Her Story
About Ivy
Ivy Pierce is a community engagement and public service professional whose career has been dedicated to strengthening connections between people, organizations, and the city of Memphis. Currently serving as Manager of Stakeholder Engagement at New Memphis, she works to activate, develop, and retain local talent while promoting positive narratives about the city through civic engagement, community service, leadership development, and workforce initiatives. Known for her ability to connect individuals with opportunities and resources, Pierce has built a reputation as a relationship-driven leader committed to fostering collaboration and community growth. Before joining New Memphis, Pierce spent three years with the City of Memphis, where she advanced from Executive Assistant to Legislative Research Analyst. In that role, she conducted policy and legislative research, supported elected officials, assisted with community events, and contributed to the development of initiatives designed to improve public services and civic participation. Her experience in local government deepened her understanding of public policy, governance, and community-centered leadership while reinforcing her passion for public service and advocacy. A graduate of Jackson State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Government, Pierce combines analytical expertise with a strong commitment to community impact. Beyond her professional responsibilities, she serves as Director of Outreach for the Dreams Foundation, holds a leadership role with the Memphis Urban League Young Professionals, and co-founded Homegworlz, a social club designed to empower and connect young women in Memphis. Guided by values of accountability, transparency, faith, and service, Pierce continues to champion initiatives that create opportunities, strengthen communities, and inspire the next generation of civic leaders.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Ivy
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to keeping focus, keeping God first and always remembering the goal. Don't let anything sway you from the goal. You can stop for a while, but you always have to remember to pick yourself back up and keep going. It's about staying focused on what you're trying to achieve and not letting obstacles derail you from your path.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I ever received is that the stars are only a landing point - you can go as far as you want to take it. It's your dreams, it's your world, so how are you to let someone else tell you what you're going to do if it's all you? Basically, believe in yourself. No one can tell you how to live your life. If people say your dreams are too big, they're thinking too small. Don't let anyone tell you what you can or cannot achieve.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this field is to keep going and believe in yourself. If you don't know the right people, go out and meet them. If people say you're too young, show them that you're not. Take time to research and know what they're going to ask before they ask it - over-prepare yourself. Don't be scared. Stand your ground and don't let people dismiss you because of your age or lack of connections. You have to forge your way through even when everyone tells you that you need to be a certain age or know certain people. Just keep going.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Some of the biggest challenges facing young women in this field are being taken seriously because of your age and perceived lack of experience. Another challenge is that sometimes there are places in the world where it goes off of who you know, not what you know. Looking past that and believing in yourself is hard when everyone tells you that you need to be a certain age or you need to know these people, but when you don't and you're still forging your way through, that can be very hard.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me both professionally and personally are accountability, trustworthiness, transparency, and honesty. These principles guide how I interact with others and how I approach my work in service to the community.
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