Job/ Position within the Medical District
Block by Block (MMDC Ambassador)
Number of Years Working in the District?
Almost two years.
What do you like most about your work in the Medical District?
Getting to explore the neighborhood, I’ve been here for about 6 years now and really just haven’t checked out this side of the town. So, it’s just new experiences, everything is changing - a lot of new stuff around.
How does the Medical District stand out from the rest of the city to you?
Positive energy. There’s really nothing bad. There’s no hatred, none of that. There’s just peace and love. They treat everyone with respect and love. Even with the corona virus going on, there are some places that still let you come in and stay warm. They treat us with a lot of respect and love.
What do you know about the Medical District that may surprise those less familiar with it?
MMDC. On Fridays in the fall, there is an event here almost every Friday. MMDC put up tools for bicycles so people can enjoy their bicycles more often. Groove (transportation system) helps people come over here for work or school.
What is unique about your work in relation to what the Medical District is known for?
Working outside - it’s way different from housekeeping inside. You can say both the titles are the same - but we make sure that we keep the neighborhoods clean, and a lot of people don’t really want to do it - but you can really get a lot of enjoyment from it.
What do you hope to see in the future for the Medical District?
I would like to see it expand more.
Do you have any outstanding memories or stories from your time in the District that you would like to share?
Meeting MMDC’s previous president, Tommy. Before that, listening to everyone speak about him and thinking he was strict and about his business, but in getting to know him, he’s a sweetheart. I didn’t even know he noticed me, but he thanked us every morning and every night when he left. He was a great person.
Danielle Sierra is a visual artist from the small rural farming town of Avenal, California and is currently working out of Memphis, Tennessee. She received her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Studio Art with a concentration in Painting at California State University, Fresno. She has participated in group shows and has been featured in solo exhibitions from California to Tennessee. She recently completed a large-scale mural at Bickford Community Center in Uptown Memphis titled “Rooted, Built-Up, Overflowing and Growing.” Danielle is currently working on her Master of Fine Arts in Painting at the University of Memphis. Follow Danielle on Instagram at @danyelipooh.
Job/ Position in the Medical District
Artist, Assistant Director of Marshall Arts
How did you get involved in the work you do now?
I've always been an artist, but it wasn't until 2003 when I worked up the courage to quit my job in North Carolina that I formalized my career as an artist. Two years later, I was ready for studio space outside of my home, and Marshall Arts became my art-making and business home.
What drives you to improve your business/organization?
The satisfaction of newness and efficiency is what drives my personal need for improvement. I believe that improvement is an innate human quality essential to civilized survival, and those who neglect it succumb to discomfort and obscurity.
What does a typical day look like for you?
My typical day is filled with paint and color, creative choice-making, computer-designing, studio chores, canvas-stretching, music-listening, invoice-sending, facility maintenance, instructing, and socializing.
What is your favorite thing to do outside of work? Interests, hobbies, or organizations you're involved with?
I enjoy playing chess, digital and actual. I also love to discover songs within the Jazz Fusion (think Herbie Hancock) realm that my ears have yet to hear. I play Latin percussion in my studio when I need a break from painting.
Number of years working/ studying/ being a part of the Medical District
As the Assistant Director of Marshall Arts, an arts facility composed of exhibition and studio spaces, I have been operating out of this location since 2005. However, as a graduate of Central High School, I feel as though I've been planted in the district since 1994, having spent many hours waiting at MATA bus stops as transport to and from school.
What do you like most about your work in the Medical District?
In my first few years in the Medical District, it was fun and convenient to meander around downtown on foot or by trolley during my studio breaks, in effort to catch inspiration. Now, it’s conveniently accessible to my home in Cooper-Young. The best thing about working in the district is not having to participate in ritual rush hour twice daily!
How does the Medical District stand out from the rest of the city, to you?
What stands out to me about the district, making it unique in my perspective, are the multiple pedestrian "sky-ways" perched above street traffic. The density of structures, and having to drive under and through some of them, creates a noticeable urban experience.
Alan Duckworth is a local artist working in realism. The paintings and drawings are intended to capture the beauty and mystery of life. His paintings have been featured in New American Paintings, the National Civil Rights Museum, as well as group and solo gallery exhibitions. He works in his studio at Marshall Arts and his work can be found locally at the David Lusk Gallery. Follow Alan on Instagram at @alan_duckworth.
Job/Position within the Medical District
Resident; Owner of Ritzee Florist & Interior Designs; President of the Peabody Vance Neighborhood Association
Number of years being a part of the District
12 years. I am the first Peabody Vance Neighborhood Association president since its inception in 2007.
How did you get involved in the work you do now?
I’m an actress, author of non-fiction stories and a business owner of Ritzee Florist for over 33 years. Instead of a storefront business, I decided to create a home-based business so that I could put more time into inspiring positive change through performance arts and storytelling.
