who we are
staff & board
Meet the staff and board of UAC.
Meet the staff and board of UAC.
Lakeisha Edwards is a dynamic leader in the arts and nonprofit sectors, dedicated to fostering inclusivity, empowering artists, and transforming communities through public art. A native of Covington, Tennessee, she serves as Executive Director of the UrbanArt Commission (UAC) in Memphis.
She holds degrees in Social Work and Psychology from the University of Memphis and has led initiatives in child support services, food security, and arts advocacy. Before joining UAC, she served as Executive Director of Art Ventures in Fayetteville, Arkansas, where she championed artist development, arts education, and community engagement. She also has extensive experience in public service, having worked as Operations Manager for Maximus Child Support Services, overseeing policy implementation and program operations.
Lakeisha is a graduate of the BLDG Memphis City Builders Cohort, a Small Business Council Member with the Greater Memphis Chamber of Commerce, and a member of the Memphis Cultural Coalition, the Medical District Park Advisory Committee, and the Junior League of Memphis. She also lends her expertise as a grant reviewer for the National Endowment for the Arts and the Tennessee Arts Commission.
Her leadership at UAC has been recognized by the Memphis Business Journal for advancing diversity in business, and she was featured in Memphis Magazine’s “Who’s Who” for 2024. She was recently interviewed by Forbes magazine for her role in bringing Monuments to Motherhood to Memphis—an initiative by artist Molly Gochman that honors caregivers through powerful, interactive public art.
In October 2024, she served as one of four judges for The Beauty of Change: The Frances Dancy Hooks Art Award & Exhibition at the Benjamin L. Hooks Institute for Social Change, reviewing submissions that explored transformation, resilience, and inspiration through visual storytelling. She was also a featured speaker at Dixon Gallery & Gardens’ “Women in the Arts” event, where she participated in the panel discussion “Don’t Go Baroque: Supporting Yourself as a Visual Artist.”
A respected voice in leadership and community engagement, Lakeisha has facilitated leadership and team-building sessions, including presenting “Harmony and Hustle: Balancing Team Building with Peak Performance” at the New Memphis Leadership Summit. She has also shared insights on the intersection of arts, culture, and business as a panelist for New Memphis’ “Celebrate What’s Right: Creative Economics!”
e :: lakeisha@uacmem.org
p :: 901.552.3934
Kelly Seagraves, a Memphis native, joined the UAC team in July 2024. As an experienced nonprofit professional, interdisciplinary artist, freelance designer, and small business owner, Kelly brings a unique blend of creativity and strategic insight to our organization. With expertise in nonprofit fundraising, donor relations, communications, and digital content creation, her passion is in creating opportunities for underrepresented individuals and groups to express themselves and build community through art.
Kelly’s passion for community development, paired with her artistic flair, aligns well with the impactful work we do at UAC.
e :: kelly@uacmem.org
p :: 901.209.4108
Kayla J. Smith-Hardy joined the UAC team in March 2023. Proudly born and raised in Memphis, she cherishes the unique history and culture of the city. She is a relational community organizer, facilitator, and social impact leader. Kayla J. is the Founder of Lilac Impact Services, LLC- a consultancy where social impact meets strategic goals. Kayla J. is a 2021 M.Div graduate from Harvard University. Her senior master thesis, “Something is Happening in Memphis”: Black Spirituality and Culture of Resilience in Memphis, Tennessee guides her love for exploring and connecting with Memphians and our experiences. She is also a 2018 graduate of Birmingham-Southern College, majoring in Human Rights and Justice. Kayla J. is a graduate of the National Civil Rights Museum: Unpacking Racism for Action- Cohort 7. She grounds her work in womanism, transformative justice, and community engagement.
e :: kayla@uacmem.org
p :: 901.343.6983
Richard Echols, a proud native of Memphis, TN, joined the UAC team in June of 2022. Growing up in Memphis exposed Richard to various forms of art such as poetry, music, and visual art. This early exposure sparked his interest in drawing people, a passion that has remained central to his practice. Richard attended Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU), where he earned a B.S. in Art Practices, focusing on painting and art education. His collegiate experience deepened his commitment to mentorship, which continues to shape his teaching philosophy.
