I connected with James Phipps, the Founder and President of BeCloud, LLC in his North State Street office in Jackson, MS. The outside of Phipps’ office space resembles a home, but inside you find a high-tech hub bustling with activity where he and his team of Information Technology experts are proud to provide data and Cloud-based expertise to clients within Mississippi and across state lines. Phipps strives for and succeeds at providing a diverse working environment where women, along with African Americans and Latinos, who he says are underrepresented in mainstream IT, have a place to learn, grow, and shine. Phipps, the son of a teacher and late Army and Air National Guardsman formed BeCloud, LLC in 2011. According to the tech wiz, who spends free time reading and learning new skills, BeCloud, LLC is the first and only Amazon Web Services partner in the Magnolia State. 

 Outside the business world, Phipps is a family man who was born in Natchez, MS, and raised in West Jackson’s Presidential Hills neighborhood. “I have very strong ties and love for Jackson and the community,” says Phipps, who is the father of two sons and has been married to his bride Regina, a Belhaven graduate, for 21 years. 

 The Jackson State University graduate calls himself extremely driven, which is not all too surprising because he grew up in a home where getting an education was of utmost importance. The JSU alum who also served in the Air National Guard 172nd Military Air Wing says education is crucial, especially for the African-American community. Education has "opened up doors of opportunity" for Phipps, and he strongly believes it can do the same for others.  

 Phipps first visited The Redeemer’s School campus for a Christmas performance several years ago. Phipps says he witnessed an organized program with students actively engaged in their roles. He says he was impressed by what he saw and recognized TRS going above and beyond to provide resources and skills for young people. Phipps’ strong community ties, an adamant stance on receiving an excellent and equitable education, and seeing The Redeemer’s School ‘in action,’ propelled him to partner BeCloud, LLC with TRS financially.

 In the military, Phipps embraced the concept of never leaving anyone behind. It’s a practice he walks out as a businessman and a model that if correctly executed should be carried out in academic settings. Because of generous financial partners, all TRS students, regardless of their background receive an excellent and equitable academic foundation. We pray our students will never be left behind (1) because of God’s grace, and (2) because of big-hearted organizations and individuals who leverage their resources to propel our mission forward. Phipps says “these are our future leaders,” and because of that he encourages others to consider joining him by investing what you can, whether it is time or money. I would add that prayer is another way you can partner with our ministry so that we can collectively ensure that none of our TRS students is left behind.

 Thank you, James, for your investment in our mission at TRS! If you or your business is interested in learning about investment opportunities with our school, please reach out to me by clicking this link.