YWCA Greater Memphis Hosts Dr. Shirley Raines in Its Inaugural Leadership Series
Raines and Memphis Grizzlies assistant coach Sonia Raman to lead June 11 virtual book talk
MEMPHIS, Tennessee, May 18, 2021 – YWCA Greater Memphis – which exists to empower women through domestic violence shelter and services, job training and education, and other community initiatives – announced today it will host Dr. Shirley Raines, former president of the University of Memphis and renowned speaker, leadership consultant and author, in its inaugural “Power Women, Power Moves” Leadership Series.
A live virtual book talk to discuss “An Uncommon Journey: Leadership Lessons from a Preschool Teacher Who Became a University President,” will be held Friday, June 11, 2021 at 6:00 p.m. CST. The talk will also include a pre-recorded appearance by Sonia Raman, assistant coach for the Memphis Grizzlies and two-time winner of NEWMAC’s coveted Coach of the Year award at the collegiate level. The kick-off for YWCA Greater Memphis’ global leadership training series will also include exclusive, personalized leadership advice from Dr. Raines for up to 25 attendees following the book talk presentation.
“Our ‘Power Women, Power Moves’ Leadership Series is motivating and empowering because of voices like Dr. Shirley Raines and Sonia Raman, who combine valuable experiences with a passion for encouraging women to achieve their ambitions,” said Marquiepta Odom, executive director of YWCA Greater Memphis. “We’re so grateful for their involvement, and excited to welcome everyone to this event to discuss leadership development and overcoming obstacles throughout one’s career journey.”
Dr. Raines stood at the helm of the University of Memphis for 12 years from 2001 to 2013, its first and only woman president to-date. Her leadership helped the University earn Carnegie Classification among “R2: Doctoral Universities – High research activity,” established the School of Public Health in 2006 and the Lambuth Campus in 2011, doubled the amount of research grants, and created the University of Memphis Research Foundation. Sought after as a speaker and consultant for her passion, empathy and presence, Dr. Raines released “An Uncommon Journey” in 2018, charting her career from early childhood education to post-secondary leadership, while relaying useful lessons along the way for young women drawn to leadership roles in education and beyond.
Raman is one of only 14 female coaches in the National Basketball Association. Raman, who will deliver a recorded video message on leadership development, became an assistant coach with the Memphis Grizzlies in 2020 following 18 successful years at the collegiate level. She coached Wellesley College’s basketball team for six years between 2002 and 2008, before being tapped by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, where she served from 2008 to 2020. The MIT Engineers Women’s Basketball team attained nearly 70 NEWMAC accolades during that period, including back-to-back championships in 2018 and 2019, and their third-straight title game a year later. Raman was recognized as Coach of the Year in 2016 and 2017.
For more information on “Power Women, Power Moves” and to register, visit event site.