I had no idea I would purchase a property in a distressed area but I did, and that’s when the harder work began. I then realized I was chosen to change the image of a neighborhood that was once looked upon as dangerous and dilapidated to a community that is a safe and beautiful place to live. My husband and I started a neighborhood association in 2007; we rolled our sleeves up and have been working towards positive change ever since.
What drives you to improve your business/organization?
My drive is always to inspire others to make positive change, do good work, and change negative images - starting with the self first.
What does a typical day look like for you?
I get up and hit the floor with excitement to challenge the items that were left on my to-do list. Grab a cup of coffee, run to my computer, paper work, emails, phone calls to painting a wall, creating flowers, playing with my dog, and back to my computer. My days are long and full of exciting choices to do and work on.
What is your favorite thing to do outside of work? Interests, hobbies, or organizations you're involved with?
My favorite thing to do is make others smile, design flowers, work out, walk, travel, sit near water, write, and plan activities that bring people together.
How does the Medical District stand out from the rest of the city to you?
The most rewarding part of my hard work is to see the residents, stakeholders, businesses and investors work together to change the image of a “hood” to a neighborhood. What’s rewarding is to have the support needed to bring new development our way.
What do you hope to see in the future for the Medical District?
In the future I hope to see a unified area that is richly impressive. I hope to see the development shared among all neighborhoods so that everyone is proud to live, work, worship, and travel through the Medical District.
Shelda Edwards is a designer and illustrator building a brand on inclusively. Her visually playful work normalizes body positivity and encourages dialogue around gender and self-identity. Since starting her career in 2015, Shelda has worked in non-profit, tech, advertising, fundraising, and marketing. A few of her favorite projects included working with clients who are giving back to their communities. Follow Shelda on Instagram @legendofshelda
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Job/ Position in the Medical District
Owner, Sabor Caribe Restaurant
Number of years being a part of the Medical District: 5 Years
How did you get involved in the work you do now?
I arrived 5 years ago from Venezuela and when I arrived I undertook the Sabor Caribe project with Cesar Gonzalez who had started for about 6 months with a truck in the Cordova area. We were together for 3 years and then we decided to separate due to new projects started by Cesar in another city. I kept Sabor Caribe and continue to seek its growth and positioning.
What drives you to improve your business?
The dream of being able to see all the effort and dedication invested in this project grow and materialize. Always keeping in mind that we are a restaurant that offers unique and different food.
What is your favorite thing to do outside of work? Interests, hobbies, or organizations you're involved with?
I really like to play basketball, I do it 2 to 3 times a week. I participate in tournaments continuously, I have played basketball since I was 10 years old and I had a great career in Venezuela until university basketball. I also go to the gym every day to lift weights before starting my work day at Sabor Caribe.
What does a typical day look like for you?
I get up very early and start the day with my exercise routine, then I go out in search of all the necessary raw materials for the restaurant. I arrive at approximately 11am at Sabor Caribe and our work day begins planning food production and preparation for the current day and the next. So I spend all day also attending to the accounting and finance, accounts payable, tax payments, payroll. I am an accountant graduate at the University of Carabobo in Venezuela and I have knowledge of how to manage that area of the business. During the 5 years of Sabor Caribe, I have been the one who has led all of the business side of the operation. Some days I go out to deliver food to homes. All of this culminates at 9pm with the closing of the restaurant. I am there every day of the week all day.
What is the most rewarding part of your work? The most challenging?
The most rewarding part is to position our company by standing out and leaving a good experience for each of our clients. Our reviews speak for themselves. The most challenging part is being able to sustain myself over time and gradually strengthen my business without loans.
Alex Williams is an illustrator, designer, cartoonist and printmaker. His artistic practice began at an early age obsessively copying comic book pages. He received his BFA in painting and printmaking from Alfred University in 2010. Today, he makes comics and produces screen printed work for himself. His design and illustration work includes beer labels for High Cotton Brewing and gig posters for the Revivalists and Ghost of Paul Revere. See his work on his website.
Job/Position in the Medical District
Owner of Alcenia’s Restaurant
Number of years being a part of the Medical District: 23 years
What is the most rewarding part of your work? The most challenging?
The most challenging part of my business is maintaining the best team. When you have the right team there is no stopping any business. The most rewarding part of my business is the Alcenia’s family - our customers. Alcenia’s has developed relationships with people from all over the world. They come back again and again and also order online from Alcenia’s online store. They come in a stranger, but leave a member of the Alcenia’s family. My goal is to make sure they taste Alcenia’s love in every bite.
Read more about Alcenia’s journey through the pandemic in the Commercial Appeal here.
What do you hope to see in the future for the Medical District?
The Medical District will be the best part of Memphis. They are putting care into action.
