Meet Arlana Brown

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Arlana Brown. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Arlana below.

Hi Arlana, appreciate you sitting with us today to share your wisdom with our readers. So, let’s start with resilience – where do you get your resilience from?

My resilience comes from life itself. Life shows up with challenges, and I’ve learned that you have to be adaptable or risk being consumed by worries. I draw strength from the people I look up to, I ask questions, and I’m always open to new ideas. Each experience and connection helps me grow stronger and more capable of navigating whatever comes my way. Maya Angelou is one of my sheroes. I often reference her because her life is such an inspiration. Her obstacles didn’t slow her down—they empowered her and propelled her to her next chapter. She showed me that challenges can be a source of strength and transformation.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

I’m a visionary driven by a deep commitment to community. My work centers on helping people bring their ideas to life and empowering them to see the full potential of their vision. Through my consulting services, I guide nonprofits on their journeys—from shaping their missions to navigating funding opportunities—ensuring they have the tools and resources they need to thrive.

I also lead my own nonprofit, Project S.A.V.E. (Survivors Against Violence Efforts), which is dedicated to supporting survivors of sexual and domestic violence. We provide resources, healing opportunities, and a compassionate space where survivors can rebuild and reclaim their lives. This work is especially close to my heart because it allows me to stay grounded in the community while actively addressing critical needs.

What excites me most is the ripple effect of this work: seeing nonprofits grow and impact their communities and witnessing survivors move forward with strength and resilience. It’s a reminder that collaboration and a shared vision can create meaningful change.

Looking ahead, I’m expanding both my consulting and nonprofit efforts. For Project S.A.V.E., we’re planning new initiatives to further our reach and deepen our impact, including reintroducing our work to foundations and strengthening our partnerships. On the consulting side, I continue to focus on helping clients not just achieve their goals but also dream bigger.

At the core of everything I do is a belief that the power of vision, combined with action and community, can truly make the world better.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Looking back, three qualities that have been most impactful on my journey are dependability, resourcefulness, and openness to learning. Each of these traits has shaped how I approach challenges, build relationships, and grow personally and professionally. Being someone others can count on has been foundational. Whether it’s meeting deadlines, following through on commitments, or showing up when it matters most, dependability builds trust and credibility. This trust has allowed me to forge meaningful connections with clients, collaborators, and the community. For those starting out, focus on honoring your commitments, even the small ones. Consistently showing up and delivering what you promise will help you build a strong reputation. Create systems, like to-do lists or reminders, to stay organized and on track.

Many times, I didn’t have all the tools, knowledge, or resources at hand, but being resourceful meant finding creative solutions and figuring things out. Whether it’s researching funding opportunities, learning nonprofit processes on my own, or solving problems for clients, this quality has been a game-changer. Cultivate a problem-solving mindset. When you encounter an obstacle, ask yourself, “What can I do with what I have?” Develop research skills and build a network of people and tools you can tap into when needed.

My willingness to learn has been pivotal, especially in navigating areas I initially knew little about, like nonprofit management. Staying open to new ideas, perspectives, and feedback has allowed me to grow my skills and adapt to new challenges.Never stop learning. Seek out mentors, take courses, attend workshops, and stay curious. Be open to feedback, even if it’s constructive, as it often holds the key to your growth. Remember, you don’t have to know everything at once—embrace learning as a lifelong journey.

Thanks so much for sharing all these insights with us today. Before we go, is there a book that’s played in important role in your development?

One book that has played an important role in my development is I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou. This memoir resonated deeply with me because of its themes of resilience, self-discovery, and the power of voice in the face of adversity. There are a few impactful nuggets of wisdom from the book that continue to inspire me.
Maya’s journey through trauma, racism, and self-doubt is a testament to the human spirit’s capacity to overcome hardship. Her ability to rise above her circumstances reminds me that no matter how difficult life gets, there is always the potential to grow and thrive. Resilience isn’t about avoiding challenges but embracing them and finding the strength to move forward. This has encouraged me to approach obstacles as opportunities for growth. Maya’s experiences teach the importance of owning your story and finding your voice, even when the world tries to silence you. Her growth from a shy, insecure girl to a confident woman who speaks her truth is incredibly inspiring. Sharing my own story and standing up for others is not just empowering—it’s transformative. In my nonprofit and consulting work, I strive to create spaces where others feel seen, heard, and validated. The metaphor of the caged bird singing speaks to the enduring hope and desire for freedom within us, even when confined by external limitations. Maya’s use of language and creativity as a form of liberation is profound. Creativity is a powerful tool for healing and self-expression. Whether it’s through writing, art, or simply dreaming big, I’ve learned to use creativity as a way to navigate challenges and connect with others.

Contact Info:

• Website: aandaconsulting.my.canva.site
• Instagram: @a.and.aconsulting
• Other: www.projectsavephilly.com
  @projectsavephilly(IG)
  @psavephilly(Twitter)
  Project SAVE (Facebook)

Image Credits

Holly Maher