Center 615 hosts many Nashville businesses, and we’re grateful for all the folks who call our campus their workspace. We talked with Graham Thomas, chief community and government affairs officer at tnAchieves, to learn more about the work he and his team are doing right here at Center 615.
How Long Have You Been at Center 615?
tnAchieves has been at Center 615 for seven years.
What Drew You to Work in Education in the First Place?
When I began at tnAchieves, it was a very small non-profit operating in one county. The organization had assembled an incredible group of community leaders, and I knew it would be a unique opportunity to be a part of something special.
What Is Your Favorite Thing About What You Do?
I love traveling across Tennessee building a support network for students. We operate a 5,000-person volunteer mentoring program. I love to dig into the communities we serve and see firsthand how a community can put its arms around first-generation college students.
What Are Some of Your Greatest Challenges and Successes?
Even though we have made college tuition-free in Tennessee, our low-income students still do not attend at rates as high as their peers, and when they do attend, they do not graduate at rates as high as their peers. We have implemented a coaching program and emergency grant funding for these students. While these students are now six times more likely to graduate, there is still a lot of work to be done!
Where Do You Do Your Best Work? What Is Your Ideal Work Setup?
I enjoy being in the office brainstorming and sharing big ideas with my coworkers. We have a value at tnAchieves: “Try.” Try a lot of things and keep what works. I love being a part of a team that is always innovating for students and trying new programs. This is also why my favorite meeting room is Deep Thought. The wall-to-wall whiteboards are my favorite!
What’s Your Favorite Amenity That Center 615 Offers?
My favorite amenity at Center 615 is the courtyard. There is nothing better than working outside on a beautiful day! I also enjoy the opportunities to connect with the organizations in the building during happy hours and breakfast socials.
What Are Some of Your Favorite Places to Visit in East Nashville and the Surrounding Area?
I lived in East Nashville for five years, and it is without a doubt the best neighborhood in the city. Yeast is the best bakery in the city. I also enjoy Lockeland Table and Two Ten Jack for dinner. Shelby Park has something to offer everyone, and a few of us in the office like to sneak in nine (or 18) holes at Shelby Golf Course after work on a long summer day!
Learn More About the Folks Who Choose to Work With Center 615
tnAchieves is a non-profit committed to placing Tennessee students in college and post-secondary education so that they can find exactly what they need for a brighter future. tnAchieves has been at Center 615 for a long time, and there’s a good reason for that. Book a tour and see for yourself why so many thriving Nashville businesses choose to work at Center 615.
