Today we’d like to introduce you to Cortney Richardson.
Cortney, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I am a native Memphian who fell in love with the city in my late teen years. Memphis has much to offer and I was fortunate enough to have mentors and councils that helped guide my life. I was born to an amazing mom who is the most loving, fun, and beautiful lady I know. My dad was the most caring dad and my biggest encourager as far back as I can remember.
This combination empowered me to be a people person who understands the importance of investing in people and building long-lasting relationships. Those relationships were built through my church community, amazing East High mustang family, and eventually my University of Memphis Tiger nation. I learned to embrace and value others and in turn, I have been embraced by the city.
More succinctly, I started out singing and leading in my local church congregation. The church was the launching pad for my life. I learned to lead and love; create and contract; discover and dream; visualize and actualize. East High school was the place where I learned that the world is what you make it. I remember being charged with making the decision to be a thermostat to a thermometer; to take the stage in life or sit in the audience of life. At East High, I also learned the joy of setting the temperature so that others can live empowered and meaningful lives. I opted to be a leader because the reward is that I get to pour into the lives of others.
While at East High, I was hired by Peer Power Foundation to be a tutor at the age of 15. I am still with that same organization now, serving as the Chief Marketing + Community Engagement Officer. Peer Power hires high-performing college students and places them inside of public school classrooms to serve as tutors and mentors. Our mission is to create a world where students receive a quality education regardless of their zip code.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Smooth road… Nah. Easier than many but not without its challenges. My childhood had its voids, but it was full of love.
My dad was not what I thought he should be, but in the last year of his life… before passing at 44, we became really really close. His voice continues to be the one voice that reverberates from within when discouragement is too loud. I spent several years of my college years trying to discover what my major should be. I switched majors several times before landing at one.
I’ve experienced disappointments from friends along the way and sometimes even mentors. I am intentional about not focusing on the struggle portions of my journey. I have lived long enough to recognize that life is a mosaic of good and bad times that come together and make a masterpiece. Everything has worked out for my good.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I take great delight in being well-rounded and multi-dimensional. I was raised in the church and reared by kingdom principles that charged me to represent Christ in the workplace. So, for me, my position as the e-Church pastor of New Life of Memphis is not the full extent of what my life should be.
I am proud to say that I have been working for Peer Power for 17 years. I started as a tutor and now serve on the senior leadership team. I am also an internationally traveled Gospel Artist who appreciates the soulful sound of traditional gospel music. Lastly, I enjoy speaking and presenting at conferences and seminars through my company Cortney Inspires, LLC.
My edge in all things is that I am committed to speaking truth to power. I am committed to amplifying the voices and meeting the needs of the most vulnerable populations of society. I am known as the optimist and pusher on every team I am a part of. In fact, my team members often speak to the fact that I always have big ideas. They are right I do. Nothing is a real barrier for me. I am the pusher on the team, I am the expander.
As an artist, I believe my edge is being able to create spiritual experiences through the professional delivery of different styles of Christian/Gospel music. Whether it be CCM, inspirational or traditional, I take great delight in being the bridge between believers of different generations.
What everyone knows they are going to get when it comes to me is an unapologetic Jesus follower. My life is Matthew 5:16 lived out.
What are your plans for the future?
With Peer Peer, I am totally looking forward to expanding our services to more students in Memphis Shelby County Schools and expanding the work outside of this great city. With music, I am actually working on a new project that is intended to document the real-life of those who walk with God every day in every way.
This project will consist of a variety of styles of music, will feature different writers from around the country and locally. I will have my brother Tim Mason on this project and some of Memphis’ finest singers and rising stars in gospel music. I am trying to figure out how to feature legends as well. I would absolutely love to do a duet with my favorite artist of all time, Pastor Shirley Caesar.
With ministry, I will be ordained on March 6th of this year and plan to graduate from Memphis Theological Seminary in May with a Masters of Arts in Christian Ministry. I am excited about building Christian Education programming that produces disciples for Christ.
Personally, I am looking to start a family really soon. I’ve experienced 30+ successful years as a bachelor. Now is the time to enter a new phase.
Contact Info:
- Email: cortney@cortneyinspires.com
- Website: cortneyinspires.com or peerpowerfoundation.org
- Instagram: @cortneyinspires or @peerpower901
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CortneyInspires
- Twitter: @cortneyinspires
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/UofMPreacher
- Other: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/cortney-richardson/739422591
