Realizing a Vision.
Arieale Munson is an author, advocate, life coach, freelance writer, and motivational speaker whose purposedriven leadership continues to inspire transformation throughout Memphis and beyond. As the Founder and Executive Director of Operation Taking Back 901, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Memphis, Tennessee, founded in 2016, Ms. Munson has dedicated her life to expanding educational and economic opportunities for underserved youth and their families. Since its inception, Operation Taking Back 901 has served as a catalyst for empowerment, equipping individuals with the tools, resources, and support needed to discover their potential, build stability, and rise above adversity.
Born and raised in Memphis, Tennessee, Ms. Munson is a proud graduate of Northside High School and a respected pillar within her community. After serving nine years as a civilian Navy employee during her government career, she transitioned her leadership experience into full-time community impact. She is a founding member of Memphis Shelby PAL, a 2019 Emerge Tennessee Cohort graduate, and was honored by Bill Lee at the 2024 State of the State address for her civic leadership and community impact. Her unwavering commitment to advocacy and systemic change has earned recognition in national and regional media outlets including The Wall Street Journal, The Daily Memphian, The Tri-State Defender, The Daily Signal, The Tennessean, and Tennessee Highlighter, along with television appearances on Action News 5, FOX13, ABC 24, WREG, and SCS Radio 88.5.
Ms. Munson’s creative vision extends into writing and storytelling. She was featured in The Creatives of Memphis, a documentary film highlighting influential change makers across the city, and serves as a freelance contributor for High Ground News. As a self-published author of When Pleasing Has No Purpose, I Am The Change, How to Start a Nonprofit, and co-author of It Was Necessary, she uses her voice to inspire resilience, faith, leadership, and intentional growth. Through every platform she touches—community organizing, public speaking, mentorship, or authorship— Arieale Munson embodies the spirit of transformative leadership, turning personal passion into collective empowerment and lasting community impact.
Our Core Values
Empower – We provide individuals with the tools, skills, and confidence to take ownership of their future.
Elevate – We uplift youth and families by opening doors to new opportunities and breaking barriers to success.
Transform – We drive lasting change that reshapes lives, strengthens communities, and inspires future generations.
Our Mission
Operation Taking Back 901 is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering youth and their families through transformative economic and educational programs. Our mission is to break cycles of disadvantage by equipping individuals with the tools, knowledge, and support needed to thrive.
Through our three core components—Mentoring, Financial Literacy, and Workforce Development—we create pathways to success that strengthen families, foster community development, and build a resilient, educated, and economically empowered generation.
Our Vision
Operation Taking Back 901 envisions thriving communities where every young person and family has the opportunity, resources, and confidence to achieve their fullest potential. We strive to create a future rooted in equity, education, and economic empowerment—where cycles of poverty are broken, futures are reimagined, and generations rise stronger together.
Our Accomplishments
Introducing
Our Board!
The Executive Board of Directors provides strategic leadership and oversight for the organization, setting broad policies and objectives that guide all divisions. The Board is responsible for appointing and supporting the chief executive officer, ensuring financial stability, approving annual budgets and strategic plans, and upholding the highest standards of ethics, compliance, and performance throughout the organization.
Arieale Munson
Founder & CEO
Author
Advocate
Activist
Certified Life Coach
Dr. LaWanda Clark
Chair
Business Process
Senior Associate
Audrey Sutton
Vice Chair
Business Process
Senior Associate
Amaia Iratzoqui
Secretary
Associate Professor &
Research Director
Stephaine Coon
Director of Annual Giving
Kendall Munson
Educator
CDS Developer
Rodney Tate
Right of Way Agent
with City of Memphis
Associate Broker
Owner RTE Education and Consulting
Lorean Mays
African American and Sickle Cell Initiative Manager
Antonio Jones
Graphic Design
Lawerence Wilson
Regional Housing Facilitator
License Alcohol & Drug Counselor
Stephanie Coppage
Enrollment Advisor TCAT Memphis
Lacey Smith
K-5 Program Developer
Alexis Wainwright
OTB901 Staff
Executive Assistant
MaKayla Walker
OTB901 Staff
Office Administration
Get
Involved.
Get involved with Operation Taking Back 901 by donating or volunteering to help empower our youth and strengthen our community.
DONATE
Your donation to Operation Taking Back 901 helps change young people’s lives by providing opportunities, mentorship, and hope for a brighter future.
VOLUNTEER
Volunteering with Operation Taking Back 901 transforms young lives by giving your time, guidance, and support to help them build confidence and reach their full potential.