Raised in Minnesota, Ariel earned her Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Grinnell College. After graduation, she relocated to Spain, where she taught English as a Second Language for two years. Upon returning to the U.S., Ariel joined Teach for America as a corps member in Minneapolis, dedicating her time to teaching middle school literacy. Ariel’s passion for education and policy led her to serve as a LEE Public Policy Fellow at EdTrust-TN before joining Sanford. In this role, she supported projects related to statewide policy, advocacy, and external affairs, particularly in preparation for and during the Tennessee General Assembly’s 2024 legislative session. Through this experience, Ariel gained a deep appreciation for strategic advocacy within the legislative arena. Drawing from her diverse experiences in different educational settings, Ariel aims to improve access to and the quality of education, creating pathways for students following high school graduation. In her free time, she enjoys being active—whether it’s golf, hiking, or pickleball—as well as trying new restaurants and traveling.