Executive Director
p (901) 312-9620
f (901) 312-9620
cwebster@memphischallenge.org
Program Manager
Educational Experiences
p (901.467.3702)
f (901.312.9620)
jrussell@memphischallenge.org
Administrator
Program & Alumni
p (901.467.4252)
f (901.312.9620)
edouglas@memphischallenge.org
Programs
Consultant
p (901.312.3168)
f (901.312.9620)
mwebster@memphischallenge.org
The Memphis Challenge is committed to preventing discrimination and protecting our employees, students, and stakeholders from offensive and harmful behaviors. Our anti-discrimination policy supports our goal of creating a safe and inclusive environment for everyone.
Keri D. Richardson leads brand activations across the Essence Ventures portfolio, including Essence Communications, AfroPunk, BeautyCon, and Essence Studios. She drives the development and execution of multi-platform partnerships, branded content, strategic events, and experiential campaigns that elevate brand presence and audience engagement.
Previously, she held leadership roles at The Estée Lauder Companies and Mercedes-AMG, where she helped relaunch the iconic G-Wagen. Her career spans strategy, marketing, and finance roles at Booz Allen Hamilton, the NFL, MLS, and Coca-Cola. A Memphis native, Keri holds degrees from Emory University and Georgetown University. She’s been named to multiple 40 Under 40 lists and is also a certified gelato chef and licensed private pilot.
Kris is the founder and CEO of Chicago French Press® (CFP), one of the few women-owned coffee roasteries and retailers in the U.S. A lifelong coffee lover, she launched CFP in 2017 to create flavorful blends that require little to no sweetener. Today, she leads operations for two café locations in Chicago and manages nationwide distribution through Target, Amazon, and QVC. Sourced ethically from women farmers around the world, CFP’s signature blends have earned a loyal following and transformed the home brewing experience.
Under Kris’s leadership, CFP has flourished, with flagship and campus locations serving as pillars of the brand’s growth. Through its “Grinding for a Cause” initiative, CFP donates a portion of proceeds to organizations like SocialWorks and Yo Soy Ella. A proud Howard University alumna and Memphis native, as well as a Memphis Challenge alumna, Kris has been featured in Forbes and USA Today for her innovation and impact.
