Knoxville TN, September 26, 2025
News Summary
In Knoxville, Tennessee, 18 young men and women of color celebrated their graduation from the Apex Leadership Initiative, a program aimed at fostering leadership among ethnic minorities. Launched by the Change Center, the six-month curriculum emphasized various aspects of leadership, including community and self-development. The initiative aims to connect participants with experienced mentors to nurture the next generation of leaders. Led by Phil Garrett, the program reflects a commitment to empowering young minority leaders to make a positive impact in their community.
Knoxville, Tennessee – A group of 18 young men and women of color graduated from the Apex Leadership Initiative in Knoxville, Tennessee, on Thursday. This event marked the first graduation of the program, which is offered by the Change Center. The Apex Leadership Initiative is designed to foster leadership among ethnic minority leaders ages 21 to 40 through a comprehensive six-month curriculum focusing on leadership in various aspects including life, family, community, and self-leadership.
The program began in January 2025 and concluded in late June, bringing together individuals eager to develop their leadership skills. The primary aim of the initiative is to provide mentorship opportunities for the next generation of leaders by connecting them with experienced community leaders who can offer valuable insights.
According to the Program Coordinator, there is a strong need for such a program in the community, and the accomplishments of the graduates demonstrate the initiative’s effectiveness. The Apex Leadership Initiative specifically targets young, Black, and Brown leaders who wish to remain in Knoxville. The participants expressed a desire for mentorship and guidance from established leaders in the community.
The Apex Leadership Company, led by Phil Garrett, focuses on child enrichment through fitness events in the Greater Chattanooga and Knoxville areas. Phil Garrett has successfully raised millions for schools through fitness-focused fundraisers, averaging over $27,000 per event. He has a diverse background, having transitioned to franchise entrepreneurship at age 28 after various roles in retail, banking, and as a district executive.
Garrett’s Apex program includes a two-week leadership initiative for schools, incorporating activities like dance, games, and fitness challenges aimed at developing both students and staff into impactful leaders. He acknowledged the significant challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, which disrupted school operations and limited traditional leadership activities.
Garrett advises aspiring entrepreneurs to seek out franchise opportunities that align with their passions, conducting thorough research to ensure a successful match. The young leaders participating in the Apex program are expected to serve as role models for children in schools, highlighting the critical importance of instilling leadership qualities from an early age.
Overall, the Apex Leadership Initiative presents a significant advancement for young leaders of color in Knoxville, providing essential tools and mentorship designed to empower them in their communities.
FAQ
What is the Apex Leadership Initiative?
The Apex Leadership Initiative is a robust six-month leadership program designed to target ethnic minority leaders aged 21 to 40. It focuses on leadership in various aspects including life, family, community, and self-leadership.
When did the first Apex Leadership Initiative program begin?
The program began in January 2025 and concluded in late June of the same year.
How many graduates were there in the inaugural class?
There were 18 young men and women of color who graduated from the inaugural class.
Who leads the Apex Leadership Company?
The Apex Leadership Company is led by Phil Garrett, who focuses on child enrichment through fitness events in the Greater Chattanooga and Knoxville areas.
Key Features of the Apex Leadership Initiative
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Target Audience | Ethnic minority leaders aged 21 to 40 |
| Program Duration | Six months, from January to June |
| Graduates | 18 young men and women of color |
| Leadership Focus | Life, family, community, and self-leadership |
| Mentorship | Connections with experienced community leaders |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Knoxville Residents to Vote on Sales Tax Referendum
Apex Bank Nears $1 Billion in Assets After Years of Growth
Additional Resources
- WBIR: Young Leaders of Color Graduate Knoxville’s Inaugural Apex Program
- Black Enterprise: Apex Leadership Franchise Owner
- Newswire: Apex Revenue Acquires Phone Ready Leads
- Wikipedia: Leadership
- Google Search: Apex Leadership Initiative
Author: STAFF HERE KNOXVILLE WRITER
The KNOXVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREKnoxville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Knoxville, Knox County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Dogwood Arts Festival, Big Ears Festival, and Knoxville Asian Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Knoxville Area Chamber Partnership and United Way of Greater Knoxville, plus leading businesses in healthcare, education, and energy that power the local economy such as Covenant Health, University of Tennessee, and Tennessee Valley Authority. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
