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Our Board Members
Our Board of Directors brings deep expertise, leadership, and a shared commitment to equity in education. Their strategic guidance and dedication help drive REACH Memphis forward, ensuring our programs remain impactful, sustainable, and centered on student success.
Ashley Adams
Gadson William Perry
Jennifer Sneed
Brandon Arrindell
Dawn Campbell
Torry Cottle
Mitchell Moskovitz
Warren Milnor
Edward Vaughn
Ken Moody
Kenya Hooks
Our Team
Our team is made up of dedicated educators, mentors, and community leaders who believe in the power of opportunity. Together, we work to support, guide, and uplift our students as they pursue their goals and reach their full potential.
Executive Director
Tiffani Morrow-Smith

“As the Executive Director, I am committed to leading our organization with integrity, ensuring our mission is not just achieved but amplified. I strive to break down barriers and expand opportunities for underrepresented students, equipping them with the skills, knowledge, and resources needed for success. My dedication to collaboration, innovation, & community engagement drives our impact on young people and the broader Memphis community.”
Director of Student Services
Candace Haggans

“As an alum of the program, it has been a pleasure to give back to the new generations of students that have come after me. I take pride in making sure that students become the best possible version of themselves while being a part of this program. I truly believe that this program is a difference maker in our community!”
Director of Admissions & Summer Placements
Nicholas Whiteside

“REACH Memphis is an extraordinary pathway to success. My motto is, ‘You can Make It in Memphis, the goal isn't always to make it out, but to make something out of Memphis.’ I aim to show our students how extraordinary the world is. Encouraging them to share their knowledge gained to make a positive impact in our city.”
College Counselor
Elizabeth Fields

“My goal is to continue the exceptional programming that REACH Memphis provides to high school students and assist in developing new value-added initiatives. I look forward to working closely with our team as we creatively engage our students to ensure successful and productive high school and college careers.”
Programming & Communication Coordinator
Kelian Ortiz Saucedo

“I aim to spotlight the remarkable accomplishments of our national alumni network and current students, showcasing the positive impact they have on our communities. It's essential for others to see and appreciate the significant contributions of our alumni and students. Showing the world; We are REACH Memphis!”

Pictured: Founders Frances Hooks, Jef Dreifus
Our Story
In 1968, amid national unrest following the assassinations of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Robert Kennedy, a Carver High School student was selected to attend a summer program at Phillips Exeter Academy in New Hampshire. For a young person who had never left her neighborhood, this opportunity opened the door to a broader world, and sparked the beginnings of what would become REACH Memphis.
The initiative, launched by Mrs. Frances Hooks and Mr. Jef Dreifus, began as a volunteer effort under the Memphis Volunteer Placement Center and later the Memphis Rotary Foundation. Their goal was simple: give students access to life-changing academic experiences.
In 2007, the program became an independent nonprofit under the name Memphis Prep, officially rebranding as REACH Memphis in 2014 to reflect its values of Responsibility, Excellence, Accountability, Community, and Honor.
Today, REACH Memphis offers summer academic experiences, college counseling, ACT prep, mentoring, and leadership development. Guided by student voice, community partnerships, and dedicated volunteers, we continue to evolve to meet the needs of Memphis students—just as we have for over 50 years.

We encourage students to take ownership of their growth, choices, and future.
Responsibility
We challenge students to strive for their personal best in academics, leadership, and character.
Excellence
We hold ourselves and our students to high standards through honest reflection and follow-through.
Accountability
We foster a supportive network of peers, mentors, families, and partners who uplift one another.
Community
We promote integrity, respect, and pride in all that we do—on campus, at home, and beyond.