Seeding Success Unveils New Leadership Structure
Memphis, TN — Seeding Success, a leading collective impact organization dedicated to advancing educational outcomes and economic mobility, is proud to announce a new leadership structure designed to enhance its efforts both locally and statewide. This strategic alignment leverages the strengths of two visionary leaders to deepen the organization's reach and drive transformative change across Memphis, Shelby County, and Tennessee.
Mark Sturgis, the founder and CEO of Seeding Success, will continue to lead all statewide system-building efforts and national partnerships. With over a decade of experience in educational transformation and collective impact, Mark remains focused on creating structural solutions that promote equity and opportunity for children and families across the state.
Jamilica Burke, a Memphis native with a passion for education and community empowerment, has been promoted to President. In this role, she will oversee local partnerships and strategic initiatives, and lead the implementation of More for Memphis, a key initiative focused on aligning resources to enhance economic mobility in Memphis and Shelby County. Jamilica brings extensive experience in education, community leadership, and systems change, making her a dynamic addition to Seeding Success’s leadership team.
Together, Mark and Jamilica are set to expand Seeding Success’s impact through a dual approach. Mark’s continued focus on statewide partnerships will build a framework for progress, while Jamilica’s leadership in More for Memphis will strengthen local initiatives that directly benefit families and communities.
"Representation in leadership is crucial to create a future where every child has the chance to succeed," said Mark Sturgis. “With Jamilica’s vision and dedication to Memphis, we are poised to amplify our impact in ways that are truly transformative.”
Jamilica Burke added, “I am truly honored and excited to step into the role of President at Seeding Success. With an incredible team by my side, we are committed to driving meaningful systemic change in our community. By fostering collaboration and aligning policies, practices, and resources, we can ensure that all residents have the opportunity to thrive and achieve better outcomes. Together, we will build a brighter future for Memphis and beyond.”
By fostering collaboration and aligning policies, practices, and resources, we can ensure that all residents have the opportunity to thrive and achieve better outcomes.
— Jamilica Burke
The Seeding Success Board of Directors fully supports this new leadership direction. “The Board is committed to the vision of these two exceptional leaders to drive a future where all children in our city and state succeed, cradle to career. With Mark’s strategic statewide vision and Jamilica’s deep commitment to community-driven solutions, we are confident that this dynamic partnership will expand our reach and deepen our impact, creating lasting change across Tennessee,” said the Board Chair, Michael Fulton.
This new leadership structure positions Seeding Success to address economic mobility on a larger scale, driving systemic change that aligns resources to benefit families across both local and state levels. The organization looks forward to collaborating with its partners to create equitable opportunities for all children and families.
For more information about Seeding Success’s new leadership structure and initiatives, please contact Lisa Williams at lisa@seeding-success.org.