FedEx Expands Workforce Support and Community Impact in Memphis

Memphis, Tennessee, serves as the global headquarters of FedEx and is home to more than 30,000 team members. The city is known for its deep cultural roots, talented people and rich history, while its determination and energy remain a source of pride for the company. At the same time, Memphis continues to face significant challenges. Nearly 25% of its residents live in poverty, while thousands of young adults are not enrolled in school or employed. These circumstances have far-reaching effects on families and communities and could influence the workforce that will shape Memphis for years to come.

During 2025, the FedEx Cares team collaborated with city specialists, nonprofit organizations, employees and other Memphis residents to better understand the barriers affecting the city's workforce, both today and in the future. Following months of conversations, research and community engagement, FedEx introduced a new initiative called Mobilizing Memphis' Workforce Potential. The strategy is designed to address poverty, expand access to opportunities, strengthen inclusion and contribute to a more resilient Memphis.

Several Memphis residents have already gained the education, training and credentials needed to pursue new career paths through nonprofits supported by FedEx.

Madison Smith, an Army veteran, developed welding and machining expertise at Moore Tech and is now pursuing a career opportunity with Toyota Motor Manufacturing.

Cyrille Connor received training in workplace fundamentals, industrial electricity and plant maintenance at Moore Tech before securing a position as a Maintenance Technician with Lallemand.

Zakaria Culp completed EMT training through the Memphis Medical District Collaborative's Hire Local program. The achievement is helping her pursue her long-held goal of becoming a paramedic firefighter.

Alan Manteiga graduated from the Memphis Excel Center and intends to continue his higher education at the Tennessee College of Applied Technology.

FedEx has also partnered with Feed the Children to address another major challenge facing Memphis families: ensuring that children and parents have access to food, household essentials and other resources so they can concentrate on education, employment and family priorities.

Across the United States, approximately one in five children experiences food insecurity. In Memphis, some families face difficult choices between paying for housing and purchasing groceries, school supplies or personal hygiene products. To help address these needs, FedEx and Feed the Children have established a year-round support model built around four key programs:

In 2025, these combined efforts supported more than 7,300 Memphis residents, providing over 108,000 meals and more than $550,000 worth of food, hygiene products, books and backpacks.

FedEx received the Inspire Award from Slingshot Memphis in recognition of its efforts to address poverty and support long-term positive change in its headquarters community.
Learn more about FedEx, Slingshot Memphis and the Inspire Award

FedEx employees contributed to the Memphis community throughout the past year through skills-based volunteering, hands-on service and partnerships with organizations ranging from large nonprofits to grassroots community groups.

Jenny Robertson, SVP of Marketing & Communications at FedEx, said the company's employees take pride in supporting their neighbors through community programs and volunteer activities. She emphasized FedEx's commitment to strengthening local communities and creating positive change globally, beginning with the communities where its employees live and work.