Dr. Ariel Rosita King is the founder of Ariel Foundation International and Dr. King Solutions, with a distinguished career spanning over 35 years in public health, international development, and nonprofit management. Her journey has been one of profound commitment to empowering children and youth, particularly in the realm of human rights and global decision-making. With a solid academic and professional background in international health, management, and policy, Dr. King has lived and worked in 11 countries and traveled to over 65, leading numerous initiatives that focus on underserved communities. Through her work at Ariel Foundation International, she has positively impacted the lives of over 150,000 young people across more than 30 countries.
Dr. King’s journey has been shaped by a vision to give a voice to children and youth in the global arena, allowing them to contribute to discussions on human rights and policy. This passion is also reflected in her writing. Her book, Humanity Unveiled: A Collection of Unexpected Encounters That Reveal the Human Spirit in Us, offers a heartfelt exploration of extraordinary moments she has experienced with notable figures, including Dr. Maya Angelou, President Nelson Mandela, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, and others. These encounters taught her valuable lessons about compassion, resilience, and human connection, shaping her leadership approach. The book calls on leaders and dreamers alike to embrace their humanity and work toward creating a more compassionate and interconnected world.
Dr. King’s inspiration to pursue leadership came from her belief in the transformative power of empowering young people. She recognized early on that there was a gap in opportunities for children and youth to be involved in international decision-making processes. Witnessing the immense potential for global collaboration to address societal issues, particularly in underserved communities, she felt called to take on the challenge of developing programs that empower young people to become leaders and agents of change. This drive has fueled her work through Ariel Foundation International and Dr. King Solutions, both of which focus on unlocking the potential within individuals and creating lasting impact through leadership. One of the major challenges Dr. King faced was establishing Ariel Foundation International as a credible force in the nonprofit sector, particularly when resources were limited, and the voices of children and youth were often marginalized. Despite these obstacles, she pioneered a significant initiative by accrediting children and youth as official delegates at United Nations meetings. This groundbreaking achievement allowed young people to present to world leaders during side events to the Human Rights Council. Balancing the growth of her consulting firm, Dr. King Solutions, alongside her nonprofit work also proved challenging. Maintaining operations across multiple countries required careful planning, resource management, and a constant focus on sustaining impact.
“True leadership is reflected in how we uplift and support those around us, inspiring them to reach their fullest potential.”
Dr. King attributes her success in overcoming these challenges to her ability to build strong partnerships and adapt to the evolving needs of the communities she serves. She sought out strategic collaborations that expanded the reach and credibility of her organizations. For instance, obtaining United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) Special Partner Status for Ariel Foundation International helped to establish its role as a key player in international development. Additionally, securing NGO observer status at the European Parliament allowed her organization to have a broader influence on issues affecting children and youth. Through Dr. King Solutions, she fostered public-private partnerships that aligned with sustainable development goals, ensuring continued growth and impact.
One of the most significant moments in Dr. King’s career came when Ariel Foundation International was able to accredit children and youth as official delegates to the United Nations Human Rights Council. This was a monumental achievement, marking the first time in UN history that children and youth were officially recognized as delegates. Prior to this, young people were only allowed to tour the UN premises. This change allowed them to participate in global discussions in real time, amplifying their voices and ensuring their perspectives were heard by world leaders. This accomplishment was a turning point for Dr. King, solidifying her commitment to advocating for youth inclusion in international policy discussions. Throughout her career, Dr. King has been fortunate to have several influential mentors, including Ambassador Alfonso Lenhardt, Dr. Maya Angelou, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, and her own mother, Dr. Margo G. King. These figures shaped her understanding of leadership as a form of service, teaching her to approach leadership with empathy and to recognize the value of every human connection. Their wisdom and resilience inspired her to establish Ariel Foundation International and pursue initiatives that focus on human rights and empowerment. Dr. King credits these mentors with instilling in her a deep sense of responsibility to lead with compassion and integrity.
In Dr. King’s view, the most important qualities of a good leader include empathy, resilience, and the ability to inspire others. Throughout her career, she has learned that effective leadership is not about directing from above but rather about engaging with people, listening to their needs, and being willing to adapt. Resilience has been critical in overcoming the many challenges she has faced, especially in navigating international systems and ensuring that the voices of children and youth are recognized on the global stage. Dr. King also emphasizes the importance of integrity, which she believes is essential in carrying out a vision that aligns with one’s values.
For Dr. King, balance comes from aligning her personal values with her professional work. The causes she champions—children’s human rights, youth leadership, environmental sustainability—are all deeply rooted in her personal beliefs, making her work feel like an extension of her life. Additionally, she prioritizes time for family and self-care, recognizing the importance of recharging to maintain the energy needed to lead effectively. Delegation and building a trusted team have also been key to maintaining balance, allowing her to focus on strategic leadership while trusting her colleagues to manage day-to-day operations.
Dr. King draws motivation from the impact her work has on the communities she serves. Seeing young people who have participated in Ariel Foundation International’s programs go on to lead their own initiatives is a constant reminder of the importance of her work. She also stays inspired through continuous learning and by connecting with other leaders who share her passion for global change. Writing Humanity Unveiled was another source of inspiration, as it allowed her to reflect on the profound impact of human connection and the lessons she has learned from the luminaries she has encountered. As a leader, Dr. King has faced difficult decisions, particularly during financial downturns that threatened the continuity of Ariel Foundation International’s global programs. During these times, she had to make tough choices about which initiatives to prioritize and where to reallocate resources. By maintaining transparency with her team and partners, she was able to navigate these challenges, scaling back temporarily in some areas while ultimately emerging stronger.
“Leadership is not about avoiding challenges, but about growing through them and empowering others along the way.”
Among the many initiatives Dr. King is proud of, her work at Ariel Foundation International stands out, particularly the accreditation of children and youth as official UN delegates. This initiative has transformed how young people engage with global leaders and has empowered them to influence international policy. Dr. King is also proud of the environmental protection efforts led by her organization, such as the Ghana James Town seaside cleanup, which addresses plastic pollution and reinforces community empowerment through environmental stewardship. Dr. King is deeply committed to supporting and mentoring other women, both within her organizations and in the broader international community. She actively encourages women to take on leadership roles and provides them with the tools and guidance they need to succeed. Through her advocacy for gender equality, she supports policies that open doors for women in leadership positions.
Dr. King’s advice to young women aspiring to leadership is simple: trust yourself, be resilient, and never stop believing in the value of your unique perspective. She encourages young women to seek out mentors, build strong support networks, and not be afraid to take risks. Every challenge is an opportunity for growth, and every setback is a step forward on the path to leadership. Dr. King sees a promising future for women in leadership, with an increasing focus on intersectional leadership that values diversity of thought and experience. She believes that women are bringing innovation and empathy to the forefront of leadership and that continued advocacy and supportive policies will lead to even more women leading in traditionally male-dominated sectors. In closing, Dr. King is deeply grateful to the board members and team at Ariel Foundation International and Dr. King Solutions, whose dedication and collaborative spirit have been instrumental in the success of these organizations. For Dr. King, leadership is about serving others, empowering those around her, and creating meaningful change through compassion and collaboration.
