As more and more young Memphians are mapping out what moves to make to close in on their career goals, the NexGen Internship Program acts a catalyst during their transition from pupils to professionals.
Meet NexGen Nashayla Yancey, Choose901 Alumni and graduate of Collegiate School of Memphis—and current student at Christian Brothers University.
Helloooo! I am a 21-year-old college student, born-and-raised in Memphis, Tennessee. As an Enneagram Type 2, I am passionate about helping local youth, and I am motivated by inspiring others and putting a smile on people’s faces. I like to go bowling and have fun with my friends, and I get excited about photography, marketing, and mentoring. I believe that I am unique, because I am truly passionate and ambitious about everything that I do.
We Sat down with NexGen Nashayla Yancey to discover more about her backstory and big dreams for the future.
At this point, you're a partner school personality! What schools did you attend, and when did we enter the picture?
I attended New Hope Christian Academy for elementary school and The Collegiate School of Memphis for middle and high school. During my junior year, I was introduced to the Choose901: Alumni team who told us about jobs, internships, resume training, networking events, and more happening in Memphis. This introduction sparked a relationship and connection that I still have as a current college senior.
OMG, a College Senior?? It's the Final Countdown! How's it Going? What's the Tea?
I’m double majoring in Management and Marketing at Christian Brothers University in Memphis, TN.
To keep the list “short,” I am a President’s Ambassador, Orientation Guide, Resident Assistant, Peer Mentor, First Generation Student Programming Mentor, SERVE Fellow, Community Engagement Chair for the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), and I serve on the Executive Board for our Black Student Association (BSA). Additionally, I was awarded the Outstanding Peer Mentor Award and Outstanding Community Servant Award in April of 2023.
A College Senior Already?? It's the Final Countdown! How's it Going?
I am double majoring in Management and Marketing at Christian Brothers University in Memphis, TN.
To keep the list short, I am a President’s Ambassador, Orientation Guide, Resident Assistant, Peer Mentor, First Generation Student Programming Mentor, SERVE Fellow, Community Engagement Chair for the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), and I serve on the Executive Board for our Black Student Association (BSA). Additionally, I was awarded the Outstanding Peer Mentor Award and Outstanding Community Servant Award in April of 2023.
Okay Campus Engagement! We love to see it. What's the Plan Post-Grad?
After graduation, I want to pursue a career in Marketing. I would love to become a Marketing Director at a nonprofit organization. I mainly want to be in a space that I love, doing what I am passionate about— forming relationships and connections with youth, while incorporating marketing and photography within my career.
Tell Us More About Your Passions. What Drives You?
I am passionate about empowering others through mentorship as I truly believe every person in life can benefit from having a mentor. Whether old, young, male, female, established in their career, or just starting out, I believe mentoring can mold a person into who they were meant to be. Being guided in the right direction, receiving words of wisdom, and creating connections makes me happy. I love making an impact on others as a mentor at CBU and The Carpenter Art Garden.
Tell Us More About Your Passions. What Drives You?
I am passionate about empowering others through mentorship as I truly believe every person in life can benefit from having a mentor. Whether old, young, male, female, established in their career, or just starting out, I believe mentoring can shape and mold a person into who they were meant to be. Being guided in the right direction, receiving words of wisdom, and creating connections makes me happy. I love making an impact on others as a mentor at CBU and my service site at The Carpenter Art Garden.
We bet You're a Huge Inspiration to Others. Who Inspires You?
My great uncle, Napoleon Yancey. He is a motivated, ambitious man who reaches for the stars, and an amazing entrepreneur who has been in the business for 20+ years. He owns Yancey’s Smoking Good Food, a local food truck that serves thousands of people in the Memphis area at local events like the Delta Fair, Memphis in May, and more. I have worked alongside him for at least five years, and I am inspired by him every day. I’m constantly learning from him, and he always encourages me to do my best and stay true to who I am.
Staying True to Yourself Has Led You Here. What Made You Pursue NexGen?
I wanted to complete another marketing and communications internship before my senior year of college started. My internship served as a trial run for what I want for myself after graduation. I wanted to be sure that marketing is what I am meant to be doing. Additionally, I love Choose901: Alumni—both being at their office and learning from everyone there. I hope to gain meaningful knowledge throughout this experience. I want to be challenged and soak it all in.
Staying True to Yourself Has Led You Here. What Made You Pursue NexGen?
I wanted to complete another marketing and communications internship before my senior year of college started. My internship served as a trial run for what I want for myself after graduation. I wanted to be sure that marketing is what I am meant to be doing. Additionally, I love Choose901: Alumni—both being at their office and learning from everyone there. I hope to gain meaningful knowledge throughout this experience. I want to be challenged and soak it all in.
Someone Once Said, "To Be a Great Leader, Don't Be a Genius. Be a Sponge & a Stone." How's this Experience Helping You Grow Personally and Professionally?
As an intern in the Communications Department at Youth Villages, I’ve:
- Presented ideas and strategies on the best way to rebrand Youth Villages’ Careers Instagram account.
- Managed the creation of the new Youth Villages Intern Handbook.
- Strategized and organized marketing collateral for Giving Tuesday and the new YV TikTok account.
But most importantly, I have surrounded myself with passionate people who truly care about youth in Memphis, which directly aligns with my values and career goals.
Additionally, as a NexGen fellow, I have learned more about professionalism and financial literacy from pros like those at Simmons Bank who walked us through everything from home-ownership to saving money and stock investments.
Sounds like You're Ready For Your Next Chapter! With That Said, Any Advice for the Next Group of NexGen Fellows?
Advocate for yourself, and don’t shy away from a challenge. Try something that you’ve never done before. Stay positive and approach every day with an open mind—and always enter a room with confidence and determination, even on your worst days.
Sounds like You're Ready For What Comes Next! With That Said, Got Any Advice for the Next Group of NexGen Fellows?
- Advocate for yourself.
- Don’t be afraid to be challenged.
- Try something that you’ve never done before.
- Stay positive and approach every day with an open mind.
- Always enter a room with confidence and determination, even on your worst days.
Memphis advances when we work together to pour into rising young talent, like NexGen Nashayla Yancey, who care about the future of this city.
We are always looking for new opportunities for our next round of NexGen interns! Interested in learning more about the program? Want to play an active role in building a better Memphis?
