Inspiring Conversations with Quanie Cash of The Build Up Foundation-BUF 501c (non profit )

Today we’d like to introduce you to Quanie Cash.

Hi Quanie , we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Quanie is a visionary community advocate, educator, and entrepreneur dedicated to
empowering youth through mentorship, academic support, and creative expression. A proud Nashville native, Quanie has transformed personal experience into purpose, developing programs that uplift and equip students in underserved communities with the tools they need
to thrive.

COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP & IMPACT
Recently is the Recipient of Pardon from Governor Bill Lee
• Founder & President, The Build Up Foundations Film & Music Academy – A mentorship program that uses film, music, and podcasting to inspire and train the next generation of storytellers and creators.
• Creator, BUF Free ACT Prep & Tutoring Program – Served over 3,000 students with free academic support, ACT prep, and college readiness tools.
• Youth Mentor & Speaker – Delivers school talks and workshops on motivation, leadership, and goal-setting.
• Urban Outreach Organizer – Leads community programs focused on life skills, entrepreneurship, and academic success.

EDUCATIONAL A C C O M P L I S H M E N T S
• Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA), Concentration in Human Resource Management
• Master of Business Administration (MBA), Concentration in Leadership & Management
•Developed BUF Academy’s curriculum combining creative industry training with personal
development
• 2025 Metro Public Health Department “Community Champion Award” Recipient
• Education Advocate working alongside schools to expand youth access to opportunity

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I was raised in a poverty stricken neighborhood in East Nashville, at the time was considered one of the toughest neighborhoods known to locals as “The Bottom” . Surround by drugs and violence, as a teenager had brushes with the law but managed to turn my life around and use those experiences in a positive light.

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about The Build Up Foundation-BUF 501c (non profit )?
All services are free to the Public

• Mentorship: Providing one-on-one mentorship to help guide youth toward positive futures.
• Education: Offering ACT Prep & Tutoring, along with after-school educational programs to help students excel academically.
• Creative Arts & Sports:
• Filmmaking: Youth have the chance to explore filmmaking, from production to post-production.
• Music Production & Recording: Students engage in hands-on music creation, learning about recording, mixing, and producing music.
• Podcasting: From recording to editing, we teach youth the ins and outs of creating and producing podcasts.
• Youth Sports: Developing teamwork, discipline, and leadership through sports.

Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
Some would consider pouring your resources back into the community even when there is nothing you can gain from it financially could be considered a risk. I realized God bless me to be able to bless others, even that blessing doesn’t involve money but just your time. I have spent my life taken the risk believing in my community and those that are less fortunate and it has paid off for me and my community.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.thebuildupfoundation.org
• Instagram: @quaniecash
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/16PHK9r9oo/?mibextid=wwXIfr
• Twitter: @quaniecash