My name is Rebecca Jane Edwards. I was born in Tupelo, Mississippi, raised in Memphis, and baptized at Greater Middle Baptist Church by Reverend Benjamin L. Hooks. I attended Bethel Grove, Sherwood Junior High, and Wooddale High School before earning a BS in Economics and Finance from Christian Brothers University and a BS in Health Information Management from the University of Tennessee Health Science Center.

I have lived in District 10 for 55 years, and I understand its history, its current challenges, and its tremendous potential. My professional experience includes retail, nonprofit,  and health information management, entrepreneurship, working with budgets, teaching at a junior college, advocating within government agencies, collaborating with people from all backgrounds, and connecting individuals to essential resources.

My passion for the performing arts led me to found Cultural Arts For Everyone (CAFÉ), a nonprofit presenting organization known for offering diverse artistic experiences that educate, entertain, and engage students, new audiences, and underserved communities. Under my leadership, CAFÉ presented more than 90 productions and reached over 119,000 individuals, half of them school‑age children. CAFÉ also became the first organization to sell out the 2,100‑seat Cannon Center for the Performing Arts with a performance by Ailey II. In addition, it was only the second organization in Tennessee to be recognized as a Kennedy Center Partner in Education, partnering with Memphis City Schools to provide workshops for educators and students.

My service has been honored by organizations across the city, including The Links, River City (TN) Chapter Community Service Award; Emerge Tennessee Alumni; Women of Achievement Determination Honoree; Memphis City Beautiful Commissioner; Leadership Memphis Alumni; and the Delta Sigma Theta Arts and Letters Award. I currently serve on the Orange Mound Land Trust Advisory Board and am affectionately known as “Ms. Neighborhood Watch” by my neighbors in Sherwood Forest.

I am ready to be your Commissioner—someone who watches over and works for every community in District 10.