Portfolio
Projects
Every stage, classroom, and gathering I step into is an opportunity for healing, empowerment, discovery, and connection. From mentoring girls in Atlanta to preaching abroad, my passion is helping people see their worth and step boldly into their purpose.
Looking ahead, my vision is to pair leadership and faith development with industry-specific career training—so the next generation grows not just spiritually, but holistically. Confident in identity. Equipped for impact. Ready to lead.
Project 01 — Mentorship
Charcuterie & Mocktails
One of the most meaningful community experiences I've had the opportunity to create was Charcuterie & Mocktails at Westside Table—an intentional evening designed to help women slow down, connect, and pour back into themselves.
This creative empowerment gathering blended beautiful charcuterie spreads, hand-curated mocktails, interactive guest bingo with prizes, and thoughtfully placed games, puzzles, and coloring stations throughout the room to create multiple points of connection for every personality type. Whether someone was naturally outgoing or more reserved, the environment was intentionally crafted to make every woman feel seen, welcomed, and comfortable.
What made the evening especially impactful was the atmosphere of authenticity and encouragement. I shared a message centered around purpose, self-worth, and the importance of women prioritizing themselves just as intentionally as they care for everyone else. The night quickly became more than just an event—it became a space for laughter, vulnerability, new friendships, renewed perspective, and genuine community.
By the end of the evening, women left not only feeling refreshed and inspired, but reminded that God often moves powerfully through simple moments of connection, conversation, and shared experience.
Project 02 — Speaking
Smith Barnes Elementary — Motivational Monday
They need us. Alarmingly, suicide rates among Black youth aged 10–17 increased by 144% between 2007 and 2020, marking the fastest-growing rate among racial groups.
I had the honor of speaking to over 250 elementary students during a Motivational Monday assembly—and it was such a special experience. The energy in the room was electric. I was genuinely surprised by how locked in and responsive the students were as we talked about the importance of not shrinking or dimming your light for others.
Their willingness to engage, ask questions, and reflect showed just how ready they are to be poured into. By the end of our time together, they walked away “on fire and inspired.” It's a reminder that when you speak life into kids—especially from someone they can relate to—it sticks.
If you're looking for a speaker to bring encouragement, truth, and practical motivation to your students, from kindergarten to college, let's connect. I'd love to bring this message to your school or program.
Project 03 — Mentorship
Harmony-Leland Elementary — Girls Mentoring
For over two years, I proudly served as the Lead Mentor for the Just Be Beautiful Girls Mentoring Organization, where I designed and led interactive, intentional, and impactful summer programs as part of my graduate internship at Emory University. I also facilitated year-round mentorship sessions for 3rd–5th grade girls, covering foundational topics like self-love, confidence, friendship, hygiene, and personal care—often working with groups of 10 to 25 girls at a time.
What made this experience truly special was being a youthful voice they could see themselves in—someone close enough in age to relate, but mature enough to pour wisdom and encouragement into their lives. There's power in representation, and I took seriously the privilege of speaking life into their formative years.
The real impact? Many of these girls still stay connected with me today, reminding me that mentorship isn't a moment—it's a legacy. If you're looking for a speaker or mentor who brings heart, vision, and transformative connection, I'm here to do exactly that.
Project 04 — Ministry Abroad
Global Faith in Action — Stockholm, Sweden
As part of my master's program, I had the honor of studying abroad in Stockholm, Sweden—one of the most secular cities in the world. While there, I served at Immanuelskyrkans Församling (Immanuel Church International), working with international middle and high school students in a vibrant, multi-ethnic community.
My time in Stockholm stretched and strengthened me in the best ways. I led group discussions, preached during Sunday services, administered communion to both youth and congregants, and facilitated monthly Confirmation classes and Sunday School sessions. I also provided one-on-one crisis support, helped plan and lead out-of-town youth camps, and developed creative, consistent programming for community hangouts, Bible studies, competitions, and more.
Because of my relatability and passion, I was able to inspire deeper engagement and saw an increase in youth attendance. I also advised church leaders on how to better bridge racial and social divides among youth and staff—helping the church more effectively serve as a unified body in a secular context.
This experience showed me that faith doesn't need a perfect setting to thrive—it just needs to be real. And it gave me the confidence to approach ministry with creativity, cultural awareness, and a deep belief in the power of meeting people where they are.
Project 05 — Youth Ministry
Impact Church — Youth Ministry
While earning my degree, I was presented with the opportunity to serve the youth at Impact Church during a transitional season without a youth pastor. For several months, I stood in the gap—planning, leading, and pouring into students each week until it was time for me to study abroad and serve at an international church in Sweden.
From day one, I wanted to create a space where faith felt alive, fun, and real. We kicked off each morning with vibey Christian music, active games to get them moving, and messages that met them right where they were. That mix of energy, authenticity, and spiritual truth kept them coming back—but more than that, it got them thinking deeper, asking questions, and wanting to name faith for themselves.
If I hadn't been called to serve internationally, I would've stayed even longer. But my time at Impact reminded me how powerful it is when young people are given the freedom to explore faith in a space that's joyful, relatable, and rooted in truth.
Project 06 — Preaching
Global Impact Church — Father, May I?
I had the privilege of speaking at Global Impact Church for their Youth Sunday service, where I delivered a message titled “Father, May I?” The heart of the sermon was simple yet transformative: so often, we wait for God's permission to take positive steps forward, when in reality He has already said, “Yes, you can.”
Together, we explored what it means to step into God's “yes” with confidence, without shrinking back in fear or hesitation. To make this truth tangible, every person in the church received a piece of paper, wrote down their asks for God, and then courageously got up from their seats to place it in a basket for prayer. Watching the congregation move in unison—bringing their hopes, dreams, and faith before God—was a powerful moment I'll never forget.
It wasn't just a message; it was an activation. The room shifted. People left not only encouraged, but empowered to move forward, trusting that God has already granted them permission to grow, to dream, and to step into more.
If you're looking for a speaker who doesn't just inspire but compels your audience to take action, let's connect.
Bring Ari to your next event
Speaking, mentoring, and leadership workshops that move people.