Getting to know Kim Tilus

Meet Kim Tilus

Q&A - Getting to know the newest member of the STS Family  

• Where are you from?

  • I was born in Mt. Vernon, NY but matured in Ft. Lauderdale, FL. But I lived in New Orleans, LA for six (6) years so I claim the 504 too.  

• What made you consider joining the STS family?

  • Well, I was working at a local college here in Memphis. Jeremy and I scheduled some time for him to potentially recruit students there for STS. Our conversation evolved to talking about our passions, which mine is developing college students. There he asked me to visit an Elite session and from there I was hooked. I love what STS is doing in the community through Strive and Elite and truly empowering Black students.  

• What will your role entail as the organization’s new Chief Collaboration Officer (CCO)?

  • My role as the CCO will be collaborating with all STS programs to ensure they move in the same direction. I will be working on grants to ensure STS is financially supported, and I will also be capturing the STS story by collecting data and reporting our impact. 

• What was it about STS Enterprise’s mission that drew you to the organization?

  • I had not heard the word economic mobility until being introduced to STS. Once I understood what that means and its importance in moving the Black community forward, starting with our middle, high school, and college students, I was drawn to the organization. I’m like, yes, let’s do that!   

• What impact do you hope to have on the organization within the 1st year?

  • I hope to contribute and add to the excellent work STS is already doing in the community. From a structural perspective, there is a lot that goes into making an organization successful, and I want to be able to continue to lay the foundation of positive seeds STS has planted in 13 to 24-year-olds. 

• What can the STS Family expect from Kim?

  • FUN! At first, people think I am quiet, but I am a vibrant person who loves to smile. But also, STS can expect a person who will work hard for the students, coaches, and organizations as a whole. A lot of work needs to be done, and I am ready and willing to do it. 

• How does Kim spend her free time when she is not empowering the next generation?

  • I have several hobbies. I like to go bowling, exercise, and read. I have a 3-year-old Cockapoo named Koko, and we take long walks and take in God’s beautiful nature. I also have a niece who spends the summer with me, so just exploring and doing whatever will make us have fun and laugh a lot. 

• What is Kim’s superpower, or something she -believes she does better than anyone else?

  • This is a good question. My answer is a little weird, but I think my superpower is empowering others. One of my strengths is expounding on other people's ideas. When my inner circle shares a vision with me, my brain automatically goes into expanding their ideas and coming up with ways to make it happen. So, my superpower is empowering others.   

• What does the perfect day look like for Kim?

  • A perfect day would begin with me waking up at 5 am to pray, read the bible, get on a prayer call, read a chapter out of a book, talk to my sister, watch at least one hour of the news, walking Koko, and exercising. For the rest of the day, spend time with loved ones talking, eating, and laughing. Which ironically is how my days go now! 

• What does Making Excellence the Norm mean to you?

  • Making Excellence the Norm means normalizing greatness. 

• You will be working with the STS Elite program, what excites you about working with that group of students?

  • Educating and empowering college students has always been my passion. So honestly, I’m excited to see the “ah ha” moments for the students, whether that’s self-discovery or being exposed to something they have never been exposed to before. Also, having great conversations with college students, learning about who they are and their family and how that shapes who they are now and who they will become. 

• Who has had the biggest impact/influence on your leadership style?

  • Whew! So many people. First, Jesus, his leadership was impeccable and how gentle he was even though people were intentionally trying to kill him is admirable. Also, because he loved us to the point, he’ll die for us before knowing us, like wow! The second person would be my sister. She is a fighter. Her tenacity and the power she has to keep moving forward despite what life throws at her are remarkable. Next would have to be my former supervisor, mentor, friend, and prayer warrior Typhanie Jasper Butler. You have to know her to know how wonderful she is. She is one of the most honest, authentic, and loving people I know. I have a complete reference for her and her leadership. So I will start with those people because I hope to emulate their leadership. 

• What is one food that you could eat all day every day?

  • I don’t know if I have a particular food item, but the type of food is Chinese food. It’s my comfort food. 

• Why is Kim a game-changer for STS Enterprise?

  • I told Jeremy that I am a Renaissance Woman. That means I am a continuous learner and will be willing to learn whatever I need to help STS move forward.   

• How can the STS family connect with Kim?

  • LinkedIn