Chima and Monica grew up in Memphis, Tennessee, but did not cross paths until their time as undergraduate students at UT where they studied psychology and Monica later earned her Master of Science degree in Higher Education Administration.
As a student, Chima was involved in several campus initiatives and was a member of the Black Cultural Programming Committee and the National Society of Leadership and Success. He started his professional experience working at a psychiatric hospital providing therapy to clients with bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, depression, and more. Then he transitioned to Youth Villages as a therapist providing counseling to kids who have dealt with problem sexual behaviors. He later became an outpatient therapist providing a wide range of therapy including couples counseling, and he currently works as a Social and Emotional Learning Counselor for adolescent boys at Memphis University School.
As a student, Monica was a member of the Minority Mentoring Program where she participated in the Miss Freshman Scholarship Pageant and was crowned Miss Freshman during the spring 2013 semester. Monica dedicated her time to UT, giving campus tours and working admissions events as a student ambassador for the Office of Undergraduate Admissions and as a member of the Student Alumni Associates. Upon graduation, Monica started her higher education career with UT, recruiting future Vols as the Houston-based regional admissions counselor for the Office of Undergraduate Admissions and went on to serve in the Office of Diversity and Community Engagement in the Haslam College of Business as the coordinator of pre-collegiate programs and outreach. As Associate Director of Academic Success under the office of Student Success, she continues her career with UT Health Science Center, where she has worked in community engagement, academic coaching, recruitment, and student engagement.
Chima co-founded and serves as CEO of an online sports apparel brand, Grind City Kicks (GCK), which provides team apparel to schools and organizations and includes a nonprofit extension, giving back nationally with support such as school supplies, food to families, clothing drives, fundraising for medical expenses, scholarships, and financial resources to help improve educational programs and initiatives at the university level.
As president and vice president of Grind City Cares, Chima and Monica serve the greater Memphis community and have worked with a multitude of companies and organizations to provide a wide variety of community services.
