Get to know Young Memphis Honoree Alana Hu Perković, Sr. Manager, Corporate Social Responsibility,First Horizon National Corp.
What event or accomplishment has been the most impactful for your career so far?
That’s a tough question to answer… over the past five years in this role, I’ve had the opportunity to work on many projects that I would consider career highlights – helping our company expand our parental leave benefits a few years ago and then adoption leave in more recent years, celebrating our Foundation’s 25th anniversary are a few that come to mind. However, if I had to narrow them down to just one, I would say it was the creation of our company’s inaugural Corporate Social Responsibility Report this past year. Our company is more than 155 years old and has had a commitment to our communities since the beginning. While we’ve always invested in our community, this report was our official formalization of our work and I am so proud to have led that effort.
What motivates you to be active in your community or profession?
I was born and raised in Memphis and have witnessed how this city has thrived over the past several years. I’m proud of our progress but recognize there’s still work to be done and want to do what I can to positively impact our community.
What does being a young professional in Memphis mean to you?
To me it means that I have an opportunity to make a positive impact, no matter what role or position I may hold. The beauty of our city is that we all have the abilities and opportunities to generate positive change.
What do you like about living in Memphis?
My parents own a restaurant in town and I’ve grown up working in it and still do so, as needed. As a result, I’m a self-declared “foodie” and love supporting our local restaurants and other businesses. If I had to choose a few favorites they would include New Asia Restaurant (duh), Las Tortugas, Gibson’s, Muddy’s, Sabor Caribe, Pete & Sam’s…
What advice do you have for new young professionals interested in starting or building their career in Memphis?
Don’t be shy or afraid to reach out to people to ask for help. Our city is known to be the most generous and that’s not just with philanthropic dollars. You would be surprised how accessible our city’s leaders are.
Who do you most admire and why?
My parents. They immigrated from China many years ago to the US, made their way to Memphis and raised my siblings and me all while running their restaurant. They sacrificed a lot for us to have the best and brightest futures and instilled in us values that I wouldn’t trade for a pot of gold.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
What I know for certain is that in 10 years, I’ll be here in Memphis continuing to do all that I can to strengthen our community.
What’s your favorite thing about being a young professional in Memphis?
See all of the above! J Memphis is a city that allows people access to leadership and the ability to step up and lead.
