Aria Kirkland-Harris is a second-year seminarian at the Samuel DeWitt Proctor School of Theology at Virginia Union University. Before moving to Richmond for seminary, she made a living as a freelance strategy consultant for faith-based institutions that were working to transform communities through affordable housing, education, and community health initiatives. Her areas of expertise include nonprofit board development, advocacy and community organizing, PK-12 education policy, and fundraising.

Aria is an alumna of Teach For America, the Education Pioneers Graduate Fellowship Program, and The Shalem Institute for Spiritual Formation’s Young Adult Life & Leadership Initiative. She holds a B.A. in Political Science and Psychology from Columbia University and a M.Ed. in curriculum and instruction from George Mason University. In her free time, Aria likes to explore different parts of the world through contemplative pilgrimages and retreats. She also enjoys outdoor music, food, and art festivals and recently discovered a love for hiking.