Welcome to Where Change Checks In

If there’s a conversation about making Shelby County better, odds are I’m already in the room or knocking on the door to get in.

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My Story:
I’m Arriell Gipson Martin. I'm a wife, civic strategist, and public servant. I grew up here, I’ve served here, and I’ve made it my business to help people navigate the maze of local government without getting lost or giving up. For nearly a decade, I’ve worked in leadership roles across Shelby County government, including two years on the executive team at the County Clerk’s Office. I’ve also rolled up my sleeves on campaigns, community events, and coalitions that move us from ideas to action.​​

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Street Cred (a.k.a. Receipts):

• Memphis Business Journal Top 40 Under 40 honoree

• Tennessee Democratic Party Chair’s Rising Star Award

• Mentor, organizer, and speaker across Memphis and Shelby County

• Leadership Tennessee NEXT alumna

• Memphis Grizzlies GameChageHER Awardee

• Shelby County Democratic Executive Committee 

• Serenity Recovery Center's Board of Trustees 

• Junior Achievement of The Greater Mid-South Young Professionals Board 

• Member of Tennessee 11 with Builders 

• New Memphis Alumna 

• Leadership Memphis Alumna

• Memphis Academy of Civic Engagement Alumna 

• Leaders of Color Alumna 

• LEE Member 

• Organizing for Action Alumna 

• Civic Tennessee Organizer 

• Mayor Lee Harris' Young Professional Council Alumna 

• Mayor Paul Young's Professional Committee Co-Chair 

• Memphis Shelby County Schools' Facility Ad Hoc Committee

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My Approach:
Government works best when people are at the center. That’s why I focus on listening first, following up with action, and making sure everyone—youth, elders, and everyone in between—feels like they have a stake in shaping our future.

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Essentially, I believe in giving you back your time so you can use it on the things you love most.

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Fun Fact Corner:
If civic engagement had a playlist, mine would be a mix of old-school Memphis soul, Beyoncé, and one song guaranteed to make people register to vote out of sheer hype.