Executive Director
Lakeisha Edwards
Lakeisha brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to fostering creativity and cultural enrichment within the Memphis community.
A Covington, Tennessee native and alumna of the University of Memphis with Bachelor degrees in Social Work and Psychology, Lakeisha Edwards has demonstrated her dedication to community development throughout her career. With a decade-long tenure culminating as the Operations Manager for Shelby County's Child Support Services, Lakeisha honed her skills in organizational management and community service.
Lakeisha's extensive involvement in the community includes serving on the Shelby County’s Mayor’s Young Professional Council, the founding board of Leadership Preparatory Charter School, and the Junior League of Memphis as the Fund Development Coordinator. In 2021, she assumed the role of Executive Director at Art Ventures, a nonprofit art gallery, where she focused on artist representation, art education, and community collaboration.Her passion for supporting local artists and enriching the arts and culture ecosystem earned Lakeisha recognition as “Ones to Watch” by Celebrate Arkansas in 2023 and by the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette in 2022. Lakeisha has continued to contribute to the arts landscape through her roles on the City of Fayetteville Arts Council, Fayetteville Public Library Art Committee, and the ULI Art in Place Global Cohort for NW Arkansas.
e :: lakeisha@uacmem.org
Operations manager
Mallory B. Key
Mallory began supporting the UAC team as Operations Manager in October 2022. Her love of Memphis and appreciation of the arts drew her to this role. She previously owned and operated a small residential renovation business and most recently served her community as an educator.
Before earning a Master of Science in Elementary Education from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville in 2011, she earned a Bachelor of Art in Psychology and also completed fine arts coursework. She enjoys drawing and painting and has been commissioned to create numerous playful pet portraits. As a native Memphian, Mallory delights to see a flourishing Memphis and proudly supports UAC’s mission and vision.
e :: mallory@uacmem.org
p :: 901.209.4108
Development Officer
Mary Kathryn Davis
Mary Kathryn joined the UAC team in the Summer of 2022 in a part time capacity to uplift our Communications and Development Manager. She has experience in fundraising for the arts and arts organizations, previously supporting efforts at the Dixon Gallery and Gardens. Mary Kathryn studied classics and history at Samford University and holds a Masters in Art and Museum Studies at Georgetown University in D.C.
e :: marykathryn@uacmem.org
p :: 901.871.1729
Sr. Program manager
Kayla J. Smith-Hardy
Kayla J. Smith-Hardy joined the UAC team in March 2023. Proudly born and raised in Memphis, she cherishes the unique history and culture of the city. She is a relational community organizer, facilitator, and social impact leader. She has been an Orange Mound neighborhood connector as well as a Program Manager, and event coordinator. Kayla J. is a 2018 graduate of Birmingham-Southern College, majoring in Human Rights and Justice. She is also a 2021 M.Div graduate from Harvard Divinity. Her senior master thesis, “Something is Happening in Memphis”: Black Spirituality and Culture of Resilience in Memphis, Tennessee guides her love for exploring and connecting with Memphians and our experiences. Kayla J. grounds her work in womanism, transformative justice, and community engagement.
e :: kayla@uacmem.org
p :: 901.343.6983
Program manager
Richard J. Echols
Richard Echols, a proud native of Memphis, TN, joined the UAC team in June of 2022. Growing up in Memphis exposed Richard to various forms of art such as poetry, music, and visual art. Exposure to art early on sparked Richard’s interest in drawing people. From an early age, Richard had a strong interest in drawing people. Later, Echols attended Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) and obtained his B.S. in Art Practices. MTSU is where Mr. Echols studied painting and art education. During his collegiate experience, Richard became invested in mentorship, and that shapes his teaching philosophy. Richard earned his MFA in Painting from the University of Memphis (UofM) in May 2021. During his time in his time in Memphis, he has exhibited art at The Art Museum of the University of Memphis, Crosstown Arts, Dixon Galleries, and The TONE Art gallery. Post- Graduation, Richard has dedicated his time as an adjunct drawing instructor for the U of M and as a resident artist for the Crosstown Arts Residency Program.
e :: richard@uacmem.org
p :: 901.221.4077
Program manager
Travis C. Washington
Travis Washington joined the UAC team Summer 2022. He is an interdisciplinary mix-media artist from somewhere in the heart of Memphis, TN. His early love of the creative arts came from watching his grandmothers sewing practice and his other family members creative illustrations and graffiti murals in the around Memphis. Travis would go on to attend Middle Tennessee State University where he would receive his Bachelors in Fine Arts and minor in Graphic Design. From there he would attend the University of Memphis and receive his Masters of Fine Arts. Currently his is a published medical illustrator and continues his personal art practice in the great city of Memphis.
e :: travis@uacmem.org
p :: 901.221.4077
