Meet
Telisa!

Innovative. Passionate. Inspirational. Unique. Loving.

Dr. Telisa Franklin is an Emmy-nominated leader, visionary entrepreneur, and respected community advocate born and raised in the historic Douglass community of Memphis, Tennessee. Her life journey is rooted in faith, resilience, and service. After losing her father at a young age and growing up amid community challenges, Telisa was strengthened by her grandparents, who instilled in her the values of perseverance, leadership, and family. As the second of five siblings, she stepped into leadership early, helping raise her younger brothers with the belief that failure is not an option.

Driven by purpose and a passion for uplifting others, Telisa pursued higher education in theology, divinity, and Christian counseling, earning advanced degrees that deepened her commitment to faith-based leadership and community empowerment. Inspired by her grandfather’s legacy as a pastor, she built her life on a foundation of faith, hard work, and service.

Today, Dr. Franklin is a dynamic entrepreneur and servant leader. She serves as President of Telisa Franklin Media, Memphis Juneteenth, and I Love My Community CDC. She is a sought-after motivational speaker, licensed life coach, Christian counselor, Certified Peer Recovery Specialist in mental health, and a certified diversity and inclusion professional. She is also an engaging on-air radio and television personality, using her platforms to inspire hope, healing, and empowerment.

An accomplished author, Telisa has written five impactful books—Team Victorious, MVP, Juneteenth Activity Book, Faith and Finances, and Seed to Success—reflecting her commitment to education, personal growth, financial literacy, and cultural celebration.

Dr. Franklin is also the founder of several major community initiatives that have become beloved traditions across Memphis, including Christmas in Cordova, the Raleigh Christmas Parade, and the North Memphis Community Easter Extravaganza, just to name a few. These initiatives reflect her heart for families, children, seniors, and neighborhood unity.

In civic and political leadership, Telisa was elected Recording Secretary and Executive Committee Woman for District 7 of the Shelby County Democratic Party, serves as Marketing Chair for the National Federation of Democratic Women, and is an active member of the National Women’s Political Caucus and Democratic Women of Shelby County.

Her service extends across numerous boards and leadership roles. She serves as a Clergy Ambassador for the Memphis Police Department, is a graduate of Leadership Memphis, Leadership Bartlett, and Leaders of Color, and is the President of the Rotary Central Foundation. She is also an active member of the Junior League of Memphis, NAACP, Memphis Central Rotary Club, Memphis Chapter of 100 Black Women, and Drifters Memphis Chapter.

Above all, Dr. Telisa Franklin is a devoted mother to her son, Charles Earl, a college student and emerging entrepreneur. Her life and leadership reflect a steadfast commitment to faith, family, and building stronger, safer, and more connected communities for generations to come.