In this episode of Catalysts for Change, Adam Lister speaks with Krissy DeAlejandro, Executive Director of Tennessee Achieves, the nonprofit powering the Tennessee Promise scholarship program. From growing up in rural McMinnville as a first-generation college student to leading one of the most ambitious college access programs in the country, Krissy’s journey is defined by resilience, humility, and a relentless belief in the potential of every student.

She shares candid stories about feeling unprepared at college, the moments that gave her the confidence to persevere, and how those experiences now fuel her mission to remove barriers for students across Tennessee. Krissy also reflects on the pillars of Tennessee Achieves—last-dollar scholarships, mentoring, and community service—and the challenges and lessons learned in scaling from a local pilot to a statewide initiative.

This conversation is a powerful reminder that leadership often comes not from having all the answers, but from listening, persisting, and using our struggles to pave the way for others.

Catalysts for Change is an initiative of One 12 Strategies, brought to you in part by the Southern Research Collaborative