News & Events

Cynthia Ham, Principal and chief PR officer for archer>malmo, has been named President of BRIDGES, the Memphis non-profit known for its leadership work with thousands of Mid-South youth.  

Ham comes to BRIDGES after 15 years with archer>malmo and nearly another decade as Executive Director of the Memphis in May International Festival. A graduate of the University of Memphis, Ham has also served in marketing and advertising directorial roles for Beale Street Historic District and Mud Island River Park.  

She says that the decision to leave archer>malmo was not an easy one to make but that the BRIDGES mission is compelling. “At this juncture in my life, I have a strong desire to give back to the community that has so enriched me,” Ham said. “Accepting this special opportunity allows me to do so and provides more meaning in my life and work.”  

Ham’s official first day is Feb. 15. She accepts the position as BRIDGES celebrates its 90th year of service and enters a new era. The organization has begun an expansion of its Bridge Builders® program to include 6th through 12th graders in order to give more youth access to the life-changing program.  

She replaces Jim Boyd, who led the organization from 1994—when it was called Youth Service of Memphis—through 16 years of growth until October of 2011, when he stepped down to lead The Alzar Foundation.  

Brent Alvord, former chair of the BRIDGES Board of Trustees and head of the search committee that hired Ham, says that she is a particularly good fit for the organization.  

“Cynthia has strong management skills, non-profit experience, a keen marketing mind and an intimate knowledge of the Memphis community,” Alvord said. “The search committee, the board and I believe whole-heartedly that Cynthia is the right person to lead BRIDGES into the future.”

On Monday, Jan. 16 2012, youth from across the Mid-South gathered at the BRIDGES Center - as they have in recent years - to learn about and honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. And while any gathering marking the birthday of the civil rights leader is a special occasion, this was no ordinary Dr. King Day event.

On a day off from school, 356 young people chose not to sleep in, but to gather at BRIDGES to mark Dr. King's birthday - AND to help kick off a year-long celebration of BRIDGES' 90th anniversary. And if that weren't enough, BRIDGES staff used the opportunity to announce the expansion of its Bridge Builders® program to include youth in grades 6-12 - more youth ready and willing to advance justice in Memphis and to help keep King's dream alive and well.

Youth spent Monday morning in activities and exercises that illuminated the history and context of Dr. King’s legacy and dream. Working in 20 small groups they explored how they can advance the justice he fought and died for—in their communities today.

Friends and supporters then gathered in the Wilson Family High Adventure Hall and watched as youth processed into the hall and helped to reveal a 4' by 8' puzzlee that revealed a Memphis cityscape and the BRIDGES logo.

Following the puzzle assembly, staff and students led a candle lighting ceremony illuminating the organization’s 90-year past.

Then the REAL fun started, as staff leaders explained the expanded Bridge Builders® curriculum, which will engage youth in 6th through 12th grades in a variety of activities and experiences that vary in scope and commitment—all designed to expose an increasing number of Memphis youth to the BRIDGES mission and the opportunity to be part of youth-led social change.

On Tuesday, Oct. 18, 2011,  the Wilson Family High Adventure Hall at BRIDGES was the scene of history-in-the-making as 52 participants graduated from the GED/Life Skills Program. If you're keeping score, that's the program's largest graduating class - EVER. Congratulations to each and every grad for your bravery, persistence and hard work!

Each and every graduate has a different story - but they're united by the fact that they made a decision, stuck to it, worked hard and transformed their lives. Graduate Donita Robinson dropped out at 17 and worked for 12 years before deciding to become a nurse.

"I learned that I needed a high school diploma and I knew that the only way would be to get my GED," Donita says. "I enrolled at BRIDGES with a made-up mind and within two weeks, pass the test!"

Donita didn't waste anytime - she's already applied to nursing school and has received a $5,000 per year scholarship to a nursing school in Arkansas. "My classes will begin in February 2012," she says. "I'm so happy!"

Learn more about BRIDGES GED/Life Skills Program.