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One September afternoon, a collection of businesspeople gathered at a downtown office. They represented everyone from Amazon to the Titans, aviation to real estate, government officials to CEOs to nonprofit executives. More than once, a variation of this comment was made: “I just go where Jacky tells me to.” It was followed with a smile and a laugh — but the speakers also meant what they said. That’s the kind of influence Akbari has accumulated. Simply put, she convenes decision-makers, and they show up. Her clients have ranged from Bridgestone to Vanderbilt, Amazon to Nissan, AllianceBernstein to Mars Petcare. Her passions are workforce development and inclusive economic development, which are on the tip of the tongue of countless executives and city officials.

Paul Young, a lifelong Memphian, is a dynamic leader deeply invested in the betterment of his community. Born and raised in the vibrant city, Paul grew up as one of three children in the esteemed household of Bishop William and Pastor Dianne Young from the Healing Center Full Gospel Baptist Church. Growing up in the Oakhaven neighborhood, Paul’s journey has been intertwined with the fabric of Memphis since day one.

Educated within the Memphis school system, Paul attended Oakhaven Elementary School, Snowden Junior High School, and East High School. With a thirst for knowledge and a drive to make a difference, he pursued higher education at the University of Tennessee-Knoxville (UTK), where he became a member of the esteemed Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. It was at UTK that Paul discovered his passion for serving others and met his partner in life, Dr. Jamila Smith-Young. At UTK, Paul earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering, marking the beginning of his journey towards becoming a transformative figure in Memphis.

Recognizing the importance of holistic urban development, Paul pursued two graduate degrees at the University of Memphis. He obtained a Master’s in City & Regional Planning, equipping him with the knowledge and expertise to shape sustainable urban landscapes. Additionally, he earned a Master of Science in Business Administration, solidifying his understanding of effective leadership and management strategies.

Before serving as Mayor of Memphis, Paul was the President and CEO of the Downtown Memphis Commission (DMC), an organization tasked with driving economic and community development in the Central Business Improvement District. Leading the charge in creating a vibrant and prosperous downtown area, Paul was dedicated to ensuring that the district’s success rippled out to benefit the entire region. Through strategic initiatives, collaborative partnerships, and forward-thinking approaches, Paul made a tangible impact on Memphis’ growth and revitalization.

Paul’s passion for community service has been unwavering throughout his career. Prior to his role at the DMC, he served as the Director of the City of Memphis Division of Housing and Community Development (HCD). In this capacity, Paul spearheaded city-wide community development initiatives, overseeing the administration of a substantial annual budget sourced from federal and local funding. His commitment to fostering equitable development and enhancing the lives of residents was evident in every endeavor.

Before his tenure at HCD, Paul held the position of Director of Legislative Affairs in the Mayor’s Office of Shelby County Government. Advocating for the county’s interests at the federal, state, and local levels, he effectively represented the community’s voice. Paul’s deep-rooted dedication to environmental sustainability was reflected in his role as Administrator for the Memphis and Shelby County Office of Sustainability. Guided by a strategic framework, Paul championed initiatives that promoted green practices and positioned Memphis as a leader in sustainable urban development.

Throughout his career, Paul has held various positions that have shaped his extensive skill set. From serving as a Legislative Liaison for the Shelby County Office of Legislative Affairs to working as a Financial Analyst with Community Capital, his experience spans multiple sectors. As an Assistant Program Officer for the Local Initiatives Support Corporation and an Associate Planner for the Memphis and Shelby County Division of Planning and Development, he consistently demonstrated his commitment to effecting positive change.