotions and pursue their own joy.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Richard Echols
John Hamilton

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