Civic Engagement Cohort — Community LIFT

Meet the Instructors

Tami Sawyer - Transforming Community Advocacy to Policy

Tami Sawyer, a former Shelby County Commissioner, is a prominent figure in the realm of civil rights activism. Holding a master's degree in rhetorical communication and currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Urban Affairs and Public Policy, she brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her advocacy work. In addition to serving as a county commissioner, Tami has held senior leadership positions within noteworthy organizations such as the US Navy, Teach For America, Black Voters Matter, and Amazon.

As an educator, community leader, and justice advocate, Tami Sawyer has dedicated her life to improving the lives and livelihoods of everyday Shelby County Citizens.

Community LIFT is excited and honored to welcome Tami Sawyer as a session speaker for the Civic Engagement Cohort. We look forward to learning how to take our community advocacy to the halls of power to enact policy that impact the neighborhoods where we live and serve.

Carlissa Shaw, Esq. - Legal Systems

Community LIFT is thrilled to welcome Carlissa Shaw, Esq., as an instructor for our Civic Engagement Cohort. With a distinguished career in law and a passionate commitment to social justice, Carlissa brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to cohort members as an expert in Legal Systems. Her dedication to fostering civic responsibility and empowering individuals to effect change in their communities is truly inspiring.

As an instructor, Carlissa will guide our cohort members through the complexities of civic engagement, equipping them with the tools and understanding necessary to become effective advocates for their communities and the potential legal compliances they should be aware of. We are excited about the valuable perspectives and transformative experiences Carlissa will bring to the class.

Join us in extending a warm welcome to Carlissa Shaw, Esq., as we embark on this journey of empowerment and community betterment together.

Karla Davis, Backbone & Back-office Systems

Community LIFT is thrilled to have Karla Davis, of Prodigy Consulting, as an instructor for our Civic Engagement Cohort. Karla leads our journey into deeper civic involvement and empowerment through a better understanding of operations and back-office processes. Karla brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in non-profit community development, policy development, and civic education. With an unwavering commitment to fostering informed and active community participation, she has designed a lesson that is engaging and transformative in how cohort members think about service delivery.

At Prodigy Consulting, Karla has been instrumental in crafting bespoke solutions for non-profit leaders, making her an invaluable asset to our cohort. Her passion for civic education is contagious, and she is dedicated to nurturing the next generation of community leaders and change-makers.

Join us in welcoming this formidable leader of leaders, our cohort is excited to enhance the civic knowledge, skills, and participation under the expert guidance of Karla Davis.

Sarah Petschonek, Volunteers as Valued Resource

Community LIFT welcomes Dr. Sarah Petschonek to our Civic Engagement Cohort as an esteemed instructor. Dr. Petschonek, the visionary founder and CEO of Volunteer Odyssey, has revolutionized the volunteer landscape in Memphis through VolunteerCompass. This innovative platform enables individuals to find service opportunities that resonate with their passions, connecting them with over 60 non-profit organizations.

Under her leadership, Volunteer Odyssey introduced VolunTour360, the nation's first virtual reality volunteer experience, setting a new standard in how we engage with our communities. Her pioneering journey began with Mission Memphis, a remarkable 30-day volunteer challenge across 30 non-profits, which she vividly shared on her blog, Confessions of a Volunteer. This experience laid the groundwork for Volunteer Bound and a national tour exploring volunteerism in 9 U.S. cities.

Dr. Petschonek's expertise extends beyond her impactful initiatives; she is a distinguished academic, holding a Ph.D. in Industrial Organizational Psychology from the University of Memphis, where she also earned an MS and an MBA. Her work has significantly contributed to our understanding of employee satisfaction, well-being, and organizational culture.

Dr. Petschonek's profound impact and dedication to enhancing volunteer experiences make her an invaluable addition to our cohort.

Meet the Cohort