Hey Sis,

Let’s talk about a hard truth: Success is incredibly lonely if you reach the top and look around to find that you’re the only one there.

True greatness is never just about personal achievement. It’s about access. It is about reaching back, grabbing the hand of the woman behind you, and pulling her up with you. It’s about looking at a table where decisions are being made, realizing there is only one chair for a woman of color, and working to build a bigger table so more of us can sit down.

Throughout my journey, I have been blessed to have mentors who poured into me—teachers at Central High, professors at Rhodes, and seasoned attorneys who showed me the ropes. Because of them, I made it a core mission of my life to pay that debt forward.

I have spent years coaching local mock trial teams, guiding law students, and mentoring young lawyers. In fact, I was incredibly honored to receive the Outstanding Mentor Award from the Leo Bearman, Sr. American Inn of Court. Why? Because I believe that our youth and young professionals are not just the leaders of tomorrow—they are the leaders of right now, and they deserve our active investment, time, and respect.

If you want to live a life of true impact, you must commit to being a mentor and a builder of others. Here is how you can pull up a chair for someone else:

• Share Your Playbook: Don't gatekeep information. If you figure out a shortcut, a great career resource, or a strategy for success, share it freely with your peers.

• Speak Their Name in Rooms of Opportunity: When you are in spaces where decisions are made, advocate for other talented women. If an opportunity comes up that isn't a fit for you, recommend a sister who would thrive in it.

• Create Safe Spaces: Be a sounding board for other women. Offer them a safe, non-judgmental space to share their struggles, bounce ideas around, and rebuild their confidence when they are feeling down.

My judicial philosophy is deeply tied to this idea of community investment. I don't believe a judge should be an isolated figure hidden away behind closed courtroom doors. A judge should be an active, visible, and accessible pillar of the community.

Throughout my career, I have worked with the Memphis Bar Association and the Ben F. Jones Chapter of the National Bar Association to bring transparency, educational outreach, and legal clinics directly to the people. I want our citizens to understand how the courts work, to feel confident in our justice system, and to know that the bench is a place where they will always find an ally for truth.

As your Judge for General Sessions Civil Court Division 2, I will continue to be a champion for mentorship, community outreach, and transparent justice. I am prepared, I am proven, and I am deeply committed to lifting Shelby County up.

Let's build a brighter, more inclusive future together.

Mentor Tip: Think of one younger woman or peer in your field who is doing great work. Reach out to her this week, buy her a cup of coffee, and ask: "How can I support you in your goals right now?"

Let’s lift as we climb, sis. I’ll see you at the polls!

• Early Voting: July 17 – August 1

• Election Day: August 6

• Vote Proven with Purifoy!

• Learn more at voteshayla.com and follow along @Shayla Purifoy.