Bettie Kirkland Nashville TN and bettie kirkland obituary
The city of Nashville, Tennessee is remembering the life and legacy of Bettie Kirkland, former CEO of reentry organization Project Return Tennessee. Bettie passed away leaving behind an incredible impact on both the nonprofit and the wider community.
Bettie's Exceptional Leadership
For 11 years, Bettie Kirkland served as a transformative leader guiding Project Return's mission to help formerly incarcerated individuals reintegrate into society.
Under Bettie's direction, Project Return expanded exponentially with two new social enterprises, a permanent site in Nashville, and a second location in Chattanooga. Her tireless dedication directly uplifted thousands.
Bettie helmed the organization adeptly, securing funding and support to broaden Project Return's reach. Her work earned acclaim, including being named by Fast Company as a World's Most Innovative Company in 2021.
Remembering Bettie's Drive and Compassion
While Bettie brought immense professional accomplishments to her role, she led with heart. Friends and colleagues remember her compassion, courage, and relentless drive to open doors for marginalized communities.
Formerly a litigator and Peace Corps volunteer, Bettie devoted her career to empowering others through her nonprofit work. Guiding Project Return combined her business savvy and passion for service.
The Fruits of Bettie's Labor
The programming Bettie spearheaded that lives on through Project Return offers a lasting testament to her vision. This includes:
Two social enterprises that provide jobs to program participants
Affordable housing assistance for those transitioning from prison
Expanded wraparound reentry services
Bettie changed systems and attitudes around criminal justice and second chances. Nashville continues reaping the benefits of her leadership.
Awards and Acclaim
Under Bettie Kirkland's leadership, Project Return received multiple honors, including:
Nashville Chamber of Commerce Regional Impact Award
Tennessee Housing Agency Housing Leadership Award
Two Nashville Entrepreneur Center NEXT Awards
These recognitions highlight Bettie's immense contributions to economic and social progress in Nashville. She exemplified servant leadership.
A Community Mourns
The news of Bettie Kirkland's passing elicited a strong outpouring of grief and memories honoring her legacy. She touched countless lives through her vision and dedication to Project Return's mission.
While she will be dearly missed, Bettie's pioneering work bettered both individual lives and the greater Nashville community. Her legacy persists through the people she empowered and progress achieved.
Honoring Bettie's Memory
On November 12th, a memorial service will be held for Bettie Kirkland at the Metropolitan Interdenominational Church. This will provide an opportunity for Nashville to collectively celebrate Bettie's purpose-driven life and immeasurable impact.
Donations to Project Return and the church's First Response Center in Bettie's honor will carry her commitment to service onward. Though gone, Bettie Kirkland's trailblazing spirit remains very much alive in the city she loved.
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