In May 2021, Richard earned his MFA in Painting from the University of Memphis. Throughout his time in Memphis, he has exhibited at The Art Museum of the University of Memphis, Crosstown Arts, Dixon Gallery and Gardens, and The Brooks Museum. In addition to his work as a painter and educator, Richard is also a freelance photographer and videographer, extending his artistic practice into digital media.
e :: richard@uacmem.org
p :: 901.881.8205
Travis Washington joined the UAC team in the Summer of 2022. He is an interdisciplinary mix-media artist from somewhere in the heart of Memphis, TN. His early love of the creative arts came from watching his grandmothers sewing practice and his other family members creative illustrations and graffiti murals in Memphis. Travis would go on to attend Middle Tennessee State University where he would receive his Bachelors in Fine Arts and minor in Graphic Design. From there he would attend the University of Memphis and receive his Masters of Fine Arts. Currently his is a published medical illustrator and continues his personal art practice in the great city of Memphis.
e :: travis@uacmem.org
p :: 901.221.4077
Nefertiti Orrin is a native Memphian whose passion for Conservation has led her to become the Executive Director at Clean Memphis. Her work is fueled by her deep belief that empowered and engaged people can bring about transformative change in the communities where they live, work, and play. With over fifteen years experience as an educator and a champion for education reform, Nefertiti took on leadership roles Community LIFT, United Way, The New Teacher Project, and Partners in School Innovation based in Chicago. She was also the Managing Director of Alumni Leadership for Teach for America and was handpicked to present on Alumni Engagement at the annual TFA Alumni Leadership Conference. Her mission is to ensure there are targeted resources funneled to under-resourced neighborhoods to create sustainable and thriving communities.
Mary Haizlip is an architect and principal of Haizlip Studio, one of the top design firms of museums and discovery centers dedicated to the education of children and families. She is a native Memphian and graduated Magna Cum Laude with a degree in Engineering Technology from The UoM. Mary parlayed her considerable talents in math, science, and design into management expertise and inspired art direction for complex architecture and exhibit design projects. After graduating from Leadership Memphis in 2009, Mary broadened her professional interest in educating children into a volunteer interest in improving the lives of children in danger. She became actively involved with Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA), an organization that trains and supports community volunteers to advocate for abused and neglected children in the Juvenile Court system and served as a CASA board member. Mary also serves as a volunteer Ambassador for the Memphis Child Advocacy Center, helping promote public awareness and Stewards of Children training which works to prevent child sexual abuse. She served on the Board of Directors for the Memphis and West TN chapter of American Institute of Architects (AIA) since 2011 and in 2015 led the organization as President. She is currently a board member of the TN state chapter of the AIA. In 2012, Mary developed and organized the Architect’s Bike Tour to promote community wellness through art and architecture. Alongside fellow board member, Kerry Hayes, Mary was a part of the Bosco’s Cycling Team, raising funds for the National MS Society. She is also a member of the Marx-Bensdorf competitive cycling team. She and her husband, Reb, live in midtown Memphis.
Laura Gray McCann has joined 4F Design as Director of Strategic Development, where she will deepen the firm's relationships with employees, clients and the community. She is a graduate of Rhodes College and holds a Master of Letters in the history of art and art world practice from Christie's Education in London and a certificate in art and business from Sotheby's Institute of Art, London. She has worked as a freelance art consultant and serves on the board of the Urban Art Commission. She has worked as vice president of marketing and communications for Perkins-Everitt Lighting and Controls, as assistant director for the American Institute of Architects Memphis chapter and in the curatorial department at Dixon Gallery and Gardens.
David Schwartz is an expert in financial planning with years of experience in corporate strategy...
Jen Prudhome Booker is the Vice President of Brand Development at Memphis Brand. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Merchandising and Design from California State University, Long Beach (CSULB), a Master of Business Administration from Columbia Southern University, and a Certificate in Entrepreneurship from Cornell University. With over 15 years of experience as a proven digital experience professional, her creative and strategic initiatives have supported global brands, including Halston, Ben Sherman, Tretorn, Black Halo, Diamonds International, and Bluefly. Notably, she was the first African American Senior Ecommerce Manager of Fashion and Beauty for Rakuten, a disruptor in the ecommerce industry founded in Japan. Her six-year career at AutoZone began in 2019, where she supported business-to-business (B2B) projects as a Commercial Ecommerce Product Owner. In 2022, Jen became the first Senior Manager of Digital Site Experience for AutoZone.com. In this role, she led teams in coordinating promotional, ecommerce, and investor relations assets for AutoZone.com. She also served as the Senior Manager of Direct Marketing, driving communication strategies that reached millions of customers through email and text messaging platforms. Jen is deeply committed to community service and supports a diverse range of nonprofit, civic, and non-governmental organizations. She is a Lifetime Member of Leadership Tennessee, a Board Member for the UrbanArt Commission, a member of the City of Memphis Public Art Oversight Committee, a member at the Brooks Museum, and a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. Her commitment to the progress and vitality of Memphis has shaped her work, community involvement, and collaborative spirit.
Kristen Rambo is an artist and the communications manager at Dixon Gallery and Gardens. A native Memphian, she is passionate about supporting the local arts community. She studied painting and art history at Memphis College of Art and has maintained an active studio practice since graduating in 2012. She loves spending time with her family, friends, and, most recently, her new baby.
