SOUTHAVEN LEADERSHIP FOUNDATION
Leadership Empowerment for Youth
The Southaven Leadership Foundation is a non-profit, tax exempt, publicly supported organization as described in Section 501 (c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Service code. The purpose of our nonprofit in DeSoto County, Mississippi, is to identify and invest in opportunities that engage today’s generation of young people in leading the social, economic, and educational transformation of underserved communities.
To maximize our impact on current efforts, we may seek to collaborate with other social organizations and non-profit organizations, which may fall under the 501 (c)(3) section of the internal revenue code.
Our Mission
Southaven Leadership Foundation exists to provide a brighter future to underserved communities in DeSoto County, and throughout Northern Mississippi. Our life-changing efforts are only possible due to our staff and volunteers, who stand by the same values they impart to our students: bliss, excellence, and a spirit of productivity.
Mentorship Program
Our foundation serves high school students annually with our excellent mentoring program. It focuses on providing access to quality education, building a strong core of life-changing values, and imparting career-ready skills with our social sciences, health education, and financial literacy programs for youth. Regardless of the phase, curriculum, and format, our program features one-on-one mentoring, meaningful conversations about character, and dedicated time for community making.
SLF’s mentoring program is divided into seven distinct phases. The details are mentioned below:
Our Core Values
For Everyone
Our inclusive leadership mentoring program strives to equip underserved youth with the resources they need to challenge the status quo and bring about a better tomorrow.
Unwavering Discipline
Our mentors believe in imparting discipline, integrity, a sense of collaboration, and a spirit of productivity, to help our students achieve their complete potential.
Focused on Growth
As a growth-oriented organization, we believe in treading every path that leads to improvements in our efforts, and our students’ lives.
Become a Volunteer
Make a difference with SLF’s local volunteer opportunities for youth. Our mentoring programs share a common aim of providing young people with structured support from experienced individuals like you. Let’s ignite the beacon of equality and progress together.
LEADERSHIP TEAM
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Head holds a Bachelor of Science in Recording Industry Management with a double minor in Marketing and Mass Communications from Middle Tennessee State University, an Executive MBA from The University of Memphis, a Master of Science in Data Science from Indiana University, and the following certifications:
- Apptio Certified Practitioner: ApptioOne (Technology Business Management) & Cloudability (Cloud FinOps)
- AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner (In Progress)
- AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate (In Progress)
- IASSC Certified Lean Six Sigma Green Belt (ICGB)
- Certified SAFe® 6 Product Owner/Product Manager (SAFe POPM)
- Certified SAFe® 5 Product Owner/Product Manager (SAFe POPM)
- ISO 9001: 2015 Quality Management Systems Lead Auditor
- ITIL 4 Foundation
- ITIL v3 Foundation



Sharkey was born and raised in Memphis, TN and graduated from “The” Melrose High School. After high school, Sharkey attended Mississippi Valley State University on a football scholarship, and later obtained his Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Victory University.
Sharkey has been a member of the National Society of Tax Professionals (NSTP) since 1998, and has served as Treasurer of the Southaven Leadership Foundation since its inception in 2015. Sharkey also serves as the President of the Board of Directors for Pendlove Inc., a non-profit organization that provides long term care housing, resources, and services for seniors and the mildly mentally ill.
