Roshun Austin, The Works Inc.
For Roshun Austin, community development is personal. As President and CEO of The Works, Inc., she leads with the belief that building strong neighborhoods isn’t just about constructing houses — it’s about creating opportunities, restoring pride, and connecting people to resources that help them thrive. Her journey to this work began right here in Memphis, where her love for the city’s neighborhoods has guided her entire career.
On Episode #33 of Just Bluffin’, Roshun shares her story and the vision behind her work in shaping community development across Memphis.
A native Memphian, Roshun studied urban anthropology at the University of Memphis after teaching in Louisiana. During graduate school, she began working with the Orange Mound Development Corporation, eventually becoming its Executive Director. Later, she shifted to the private sector in mortgage servicing, where she saw the housing crisis coming years before it unfolded nationally. In 2012, she returned to nonprofit leadership, bringing with her a unique combination of grassroots knowledge and policy expertise.
Today, Roshun’s role is as much about vision as it is about action. At The Works, Inc., she has expanded programming to address housing, food access, transportation, environmental needs, and legal advocacy. “We focus on what we do well,” she says, “and connect families to trusted partners for the rest.” It’s an approach that keeps the work rooted in relationships while still tackling complex systemic issues.
Of all the projects she’s led, Roshun is especially proud of Northside Square, a $78 million redevelopment of the former Northside High School in the Klondike neighborhood. Once complete, the massive space will house job training programs, nonprofit offices, a food hall, youth sports facilities, and affordable housing. For her, the project represents both a nod to the area’s history and a bold investment in its future. “People call it a mini-Crosstown,” she says with a smile. “It’s smaller, but just as transformational for Klondike.”
When asked about her favorite Memphis memory, Roshun doesn’t point to a single event. Instead, she thinks of everyday moments — neighbors chatting across fences, families gathering at community events, and the joy on someone’s face when they realize their neighborhood has more to offer than they imagined. “Those everyday interactions,” she says, “are what make Memphis feel like home.”
Roshun’s story is a reminder that meaningful change often starts close to home. By blending her love for Memphis with a commitment to equity and opportunity, she’s helping shape neighborhoods that work for everyone.
Listen to our full conversation with Roshun on the Just Bluffin’ podcast.
