Agenda

AEI is first and foremost a research institute, producing evidence-based scholarship along with extensive commentary and analysis. But for that scholarship to have impact, AEI needs relationships beyond Washington, DC. Recently, AEI has bolstered its outreach efforts with a concerted focus on bringing scholarship to the state and local levels. On the heels of successful American Dream Initiative convenings in Indiana, Kentucky, and Oklahoma, AEI is excited to host this summit in Memphis, Tennessee, to engage in dynamic discussions, share best practices, and identify actionable solutions that empower individuals and communities to unleash opportunity in the Greater Memphis area.  

• • Andre Fowlkes, President, Start Co.
  • Rebecca Good, Managing Director of Outreach, American Enterprise Institute

According to recent polling, only 36% of Americans believe that the American Dream—the idea that hard work leads to success—still holds true. This marks a sharp decline from nearly 50% in 2016 and 53% in 2012. In response to this shift, the American Enterprise Institute has launched a new initiative to reset the national conversation about the promise of the American Dream. In this session, AEI President Robert Doar will lead a discussion with Mayor Paul Young on what makes them hopeful for America’s future, despite its challenges, and how we can ensure the American Dream remains achievable for all citizens.

• • Paul Young, Mayor, Memphis, Tennessee
  • Robert Doar, President, American Enterprise Institute (Moderator)

Join us for an opening dinner, where regional thought leaders, policymakers, and industry experts will gather to exchange insights, foster partnerships, and explore collaborative opportunities.

Join Robert Doar as he shares AEI’s vision for the summit and previews the day’s agenda, setting the stage for thought-provoking discussions and insights on advancing the American Dream in Memphis.

• • Robert Doar, President, American Enterprise Institute

Every child in Tennessee deserves to know that a path to a successful life exists, and they have the power to follow it. However, many are trapped in cycles of learned helplessness and lack the inspiration to pursue their potential. This session will begin with a presentation by Ian Rowe, who will share insights from AEI’s FREE Initiative, highlighting the role of families, faith communities, educational institutions, and entrepreneurial cultures in shaping a moral fabric that supports children. Following the presentation, he will lead a conversation with community leaders about building an aspirational spirit among Tennessee’s children, empowering them to overcome current challenges and build lives unrestrained by their present realities.

• Sabrina Dawson, Co-Founder and VP of Scale and Innovation, The Collective Blueprint
• Ephie Johnson, Neighborhood Christian Centers, Inc.
• Ian Rowe, Senior Fellow, American Enterprise Institute (Presenter and Moderator)

As artificial intelligence reshapes industries, how will it impact jobs, workforce development, and the future of talent? This session will begin with a presentation by AEI’s John Bailey, who will explore the transformative effects of AI on the labor market—highlighting both challenges and opportunities. Following the presentation, he will lead a discussion with industry leaders and other key stakeholders on topics such as automation, job displacement, new career pathways, and skills training. This session will provide critical insights into AI’s role in shaping the workforce of tomorrow, and how businesses, educators, and policymakers can adapt.

• • John Bailey, Nonresident Senior Fellow, American Enterprise Institute (Presenter and Moderator)
  • Subhash Jha, Associate Professor of Marketing and Supply Chain Management, The University of Memphis
  • Jon-Cody Sokoll, Head of AI Developer Relations & Strategy, Lockheed Martin
  • Audrey P. Willis, Chief Innovation and Program Officer, CodeCrew

A break for lunch to continue conversations with fellow participants before the afternoon sessions begin.

Join Robert Doar in conversation with Frederick Smith, founder and executive chairman of FedEx, as they discuss Mr. Smith’s remarkable journey from building FedEx into a global logistics leader to his ongoing investment in Memphis. Mr. Smith will share his vision for the city’s future, emphasizing the role of infrastructure, innovation, and workforce development in securing long-term prosperity. The session will explore how strategic leadership and community-focused investments can drive economic growth. Do not miss this opportunity to hear Mr. Smith’s insights on Memphis’s path forward and what is needed for continued success.

• • Cameron Sexton, Speaker, Tennessee House of Representatives (Introduction)
  • Frederick W. Smith, Founder and Executive Chairman, FedEx Corporation
  • Robert Doar, President, American Enterprise Institute (Moderator)

Join Edward Pinto and Tobias Peter from AEI’s Housing Center as they present innovative research on unlocking housing abundance in Memphis. This session will explore the critical role of market-driven reforms in addressing the city’s affordable housing challenges. Following the presentation, a panel of housing experts will discuss the implications of AEI’s findings and share their perspectives on effective strategies for achieving sustainable housing growth in Memphis.

• • Jon Gimber, Director of Business Development, ICON
  • Ralph M. Perrey, Executive Director, Tennessee Housing Development Agency
  • Amy Schaftlein, Executive Director, United Housing Inc.
  • Tobias Peter, Senior Fellow, American Enterprise Institute (Moderator)
  • Edward Pinto, Senior Fellow, American Enterprise Institute (Presenter)

Entrepreneurship and small businesses are the bedrock of economic dynamism, driving innovation, job creation, and community development. This session will examine how local conditions in the Memphis region—especially access to capital, high-speed internet, and digital literacy—shape entrepreneurial success. Heartland Forward’s Dave Shideler will open with a presentation on how these factors influence small business growth, followed by a panel of entrepreneurs, investors, and community leaders exploring strategies to strengthen the region’s entrepreneurial ecosystem and create conditions where local ventures can thrive.

• • Kwamena Aidoo, Co-Founder & Managing Partner, Corridor Ventures
  • Joann Massey, President, EDGE
  • Anthony Young, President and CEO, Epicenter Memphis
  • Dave Shideler, Chief Research Officer, Heartland Forward (Moderator)

Philanthropy plays a vital role in shaping the long-term success and resilience of communities. In this session, Barbara Hyde will share the Hyde Family Foundation’s approach to strategic giving and why Memphis stands out as a place of both need and promise. She will reflect on projects that exemplify the foundation’s values, offer insights into what drives her work, and discuss what a thriving Memphis could look like in the years ahead. The conversation will explore how focused philanthropic efforts can help unlock the city’s full potential.

• • Barbara Hyde, Chairman and CEO, Hyde Family Foundation
  • Robert Doar, President, American Enterprise Institute (Moderator)

• • Andre Fowlkes, President, Start Co. 
  • Kara McMahon, Director of Coalitions, American Enterprise Institute