Larry Walker is a nationally recognized visual artist from Memphis. He was commissioned by the City of Memphis to paint the official portrait of Dr. Willie Herention. Walker is currently the only Black artist with two commissioned portraits hanging in the Memphis Hall of Mayors. Walker is a recipient of the Grumbacher Art Award. He is included in the Urban Art Commission’s Moveable Collection, and was featured in this High Ground News article.
Job/Position in the Medical District
Chair & Associate Professor Biomedical Sciences at Baptist Health Sciences University (part-time Epidemiologist with BMHCC)
Dr. Nyindodo developed and managed the COVI9-19 contact tracing process for employees and students at Baptist. In addition to her existing roles, Dr. Nyindodo developed the teaching modules and oversaw the training for medical students, doctoral nursing students and employee health nurses to perform contact tracing. She continues to serve as an epidemiologist consultant for hospitals, clinics, and nursing homes within BMHCC.
Number of years working in the Medical District: 8 years
What about the Medical District that may surprise people? The amount of expertise within walking distance found in the Medical District is mind blowing. Think about any health, public health professionals, and education. You have it in the Medical District. This opens up collaborative opportunities to serve the community.
What is the most rewarding part of your work? The most challenging? The ability to collaborate with peers from different institutions to serve the community.
What do you hope to see in the future for the Medical District? More residential areas, community outreach, and restaurants.
Mia Saine is a non-binary Black illustrator and designer from Memphis, Tennessee. They specialize in commercial illustration, brand design, advertisement design, and environmental design. They enjoy normalizing, amplifying, and showcasing the empowerment and happiness of minorities and their experiences. Find Mia on Instagram @heymiasaine
Job/ Position in the Medical District
Campus Security Manager at the Southern College of Optometry
Number of years working/ studying/ being a part of the Medical District
7 years
What do you know about the Medical District that may surprise people less familiar with the area?
What surprised me the most within the Medical District is the influence that it has on the community. People that are less familiar with the area will see partnering agencies working together and moving out of their comfort zones of their practice arena and into less familiar arenas. Southern College of Optometry is a great example of this, as they provide service to the community via their MobilEyes unit.
People will also be surprised to see the heavy security presence that’s set in place to help protect pedestrians while walking, shopping, or site-seeing. Visitors will be even more surprised seeing the multiple means of transportation options that the District has to offer and the improvement and beautification of neighborhoods. Lastly, the promotion of healthy living. Most of the shopping centers and restaurants are all within walking distance.
What is the most rewarding part of your work? The most challenging?
The most rewarding part of my job is helping everyone feel safe while they are getting an education. Our mission statement is educating the best possible healthcare providers; promoting lifelong learning and fostering a personal commitment to service. I believe this cannot be accomplished without good security. Our students, employees, and our guests need to feel secure while on campus. Therefore, seeing our very low crime statistics and watching our students graduate and become highly educated optometrists is very rewarding. The most challenging thing about my work is being in the elements but reviewing reports, it's well worth it.
Amber George is an illustrator and painter from Memphis whose work deals with addiction, the recovering process of trauma, love and the cost of one's actions. They draw from Black American folklore, fables, and their local scenery to create foreboding yet colorfully saturated scenes in what seems to be a fantastical landscape, grounded by contemporary objects. Find Amber on Instagram @amber.ahmad.art or their website: damnamb.co.
Job/Position in the Medical District
Family Support Liaison/FedExFamilyHouse at Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital
Number of years working/ studying/ being a part of the Medical District
9+
What do you know about the Medical District that may surprise people less familiar with the area?
How interconnected all of the medical entities are. For example: Le Bonheur partners with UT/St. Jude partners with Le Bonheur and so on. It's really extraordinary that you can receive excellent care in just about any field all in a relatively small mileage radius. Its not often like that in other cities of our size.
What is the most rewarding part of your work? The most challenging?
Getting to meet such amazing families and superhero kiddos. Being able to take one small worry off of a family's plate when they have so much to juggle is so incredibly rewarding. I've experienced so many stories of courage and resilience that have given me a certain perspective that I don't think I would have gotten anywhere else. One of our big challenges is that Memphis gets a bad rap and families can be unsure about traveling here. The upside is, though, that a lot of times we are the first experience a family has coming to this city. We've had a unique opportunity to not just give great healthcare but also hopefully change a perception.
What do you hope to see in the future for the Medical District?
Better affordable housing. We see many families that would like to move closer to their child's care team but it's either too expensive or sub par conditions. No middle ground. I know that the original plans for Le Bonheur were to always remain a community hospital where any child can receive excellent care. Affordable, safe housing will be key for that.
Becca Hand is a local portrait artist who specializes in acrylics on canvas. Her focus has been the photo-realistic portrayal of empowered women in Memphis. In addition to painting, she is also a Partner and Graphic Designer at Paradigm Marketing & Creative. Having experimented with many different types of artistic interests over the years, from typography to woodworking to interior design to calligraphy, she consistently comes back to painting as one of the true passions of her life. Reach Becca on Instagram: @bhandesign
