The Memphis Urban League (MUL) announces the retirement of its esteemed President and CEO, Tonja Y. Sesley. This marks the end of an extraordinary 18-year journey with MUL, ten of which were spent leading the organization in her role as President & CEO.

Sesley often reflects on her early path with MUL. At the age of twelve, following her older brother, she attended a MUL Summer Camp which led to her first college experience at  LeMoyne Owen College and Southwestern (now Rhodes).  When she found herself unemployed, her mother told her of a hiring fair being hosted by MUL. That propelled her career which she often refers to as ‘ministry’ at MUL. Certainly, she is the face of the constituents the Urban League Movement serves. 

Sesley began her career with MUL in 2005 working to support Workforce and Economic Development initiatives. As a result of her leadership, dedication, and passion for the Urban League Movement, Sesley quickly rose through the ranks to become Director of Programs. As Director of Programs, she managed strategy and direction for Education and Youth Development (EYD) and Workforce and Economic Development (WED) programs.

As President and CEO, Sesley’s visionary leadership transformed MUL into a community hub, providing essential services to the most vulnerable and underrepresented members of the community. Sesley’s community outreach, partnerships with city government, organizations, and stakeholders, have allowed for a greater reach to empower those served by MUL. 

Sesley launched various signature programs and contributed to fundraising and donor cultivation efforts. Under her leadership, she pioneered the organization’s first Save Our Sons (SOS) 5K run, benefitting the Save Our Sons (SOS) program for men ages 18-34, the Seniors Exploring Technology (SET) for our senior population to embrace technology, the Business Entrepreneurship Training Accelerator (BETA) to empower minority business owners, and an array of initiatives that promote pathways for self-sufficiency, economic empowerment, community engagement, equality, power, and civil rights.

During her tenure, Sesley crafted a roadmap to success for MUL, ensuring its continued growth and impact. Her legacy will continue to inspire the organization as it moves forward with its mission of Empowering Communities and Changing Lives.