Arionna Grant

As a sociology major, senior Arionna Grant has a deep curiosity about people and societal dynamics. But what captivates her most is having honest and open conversations with others, and the moments of connection that reveal how people think, feel, and relate to one another.

Grant currently has a paid internship with Strategic Spartanburg. Her role involves building a framework for community impact, creating Excel data dashboards, and assisting colleagues with policy work on poverty projects.

Grant previously was a marketing and communications intern with Strategic Spartanburg and realized then that she thrived in a community-centered environment. Her current experience has strengthened her skills in analysis, verbal and written communication, and critical thinking, while encouraging her to take on new challenges. She enjoys contributing her insights and passion for connection to the projects she works on

Growing up, Grant was surrounded by family and peers who prioritized independence and individuality over helping each other or asking for help. She lacked anyone close to her who could guide her or share life lessons. Her hope is to one day work on policy that provides the kind of support to young people that she didn’t have.

“Because of my own experience, I don’t feel like I was surrounded by a strong community, and I keep finding myself with kids,” she says. “They need that mental health support, guidance, and resources.”

Grant feels the skills and knowledge she acquired during her internship have given her the confidence to make meaningful contributions to a community right away.

“You can make a change at a local level; you don’t have to go into politics,” she says. “It prepared me by knowing what I can do now. I don’t have to get a job somewhere and wait a couple of years to be impactful. I can make an impact now at a job.”