The S.O. What! Foundation held its 4th Annual S.O. What! Awards and Scholarship Soiree recently at the Renasant Convention Center recognizing local community leaders while also awarding memorial scholarships to Memphis area students who are pursuing higher education despite significant life challenges.
The scholarships honor the lives and legacies of individuals whose values continue to inspire hope, perseverance and opportunity for the next generation, said author, speaker, and University of Memphis alumna Summer Owens, founder of the S.O. What! Foundation. .
“For many students, these scholarships represent more than financial support,” Owens said. “They represent belief, community and a powerful message that their resilience matters and their future is worth investing in. That is why we are proud to host this fundraiser.”
The Soiree celebrates resilience and community leadership, bringing together supporters who believe in honoring those who lead today while investing in those who will lead tomorrow, Owens added.
This year, the event was sponsored by Alliance Healthcare Services.
“The S.O. What! Foundation embodies exactly what we believe at Alliance, that a person is never defined by their diagnosis or their struggle,” said Laurie Powell, CEO, Alliance Healthcare Services. “We’re proud to support an organization that champions the strength and dignity of every person on their path to wellness,”
Throughout the evening, 12 community leaders were recognized for their stories of resilience. Each leader shared a powerful, heartfelt testimony on how they overcame their struggles to become the leaders they are today and how their work continues to strengthen Memphis through service, leadership and impact. Honorees were:
- Cary Vaughn – CEO and president of Love Worth Finding Ministries, Inc. • Laurie Powell – CEO, Alliance Healthcare Services
- Wanda Taylor – CEO and founder, Ladies in Need Can Survive
- Steve Mulroy – Shelby County District Attorney
- John Best – General Manager MSCS Broadcast Services
- Meka Egwuekwe – CEO, CodeCrew
- Anthony Buckner – Chief Deputy, Shelby County Sheriff’s Office
- Cherisse Scott – reproductive and sexual justice, advocate and servant
- Rose Flenorl – manager, Global Citizenship and Human Resource, FedEx Corp.
- Will Richardson – entrepreneur, and veteran and community advocate
- Linda Hall – senior advisor for Student Equity and Leadership Development, University of Memphis
- Tina Bailey – transformation coach, corporate leader and author
Owens said it was especially meaningful to have Bertha Rogers Looney, the last living member of the Memphis State Eight, co-host the event. Looney’s courage, along with seven other students, helped break racial barriers by enrolling at Memphis State University — now University of Memphis — and opened doors for generations of students who followed. “Her presence at the Soiree served as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices that made opportunities possible and the responsibility we share to continue lifting up others,” Owens stated.
Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris and Shelby County Sheriff Floyd Bonner Jr. also attended, as well as Shelby County Commissioner Charlie Caswell, Jr.
In response to the event’s continued growth and community support, this year’s Soiree was held at the Renasant Convention Center. “The new venue reflects the expanding impact of the event and the Foundation’s commitment to hosting a night worthy of the extraordinary individuals and students being recognized,” said Owens.
To learn more about the S.O. What! Foundation and its mission to empower youth and young adults to overcome obstacles, eliminate excuses and achieve success through education, mentorship, scholarships and leadership development programs, visit thesowhatfoundation.org.
