JACKSON, Tenn. (September 18, 2026) –Leaders Education Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to expanding educational opportunities across West Tennessee, hosted its annual fundraising event, EmpowerEd: An Evening with John O’Leary presented by EPlus Broadband, on Thursday, September 17.
The evening featured John O’Leary, a #1 national bestselling author, speaker, podcast host, and inspiration behind the 2025 feature film, Soul on Fire. After surviving burns on 100% of his body as a child, O’Leary now shares a powerful message of resilience, purpose, and the difference one person can make through encouragement and service.
Six educators from West Tennessee schools were also recognized with the EmpowerEd Educator Awards.
“As a Foundation, we are grateful for the opportunity to celebrate educators, students, and programs that are making a difference across West Tennessee,” said Leigh Anne Bentley, President of Leaders Education Foundation. “EmpowerEd reminds us that education changes lives, and that each of us has the opportunity to encourage, serve, and inspire others.”
During the evening, the EmpowerEd Educator Awards were presented to six outstanding educators:
Inspiring Students Award | K-12 Educator – Rebecca Taylor
Sponsored by YMCA of Memphis and the Midsouth Third-Grade Teacher, Idlewild Elementary School | Memphis-Shelby County Schools
Rebecca Taylor is a National Board Certified third-grade teacher with Memphis-Shelby County Schools. With more than 16 years in education, she is recognized for innovative, equity-centered teaching and whole-child development. She mentors educators and leads programs including Camp Invention, Knowledge Bowl, Math Team, and the school garden—creating engaging, hands-on experiences for students
Inspiring Students Award | Educational Support – Dr. Trudy Hill-Jones
Sponsored by Byrd and Byrd Attorney at Law PLLC Professional School Counselor | Memphis-Shelby County Schools
With more than 25 years in education, including 18 as a school counselor, Dr. Trudy Hill-Jones champions equity, student voice, and social-emotional learning at Memphis-Shelby County Schools. Known as “ya favorite hope dealer,” she has earned statewide and national recognition, including Tennessee’s 2025 School Counselor of the Year.
Inspiring Students Award | Workforce Educator – Dr. Teresa McSweeney
Sponsored by Dixie Chief Innovation Officer | Jackson-Madison County School System
As Chief Innovation Officer with Jackson-Madison County School System, Dr. Teresa McSweeney has expanded opportunities through innovative education and workforce-focused learning. She led the creation of the STEM Innovation Center and Innovation Impact Institute, increasing student access to robotics, engineering, and career pathways. Her leadership has also secured more than $200,000 in grant funding.
Inspiring Students Award | Collegiate Educator – Dr. Shawna Adams
Sponsored by West Tennessee Healthcare Associate Professor of Biology | Dyersburg State Community College
Dr. Shawna Adams is an Associate Professor of Biology at Dyersburg State Community College. With experience in secondary and postsecondary education, she is dedicated to making STEM learning accessible and engaging. Through mentorship and a relationship-centered approach, she inspires confidence, curiosity, academic success, and lifelong learning.
Impacting Communities Award – Jason Keeton
Sponsored by Jackson-Madison County Schools Professor of Biology | Jackson State Community College
Jason Keeton is a Professor of Biology at Jackson State Community College and advisor to the Phi Theta Kappa chapter. Through mentorship and community partnerships, he connects students with scholarships, transfer opportunities, and STEM experiences. He has also developed student-focused initiatives that support leadership, success, and college completion.
Empowering Schools Award – Dr. Ethan Randall
Sponsored by FORD Tennessee Truck Plant Principal, Elmore Park Middle School | Bartlett City School System
Dr. Ethan Randall has served as Principal of Elmore Park Middle School for 13 years and has more than 20 years of K-8 experience. He is recognized for building inclusive, student-centered learning environments that support academic achievement. Under his leadership, the school has earned multiple TVAAS Level 5 distinctions and A-rated recognition.
“Whether they are a college professor, classroom teacher, school counselor, or school leader, each of these honorees has gone above and beyond to make learning meaningful,” said Shea
Brown, Director of Community Impact. “They use their time, talent, and experience to help students grow, lead, and thrive. We are proud to celebrate their work and the many ways they help make lives better, together.”
Proceeds from EmpowerEd support the Foundation’s scholarships, grants, and educational programs serving students, educators, and communities across West Tennessee. Since 2019, Leaders Education Foundation has awarded more than $600,000 in scholarships, grants, and educational program support.
To learn more about Leaders Education Foundation, become a Foundation member, or Give Forwar , visit leadersgives.org.
About John O'Leary
John O’Leary is a #1 national bestselling author, internationally recognized speaker, and host of the award-winning Live Inspired Podcast. As a child, O’Leary survived a fire that burned 100% of his body and was given less than a 1% chance to live. His story was first shared in Overwhelming Odds, written by his parents, and later inspired the 2025 feature film, Soul on Fire. Today, O’Leary speaks to audiences across the country about resilience, perspective, and living with purpose. He is the author of On Fire: The 7 Choices to Ignite a Radically Inspired Life and In Awe: Rediscover Your Childlike Wonder to Unleash Inspiration, Meaning, and Joy.
About Leaders Education Foundation
Leaders Education Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization based in West Tenn., established in 2019. The Foundation brings together community-minded citizens, members, and organizations to make lives better, together. It invests back into its community through scholarships, grants, and additional resources. These resources provide educational opportunities and promote workforce development, lifelong learning, and training for students, teachers, and communities.
For more information about Leaders Education Foundation, to become a member, or Give Forward, please visit their website leadersgives.org.
