We’re ecstatic to announce that native Memphian Lyndsey Pender has joined the MLK50 team as our development manager. Pender started last week and will be essential in improving our donor strategy as well as our grants management.
Before joining MLK50, Pender served as senior donor experience research manager at ALSAC/St. Jude. At ALSAC, she managed the execution of multiple customer experience research projects while also leading data analysis to improve fundraising events. Prior to that, she worked for five years at The Works, Inc., a nonprofit that “rebuilds, restores and renews Memphis neighborhoods through innovation, advocacy and collaboration.” She wore multiple hats in her role, conducting research and analysis while also serving as a grant manager to secure funding for the development of Renaissance Pocket Park.
“As a small but mighty development team, we’ve accomplished a lot but also been eager — and ready — to see what a more fully rounded team looks like,” said development director Lupita Parra.
“We are so excited that Lyndsey is joining us as we embark on this new chapter as an organization. Her vast experience with donors and funders, and her enthusiasm about supporting good work in Memphis, are what this team needs to boost our fundraising efforts and stay aligned with our mission while doing so.”
Pender received a bachelor’s in anthropology from Western Kentucky University and a master’s in applied anthropology from the University of Memphis in 2017. In 2022, she was honored by The Memphis Flyer as one of the city’s 20 young professional leaders under 30.
“As a Memphian, I am truly honored to join this amazing team that has already done so much to shift the journalism landscape and uncover the systems that uphold inequity in our city. I believe our work is necessary in ushering in the Memphis of tomorrow — a place where all Memphians can thrive despite their ZIP code, social class or race,” Pender said.
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