Urban League of Middle Tennessee

We invite you to join us on Thursday, February 27, 2025, for our 57th Annual Equal Opportunity Day (EOD) Luncheon, to be held at the Music City Center in downtown Nashville. Our theme for this year’s event is Defend Democracy, Demand Diversity, and Defeat Poverty…Now more than ever. For tickets and sponsorship opportunities, contact Janet Kincherlow-Martin at jmartin@ulmt.org We’re looking forward to seeing you on February 27th and sharing this day of celebration with you.

Happy New Year from the Urban League of Middle Tennessee! We wish you a year filled with empowerment, growth, and community impact. Let's continue creating opportunities and fostering positive change and pledge to make 2025 the best year ever for the Urban League of Middle Tennessee and the communities we serve. Thank you for joining us in the movement!

Ten local small businesses are participating in this year’s Next Level - Nashville program, sponsored by the Urban League of Middle Tennessee (ULMT) and funded through a Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) grant with additional support provided by US Bank and Wells Fargo. The program consists of 14 sessions conducted over seven months, culminating in a comprehensive, customized 3-year Strategic Growth Action Plan and provides a hands-on executive education program for small business owners, arming them with the knowledge, management know-how, and networks necessary to grow and sustain their businesses. Companies selected for the current class include this week’s featured business, Resolve to Evolve, led by founder and motivational speaker Nikki L. Garry. Nikki says, “At Resolve To Evolve, LLC, we up-level organizations by empowering their constituents to reach new heights through a holistic approach to both personal and professional growth. Our mission is to inspire individuals to evolve into the best version of themselves.” The company specializes in delivering transformational and motivational keynotes as well as innovative and engaging group training sessions, primarily targeting college students and entry-to-mid-level professionals. Their services are consistently praised as “dynamic, impactful, inspiring, life-changing, and unforgettable,” bringing passion, energy, value, and practical insights to every audience. “Our RESOLVE framework was created to inspire individuals and organizations to evolve and reach new heights. Each of our impactful speaking topics is customized to address key areas of personal and professional growth. What sets us apart is our unwavering commitment to our core values – Passion, Agility, a Christian worldview, and Excellence – or as we call it, setting the PACE for success,” Nikki adds. Resolve. Evolve. Repeat. For more information, contact Nikki at the following: Phone: 217-972-2788 or Email: Nikki@ResolveToEvolveToday.com

Helping our neighbors is important to the Urban League of Middle Tennessee. We care about our neighbors- it's the motivation behind empowering communities and changing lives. With your support, we are empowered to provide workforce employment services over the days, weeks, and months ahead for our neighbors. “We are stronger together.” If you have not had the opportunity to make your gift to the Urban League of Middle Tennessee and wish to donate or if you wish to make an additional investment, 𝐓𝐎𝐌𝐎𝐑𝐑𝐎𝐖, 𝐃𝐄𝐂𝐄𝐌𝐁𝐄𝐑 𝟑𝟏 is the last day in 2024 to make your end-of-the-year, tax-deductible commitment. As a loyal friend and supporter of the mission and work of the Urban League of Middle Tennessee (ULMT), your investment truly does make a difference! For the past 56 years, ULMT has served our region with programs focused on workforce and economic development; housing; education and youth leadership; and civic and community engagement, and your support will help ensure that this great organization's work will continue. To make your gift TODAY, click on this link: https://lnkd.in/e2E3QxN9 Your support and investment are impactful and invaluable, and we thank you for all that you do.

SAVE THE DATE: Plan now to join us on Thursday, February 22, 2024, for our 56th Annual Equal Opportunity Day (EOD) Luncheon, to be held at the Music City Center. For tickets and sponsorship opportunities, contact Janet Kincherlow-Martin at jmartin@ulmt.org

Ten local small businesses are participating in this year’s Next Level - Nashville program, sponsored by the Urban League of Middle Tennessee (ULMT) and funded through a Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) grant with additional funding provided by US Bank and Wells Fargo. The program consists of 14 sessions conducted over seven months, culminating in a comprehensive, customized 3-year Strategic Growth Action Plan. Often referred to as a “Streetwise MBA”, Next Level is a hands-on executive education program for small business owners, providing them with the knowledge, management know-how, and networks necessary to grow and sustain their businesses. Companies selected for the current class include The Kupcake Barr, the passion of owner Nakeya Belser. Here’s more from Nakeya about the company. “My name is Nakeya, affectionately known as Kupcake Keya, and I’m the proud Founder and CEO of The Kupcake Barr. As a single mother of five, I started this journey in 2016 after giving birth to my third child. At the time, I was working a dead-end job that left me overworked, underpaid, and praying for a way to become my own boss so I could be more present in my children's lives. I had always loved baking, so when a father at church commented that my sweet treats were packaged perfectly for selling, I knew that was the answer to my prayers. From that moment, I built The Kupcake Barr with a mission to empower single mothers like myself, showing them that financial independence is possible through passion and hard work. Today, my business is a platform for innovation and empowerment, known for creative treats like the Nashville Hot Chicken Kupcake, which became a local hit after debuting at the Nashville Hot Chicken Festival. I continue to serve my community through my baked goods, offering unique creations, while striving to uplift and support other single moms along the way.” For more information on the Kupcake Barr, visit their website at www.thekupcakebarr.com, on all social media platforms @TheKupcakeBarr, or call 615-300-6700.

Merry Christmas wishes from the Board and staff of The Urban League of Middle Tennessee! Enjoy your holiday!!

As we celebrate this season of giving, we reflect on the challenges many of our neighbors face and reaffirm our commitment to empowering communities and changing lives. With your support, we help families achieve economic dignity, build brighter futures, and overcome obstacles. Together, we are stronger—and together, we make a lasting impact. If you haven’t yet made your year-end, tax-deductible gift—or would like to contribute again—there’s still time. Visit www.ulmt.org and click the red investment button at the top of the page. Your generosity helps us continue this vital work. From our Board of Directors and staff, we wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Thank you for being part of our journey to empower Middle Tennessee.

February 2025 Expungement Clinic, hosted by the Urban League of Middle Tennessee and the Davidson County Criminal Court Clerk’s office. Clear Your Record & Open New Doors. If you have Davidson County records, this is your chance to get a fresh start! Date: Thursday, February 20, 2025 Time: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM Location: Urban League of Middle Tennessee Don't miss this opportunity to remove barriers to employment, housing, and more. Our team will be on hand to help you through the process. Register today and take the first step towards a brighter future https://bit.ly/4frXrAJ

Since its inception, the ULMT Advancing Workforce Equity team has served close to 8,000 Davidson County residents, providing program participants with training in such areas as Construction, Healthcare, IT, Hospitality, Job Readiness, Soft Skills, Resume’ Writing and Interviewing Techniques, Conflict Resolution, and Mental Health and Emotional Awareness as well as job upskilling and career development. During this time, the team has assisted more than 350 Davidson County citizens in gaining employment in livable wage positions, with an economic impact of more than $4 million annually, helping to improve unemployment, housing, transportation, crime, and food insecurities in our community. If you or someone you know require training, upskilling, or a new job/career, contact our Advancing Workforce Equity department at 615/254-0525 or visit our website at https://lnkd.in/egwu3qdc.