Aria Kirkland-Harris
Aria’s vocational journey lives at the intersection of faith and philanthropy. Aria has spent over 15 years fundraising for faith- and community-based nonprofit organizations that are working to transform communities through affordable housing, education, and health equity initiatives. At Urban Hope, Aria is responsible for managing our overall fund development strategy to generate financial support for the organization’s goals, program operations, and real estate development needs.
Aria moved to Richmond’s East End in 2018 to attend seminary at the Samuel DeWitt Proctor School of Theology at Virginia Union University. She earned her first graduate degree in education from George Mason University and her undergraduate degree from Columbia University. Aria is also an alumna of Teach For America, The Shalem Institute for Spiritual Formation’s Young Adult Life & Leadership Initiative, and the American Baptist Home Mission Societies Co-Creator Incubator for missional entrepreneurs.
Aria is an ordained minister in the American Baptist Churches USA (ABCUSA) and is an associate minister at the historic Ebeneezer Baptist Church in Richmond’s Jackson Ward. In her free time, Aria enjoys walking with friends along the Virginia Capital Trail and exploring Richmond’s vibrant music and visual arts community. She is also a member of the Richmond Behavioral Health Authority board of directors.