Just like the woman who inspired it, one bicycle stood out from the rest.
A personalized license plate. A basket with a bow. Every detail vibrant purple.
“She was a purple girl,” said Michelle Ficklen of her friend of more than 40 years, Johnna Gaustad.
Was.
It’s a word Ficklen still struggles to say.
In June, Ficklen, a Regions Branch Administration Specialist, had reached out to her friend to share the bank’s plans to assemble and donate a dozen green children’s bicycles to Knowledge Quest, a 25-year Regions customer and the Memphis nonprofit where Gaustad worked as an early childhood education teacher.
“Johnna said how much this gift would mean to the students Knowledge Quest serves,” said Ficklen. “She also mentioned her heartfelt desire to be there when the bikes were delivered.”
Sadly, that didn’t happen. Only hours later, Gaustad unexpectedly passed away.
What began as a team-building project involving Ficklen, 15 of her Mid-South Consumer Banking colleagues, Retail Performance Group executive Steve Nivet, and local small business All About Bikes, which provided assembly guidance, became something far more personal: a tribute to “Ms. Johnna,” the beloved teacher whose life was defined by bringing joy to children.
A Bicycle Built for Johnna
The idea came from Mid-South Consumer Banking executive Rudy Walker.
“Rudy suggested we build a 13th bike – a purple one, of course – in Johnna’s honor,” said Ficklen.
Every turn of a wrench and tightening of a bolt took on added meaning for the team.
“That purple bike became more than part of the event,” said Ficklen. “It’s a symbol of Johnna’s life’s work, her love for children and the legacy she leaves behind.”
Knowledge Quest’s founder and CEO Marlon Foster said the tribute perfectly reflected Gaustad’s impact on the organization and the children she served.
“That purple bike became more than part of the event. It’s a symbol of Johnna’s life’s work, her love for children and the legacy she leaves behind.” Michelle Ficklen, Regions Branch Administration Specialist
“A purple child’s bicycle – what a befitting representation of Johnna’s personality and giftedness!” said Foster. “Purple is associated with dignity and creativity, and bicycles represent exploration and liberating fun times – all of which Johnna brought to children within Knowledge Quest’s Early Childhood Academy.”
A Team Rallies Around a Friend
For Walker and team, the purple bike also became a personal way to support a teammate grieving the passing of a lifelong friend.
“When Michelle shared Johnna’s story, I saw the heartache in her eyes and felt the depth of her loss,” said Walker. “Assembling the purple bike offered a way for our team to rally around Michelle while remembering Johnna’s courage and strength.”
For everyone involved, the project became far more than a bike build. It was a day of building hope, strengthening relationships and honoring a life of selfless service.
“Experiences like this bring out the best in our associates and strengthen the personal connections that make Regions’ culture special,” added Steve Nivet. “When we support one another and serve with purpose, we’re better positioned to help Knowledge Quest and all of our customers achieve what matters most to them.”
“This is the magic that happens when people come together with heart,” added Ficklen. “It shows how teamwork, compassion and purpose can create something meaningful that extends far beyond the workplace.”
Experiences like this bring out the best in our associates and strengthen the personal connections that make Regions’ culture special. Steve Nivet, Retail Performance Group executive
Remembering a Life of Service
To Ficklen, it’s also a fitting tribute to her childhood friend who did so much for the children she taught.
“Johnna helped prepare kindergarteners with a strong foundation,” said Ficklen. “Her passion centered on supporting children and families facing difficult circumstances like financial and housing challenges. She poured her heart into her work and cared deeply for every child she served.”
On a Quest to Do – and Serve – More at Knowledge Quest:
For nearly 30 years, Knowledge Quest has served youth and families in South Memphis through its Home. Health. Opportunity. (H2O) programming approach, which includes:
- Early Childhood Academy – Johnna Gaustad was part of Knowledge Quest’s Early Childhood Academy team, whose members provide pre-kindergarten students with a safe, nurturing and engaging environment while preparing young learners for school success.
- Extended Learning Academies – From adventure education and homework help to character development programming, Knowledge Quest’s three Extended Learning Academy sites offer support that extends beyond the classroom for students in kindergarten through 12th grade.
- Learning Farm – Green Leaf Learning Farm is a 3-acre, urban, organic micro-farm rooted in providing healthy food access and security, education and community, and economic development.
- Family Stability Centers – Family coaches work with families to holistically address essential needs through housing stability assistance, workforce development, parenting education classes and more.