News

Current President of the Gamma Psi Chapter of the National Sorority of Phi Delta Kappa Dr. LaToshia Chism has been selected as June 2023 Hub City Hero.

Dr. Chism’s nominator said that, “through her sorority work, she is instrumental in providing scholarships to college bond youth,” and that “she was instrumental in raising funds for scholarships for students who are looking to advance their academic endeavors and to address issues that cause barriers to academic success.” The nominator also said that Dr. Chism “hosted a group webinar to bring awareness to the opioid crisis that we are facing and to provide NARCAN training.”

Dr. Chism credits her grandmother for her wanting to pay it forward by helping others.

“As a young as a youngster, my grandmother, who’s now deceased, she was a big part of the community in Milwaukee and I saw that I had enjoyed watching her and I just often said, ‘Mama, when I grow up, this is what I want to do.’ And so when I saw her blessing other people, it really blessed me,” said Dr. Chism. “And so now that I’m of age, when I bless other people, it blesses me.”

Dr. Chism is a native of Jackson, TN and a graduate of Lane College and has a background in education. She says that she always wants to see peoples strive in education, which is one of the things that her grandmother did. She says that was one of the things that drew her to Phi Delta Kappa.

Dr. Chism has also organizes NARCAN training due to her connection with a parent who reached out to her.

“I worked with a parent years ago who struggled with opioids and she just confided in me,” said Dr. Chism. “Then when I realized that…we have something in the city that addresses this issue, I wanted others to be a part of it and so that was why I wanted my organization’s all of them to be a part of this training.”

“Our city is full of heroes and Dr. Chism is definitely counted in that number,” said Mayor Scott Conger. “Dr. Chism has proven herself a hero with her many roles in the community from assisting in making sure students and teachers are successful to organizing training for people who want to assist those affected by the Opioid crisis.”

“Hub City Heroes” selflessly and steadily give of their time and talent to improve the lives of others in the community. Recognition as a hero is one small way to thank these public servants for their efforts and it gives honorees the opportunity to raise awareness for causes that are important to them.

Criteria

• Committed to improving the quality of life of others in Jackson
• Contributes time to community activities in a volunteer capacity
• Serves as a role model and inspiration to others
• Focuses on growth and well-being of the community we serve
• Empowers and engages others to give back
• Demonstrates integrity, collaboration, innovation and respect

Recipients will be selected monthly and nominations are continuous. To nominate a hero, visit http://hero.jacksontn.gov. Candidates must be a resident of Jackson, Tennessee

After a year of heroes have been recognized, one hero will be selected and awarded $1,000 to donate to a non-profit of their choice. For more information, visit http://hero.jacksontn.gov.

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