Hidden Figure: Ariel Shaw, MBA
Crystal: Who is Ariel Shaw?
Ariel: Ariel Shaw, is a fearless, ambitious, and resilient daughter of the Most High. She is a mother, daughter, author, activist and business woman. She listens more than she speaks but when it is time for her to speak, she does so with wisdom, knowledge and authority. Ariel Shaw, MBA is the co-founder of AS Consulting LLC, the 2ndVice Chair of the Henry County Democratic Party, the Vice Chair of Pates Creek School Council, and more. She is a native of Charleston, South Carolina but currently resides in South Atlanta with her young daughter.
Crystal: What is AS Consulting?
Ariel: AS Consulting LLC is a full-service, Woman-Owned, Service Connected Veteran-Owned, Minority-Owned Logistical Management Firm. We assist small businesses and entrepreneurs in starting and/or growing their business. We have recently ventured into the federal contracting arena where we offer additional services to the federal government. Please visit us at www.arielshawconsulting.com
Crystal: How do you serve your community?
Ariel: I serve my community in many ways. As mentioned I serve on the Executive Board of the Democratic Party. I serve on the local school Council. I was recently an Advisory Board Member to a non-profit that focused on building young women up and introducing them to Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math (S.T.E.A.M). I am member of the National Black MBA Association which recently moved their headquarters from Chicago to Atlanta. I was instrumental in assisting the first African American woman get elected as the Commissioner in Henry County, GA. Additionally, I helped phonebank for the Hillary for America Campaign and am an activist in the community.
Crystal: Why did you participate in the Women’s March in Atlanta?
Ariel: I participated in the Women’s March in Atlanta, because I am first a mother and a woman. I am an advocate of women’s rights and their ability to live their life on their own terms and not according to Conservative Legislation.
Crystal: What message would you like this march to send to the new administration and to women around the world?
Ariel: The message that I would like to send to the new administration is that “We will not be silent…we will not allow Conservative White Men to decide what a woman does with her body.”
A message that I would like send to women around the world is that “We, women, are the most powerful creatures on earth. We have the ability to give life and to SPEAK life. WE must continue to come together in strength and in unity.”
Crystal: Did you know the Hidden Figures story prior to the movie?
Ariel: I did not know the story of Hidden Figures prior to the movie. Which, is actually a travesty with all the formal education I have had.
Crystal: Hidden Figures takes place in the 1950s. Has the plight of African American women change since that time?
Ariel: I think that the new administration and their laws will take this country backwards and women’s rights as well. I do believe that we have made great strides. There are more women entrepreneurs today than ever. Black women are in the lead as the most educated group. So yes, the plight has changed but not as much, we are still fighting for equal pay and a seat at the table.
Crystal: In the movie, young Katherine was encouraged to do her best by her teacher. Who encouraged you to become the woman you are today?
Ariel: My mother and the strong women (grandmothers and aunts) around me all encouraged me to do my best.
Crystal: I recently watched an interview featuring Katherine Johnson. In the interview, she stated that she had a desire to learn. Do you think the younger generation of women coming behind you and I have the passion to learn?
Ariel: I believe that the younger generation of women have a passion to earn money. If their learning is tied to an increase of wealth, then yes.
Crystal: How do you empower women?
Ariel: I empower young women through education and encouragement. I also empower them by “showing them” through what I achieve. Reminding them that they can do whatever they set their minds to and while there are many that will try to tell them different, always remember that they can. I also empower women by encouraging them to not be so dependent on a man and allowing a man to define them. Confident women attract the right kind of men…so be that confident woman first.
Crystal: What does it mean to be an empowered woman?
Ariel: Empowered woman, empower other women. Empowered women know who they are and are confident in their defining paths.
Crystal: How did the movie impact your life?
Ariel: The movie was extremely powerful and moving. It reinforced that we as Black Women are so phenomenal, we cannot be boxed in by stereotypes. It reinforced Black Girl Magic J
Crystal: Who is your Hidden Figure/mentor?
Ariel: I have many mentors and hidden figures through my aunts, professors, and professional relationships.
Crystal: What is your favorite quote?
Ariel: My current favorite quote is “IF you Educate a Man You Educate an Individual. But if you Educate a Woman, You Educate a Family (Nation).”
Crystal: What is your favorite book?
Ariel: My favorite book is my first self-published business manuscript “AS Consulting LLC Presents Business and Credit 101.” It is currently available for purchase and download on Amazon.com
Crystal: What words of inspiration can you leave the audience?
Ariel: Words of inspiration that I would like to leave the audience, is to believe in yourself and to stay focused. There are so many distractions today that one has to work extra hard to stay focused. Ensure that you are walking in your purpose which God will reveal to you. To all the women, you have so much individual strength, but when you unify…..watch out WORLD!