Robby Grant is the Executive Director of WYXR 91.7FM, a non-profit community radio station he co-founded in 2020 to amplify Memphis' cultural voice. A lifelong Memphian and passionate advocate for music and the arts, Robby combines creativity and leadership to build meaningful connections within the community. Before leading WYXR, Robby served as Vice President of Digital Development & Technology at Archer, where he spent over a decade guiding innovative projects and honing his expertise in digital strategy and problem-solving.An accomplished musician, Robby has been involved in projects like Vending Machine, Mouserocket, and Mellotron Variations, which received support from the National Endowment for the Arts and was featured on NPR’s Tiny Desk series.
Cory grew up near Fayetteville, Arkansas and graduated from Rhodes College and the University of Memphis School of Law. He started his legal career in corporate law, but soon transitioned to the government and social services sector. His love of art began when he was an exchange student in Germany and was able to visit the many galleries in many countries while there. In his spare time he enjoys hiking, reading, and playing with his dog.
Jessica Mosley is a native Memphian who is passionate about empowering diverse communities and promoting equitable growth. As Director of Community Development at the Greater Memphis Chamber, she spearheads initiatives to strengthen local neighborhoods, creative industries, and build a more just and inclusive local economy with opportunities for all. Jessica's leadership was recognized in 2022 when she was named one of the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives' Top 40 Under 40 Emerging Leaders Shaping the Chamber Industry. More recently, she has been awarded as one of Memphis Business Journal's 2024 40 Under 40 honorees. Before joining the Chamber, Jessica consulted on the Memphis 3.0 Comprehensive Plan while working for Self+Tucker Architects. She has donated her time extensively over the years, involving herself with organizations like the Greater Memphis Chamber Young Professionals Council, Junior Achievement's Young Professionals Board, and Memphis Urban League Young Professionals. She is also a member of Leadership Tennessee NEXT Class VI. Outside of work, Jessica remains an active volunteer. She serves on boards such as the City of Memphis Multicultural Advisory Board and Louisiana State University’s Young Alumni Advisory Council. She supports organizations including the Hattiloo Theater, Collage Dance Collective, Memphis Brooks Museum of Art, Arts Memphis and St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Jessica finds balance through yoga, which she enjoys both practicing and teaching. She also renews on walks around Overton Park with her husband Jonathan and their furry companions Eli and Sunny. Jessica is dedicated to helping improve the quality of life for all through her diverse professional and personal commitments.
UrbanArt's development would not have been possible without the dedicated efforts of its Board supporters throughout its history. The following individuals have been instrumental to fulfilling UrbanArt's mission.
Kojo McLennon, Natalie Chamoun, Ashley Finch, Dr. Russ Wigginton, Ed Wallis, Harley Steffens, Desiree Lyles Wallace, Tonya Meeks, Rachel Knox, Lee West Morris, Andrew Phillips, Joel Halpern, Anna Wunderlich, Marina Pacini, Kerri Hayes, Robert Fogelman, Charles Shipp, Kristin Newman, Kevin Sharp, Amanda Goetze, Jim Lenschau, Kim Williams, Mary Jane Fuller, Jason Yarbro, Jeff Hudson, Krystal Johnson, Susan Adler-Thorpe, Kathy Albers, Barbara Andrews, Regena Bearden, Jack Belz, Patricia Bladon, Earl Blankenship, Rusty Bloodworth, Kirkpatrick Bobo, Doug Carpenter, Coleman Coker, Carol Coletta, Shannon Dixon, Phil Dotson, Hallie Elliot, Jay Etkin, Barbara Feibelman, Mott Ford, Michelle Fowlkes, Diane Goldstein, Leslie Gower, Cynthia Ham, Nicole Haney, Iris Harkavy, Sutton Mora Hayes, Will Hergenrader, Ethele Hilliard, Carey Hoffman, George Hunt, Kristi Jernigan, Chris Jones, Tom Jones, Dan Keel, Anne Keesee, John Kelley, Angie King, Brian Kuhn, Lisa Kurts, Scott Ledbetter, Baylor Ledbetter-Stovall, Mary Lowery, Leslie Leubbers, Jim Lutz, Jermoe Makowsky, Susan Mallory, Rick Masson, David McCarthy, Janie McCrary, Anne McGrew, Bryan Miller, Brenda Morris Partee, Dexter Muller, Greely Myatt, Jeffery Nesin, Alan New, Jackie Nichols, Robert Norcross, Chip Pankey, Beverly Perkins, Ken Plunk, Ray Pohlman, Biggs Powell, Linda Rendtorff, Frank Ricks, Diane Rudner, Nichole Saulsberry-Scarboro, Leslie Saunders, Ray Schultz, Peggy Seessel, Narquenta Sims, Ritchie Smith, Gregory Smithers, Ed Stanton, Melissa Taylor, Michael Thompson, Caroll Todd, Bob Towery, Ephraim Urevbu, Lisa Vasser, Jim Wallace, Robert Werle, Rosalyn Willis, Luke Yancy, Chantel Drake, Joel Parsons, and Amelia Thompson.