Today we’d like to introduce you to Keesa Rayford Mitchell
Hi Keesa, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I’ve come a long way to become the Vice President of Operations at Memphis Medical District Collaborative (MMDC), and my journey is one of grit, community, leadership, and passion. It starts in the small town of Olmstead, Kentucky, where I learned the value of hard work and the power of being raised by a tight-knit community. That upbringing shaped my character and laid the foundation for the trailblazing path I have carved.
Eventually, that path led me to Memphis, where my passion for community development flourished. At MMDC, a community development nonprofit in the heart of the rapidly growing Medical District, I took on the role of Vice President of Operations, overseeing areas that I love—Finance, HR, Development, and Communications. My dedication to efficient operations and meaningful engagement is evident in every part of my work.
Being part of a dynamic organization with Rory Thomas, MMDC’s president, further fuels my drive. I am proud to work under his leadership, honoring MMDC’s mission of enhancing the Medical District as a vibrant place where people can live, work, and thrive.
I am also a proud mom raising three daughters, modeling leadership and resilience for them every day. My story is not just about career success but also about giving back—through my children and the communities I serve. I find ways to merge community, family, and professional ambition, demonstrating that leadership means creating space for others to rise with you.
My journey to leadership reflects grit, adaptability, and heart—a story about being bold enough to pave the way in spaces where representation matters. It’s a testament to how far passion and perseverance can take you. However, my journey is far from over.
The best part? I’m just getting started.
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?
Of course, I didn’t get to where I am without facing challenges and obstacles. I’ve encountered implicit bias, however remaining resilient and confident despite these challenges is no small feat, but it has made me stronger and more determined.
Growing up, I was fortunate to be surrounded by impactful and empowering women who taught me to pursue what I want boldly and without apology. Their influence instilled in me the importance of standing firm in my values and believing in my potential, even when the odds were stacked against me. These lessons became my guiding light, helping me push through the obstacles that come with being a trailblazer in spaces where representation is still limited.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I currently serve as the Vice President of Operations at MMDC, where I oversee the day-to-day operations across key areas like Finance, Human Resources, Communications, and Development. My role is to ensure that the organization runs efficiently, stays aligned with its mission, and continues to grow sustainably. I specialize in building efficient processes and creating strategic collaborations—whether with local businesses, nonprofits, or government entities—to amplify MMDC’s impact on the community.
I’m known for improving organizational processes and operations, particularly in nonprofits and community development. I take great pride in developing policies and procedures that help organizations function more effectively and position them for long-term success. What sets me apart is my ability to lead authentically, blending operational excellence with a passion for community impact. I love mentoring and building teams that share this same vision.
One of my proudest achievements was creating the Memphis Medical District Partnership Program, which brings together people who live, work, and play in the district. My goal is to enhance the program’s reach by increasing engagement and enrollment by 15% in the coming year.
What truly sets me apart is my ability to merge community, family, and professional ambition, leading with intention in everything I do. I strive to create space for others to rise alongside me, ensuring that those around me feel empowered to succeed. In a world where nonprofits are increasingly working to build sustainable, long-term partnerships, I’m passionate about using collaboration and innovation to ensure MMDC remains a vibrant, inclusive place for everyone.
Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
The quality that I believe has been most important to my success is resilience. Resilience has allowed me to stay focused, adapt to unexpected challenges, and keep moving forward even when the road has been tough.
Alongside resilience, I place a high value on authenticity. Leading authentically means staying true to my values and principles, which has helped me build genuine relationships with my team, community partners, and stakeholders. Authentic leadership creates trust and encourages others to bring their best selves to the table, fostering an environment where collaboration and creativity can thrive.
This combination of resilience and authenticity has not only allowed me to break barriers but also empowered me to create space for others to succeed alongside me. Whether in moments of challenge or growth, these characteristics fuel my passion for driving positive change and keeping my eyes on the bigger picture—building a better, more inclusive community.
Pricing:
- Team Partnership (Up to 10 team members) $2,000 Donation
- Nonprofit and Small Business Partnership $250 Donation
- Individual Partnership $100 Donation
- Student Partnership $50 Donation
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.memphismedicaldistrict.org/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themedicaldistrict/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MMDC901
