As a graduate student in Public Administration with an Arts and Cultural Management certificate at the College of Charleston, Arianna (Arii) Parker is seamlessly combining her passions for arts management and public service. Arii’s journey started with a foundational background in arts management during her undergraduate years at CofC, where she benefited from mentorship and hands-on learning. A pivotal moment came when she attended the Summer Diversity Enrichment Academy hosted by the MPA program, where she discovered the synergy between arts management and public administration. This experience revealed how the MPA program could enhance her career by merging her interests in the arts and community service.
One of the standout aspects of Arii’s graduate experience has been the unique Public Service Assistantship Program (PSAP), hosted in conjunction with the Riley Center. Through PSAP, Arii has been able to apply her classroom learning to real-world projects, working directly with clients on capacity-building initiatives. These projects, combined with the support of the full-time staff, have provided her with invaluable insights into the nonprofit and public sectors. She also had the chance to attend the SouthEastern Conference For Public Administration (SECoPA), where she presented work from PSAP and showcased CofC’s commitment to hands-on learning in public administration.
In the classroom, Arii has found her studies both challenging and deeply rewarding. A particular highlight was her final presentation in her cloud-based technologies class, where she recommended software solutions for a local nonprofit she works with. Seeing her recommendations implemented by the organization was both fulfilling and eye-opening, as she gained firsthand understanding of the complexities involved in nonprofit decision-making.
Among her courses, Public Policy has been her favorite, thanks to the engaging teaching style of Dr. Kwak. With a small class size and a professor who was committed to student success, Arii appreciated the deep dive into policy theory, case studies, and the supportive learning environment that made mastering complex material more accessible.
Throughout her studies, Arii has been supported by Program Coordinator Marla Robertson, who has been a mentor since Arii’s first introduction to the program at the Summer Diversity Enrichment Academy. Marla’s support has gone beyond academics, offering guidance on professional decisions and mental well-being. Arii credits Marla’s encouragement and guidance with helping her navigate the challenges of graduate school, inspiring her to excel and maintain balance.
Through PSAP, Arii has built a strong network of professional connections, which have led to meaningful roles in the Charleston community. Currently, she works with the Gullah Geechee Heritage Preservation Project, where she leads a grant-funded initiative focused on documenting and supporting marginalized communities. Her role includes organizing events, providing technical assistance to over 20 communities, and creating outreach materials. She also serves as a Graduate Fellow for the South Carolina Arts Alliance, supporting arts advocacy through research and policy analysis, and as a Circulation Assistant at the Charleston County Public Library.
Reflecting on her journey, Arii credits CofC with providing her the foundation for a successful career in the arts and public service. The mentorship she received and her exposure to a wide network of professionals have directly contributed to her roles with the Gullah Geechee Heritage Preservation Project and the South Carolina Arts Alliance.
For prospective students considering a path in arts management or public administration, Arii advises pairing academic studies with practical experience through internships, volunteer work, and networking. She emphasizes the importance of mentorship from professors and professionals, staying adaptable to new skills and technologies, and fostering curiosity. Arii’s story illustrates how connecting one’s passions with academic pursuits can lead to a fulfilling and impactful career.
