Adore A-List 2021

ARIEL WILSON-HARRIS MARIGNY COMMUNICATIONS & CREATIVE STRATEGY

Describe what you love about what you do. I love that I am able to use my creativity in everything I do. Whether it is developing a campaign to spread awareness, rebranding an organization, or planning a unique event experience, I am a creative strategist at heart. The reward is when someone shares something they saw or heard about with me and had no idea that I produced it. Internally, I get so excited because it's rewarding to know that my talent is shining through in New Orleans and beyond. What about New Orleans inspires you? The culture bearers. The city is known for its culture, however those same people, particularly from the Black community, barely see the financial benefits of that. I am inspired by those folks because no matter how resilient they are, they deserve to be healthy and wealthy. I am inspired to shed light on them and the Black underserved community in this city through my work and advocacy efforts. There is a pool of Black genius here that is a force to be reckoned with. What advice would you give your twenty-year-old self? It is not denial, it is delay. It is not a loss, it is a catalyst for something greater. It is not a weakness, it is an opportunity for growth. You deserve wealth, prosperity, and happiness. Take up all the space! Describe your charitable work or favorite causes. I am the president and founder of The Orchid Society, a nonprofit that mentors young African American girls from underserved communities. My "why" is when one of our "orchid bud" mentees gets scholarships to four HBCUs. My "why" is when a mentee says, "I had no one else to call, so I called you." My "why" is when a mentee shares they had never traveled outside of the country until she joined. It is critical that Black girls see powerhouse female leaders in professional industries that look like them and be encouraged to take on the world in their beautiful, unapologetically Black skin! To see them shy when they enter the program and fearless when they get to college is everything for me!

AUTHOR Wilson Ave.

Favorite bar Cure Favorite simple indulgence Cigars A song that defines your coming of age Bittersweet Symphony by The Verve Name a necessary extravagance A MAD Nails manicure and nail design Favorite drink or cocktail Pineapple Daiquiri

Best musical concert ever Prince, Essence Festival 2014

40

ADORE • A-LIST 2021