Our Story

Founded by Ariana McAuley, Ariventures Abroad was born from personal experience. After studying and working in Paris for several years, Ariana encountered challenges as a Black American abroad—navigating culture shock, European perceptions of race, visa bureaucracy, and job-hunting hurdles. She recognized that many of these barriers could have been eased with the right support network. Ariventures Abroad was created to provide just that: community, guidance, and access to global opportunities for those who are often left out of the conversation.

"I created what I needed years ago so no one else has to navigate it alone."

- Ariana McAuley, Executive Director, Ariventures Abroad

Our Mission

To make global opportunities, whether academic, professional, or personal, accessible to underrepresented students, with a focus on minority Americans pursuing graduate programs abroad.

Ariventures Abroad Board

Ariana McAuley

Executive Director, Ariventures Abroad CEO, Ariventures Consulting, LLC

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Rashida Elbourne

Board Member, Ariventures Abroad

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Hobinirina “Eva” Littell

Board Member, Ariventures Abroad

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Adame Frances

Board Member, Ariventures Abroad

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Ariana McAuley

Ariana McAuley is a global strategist, international education advocate, travel consultant, and cultural connector who founded Ariventures and Ariventures Abroad to expand access to global experiences and culturally immersive travel for underrepresented communities. With over 40 countries stamped in her passport, Ariana has lived and worked across the U.S., France, and the U.K., and is passionate about helping others find their place in the world—literally and figuratively. As Executive Director of Ariventures Abroad, Ariana leads efforts to remove barriers to study abroad for Black and minority graduate students through the ACM Fellowship, mentorship, student workshops, and service-based retreats. She believes immersive cultural experiences are essential for developing globally minded leaders. She is also the Founder and CEO of Ariventures Consulting, LLC, a travel advisory firm offering relocation services, digital nomad support, student travel planning, and personalized itineraries for culturally curious clients around the world. Ariventures blends cultural insight with logistical precision to help individuals travel smarter, live abroad confidently, and connect meaningfully with the world around them. In addition to her work with Ariventures, Ariana serves in a global strategy role within the Office of the Chair at a leading professional services firm. There, she supports executive operations, strategic planning, and governance initiatives across a multinational board, helping shape global responses to geopolitical shifts and emerging market challenges. Ariana holds a BA in Political Science from East Carolina University and a master’s degree in International Relations and Diplomacy from Schiller International University in France. Her leadership is grounded in resilience, equity, and a firm belief that travel is not a luxury—it’s a tool for transformation.

Rashida Elbourne

Rashida Elbourne brings a lifelong global lens to the Ariventures Abroad Board, shaped by her unique upbringing as a “military brat” across Japan, Panama, Germany and the United States. With a deep appreciation for the power of cultural exposure, Rashida is committed to expanding access to international opportunities for students from underrepresented backgrounds. A senior consultant at Deloitte specializing in strategy and operations in financial services, Rashida is currently pursuing her dual Executive MBA through the prestigious EMBA-Global Program offered by Columbia Business School and London Business School. This program has further refined her ability to lead diverse and global teams as well as deepened her commitment to inclusive, cross-cultural leadership. Rashida holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Livingstone College, where she graduated summa cum laude and captained the women’s basketball team. She also holds a master’s degree in Criminal Justice Management and Planning from Norfolk State University. Throughout her academic and professional journey, Rashida has been recognized for her hard work, leadership, and intentional focus on community—values that align deeply with the mission of Ariventures Abroad. As a proud 2x HBCU alumna and member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Rashida is passionate about mentoring the next generation of global changemakers. Her story is a testament to the belief that unique paths can lead to powerful impact—and that global access should never be limited by specific background.

Hobinirina “Eva” Littell

Hobinirina “Eva” Littell is a global citizen whose life and career reflect a deep commitment to cross-cultural understanding and international connection. Born in Madagascar and raised in Benin, Eva moved to France at age 17 to pursue higher education. She holds a BA in Foreign Languages and an MA in International Relations and Diplomacy, credentials that have shaped her career across Madagascar, France, England, and now the United States. With extensive personal and professional experience navigating different cultures, Eva brings valuable global perspective to the Ariventures Abroad Board. Her work as a travel advisor is rooted in a desire to make international experiences more accessible, meaningful, and transformative. She specializes in crafting personalized travel plans that reflect each traveler’s goals, culture, and curiosity. Eva’s passion for global education and mobility aligns seamlessly with Ariventures Abroad’s mission. Her lived experience—across continents and languages—makes her a powerful advocate for students seeking to expand their worldview and pursue life-changing opportunities abroad.

Adame Frances

Adame Frances is proud to serve on the Board of Ariventures Abroad, where he brings a deep belief in the transformative power of cultural exchange. He views international education as a cornerstone for personal growth, professional readiness, and global citizenship. In an increasingly interconnected world, Adame believes that those who engage with cultures beyond their own are better positioned to lead, innovate, and collaborate across borders. His own international journey includes an extended period of study in France, an experience that shaped his worldview, fostered fluency in French, and expanded his global network. It also reinforced his commitment to making opportunities like this accessible to others—especially those who may not see themselves reflected in global spaces. Adame works in Technology Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC), where he focuses on enhancing security frameworks for large-scale projects. He is also a Co-Founding Member of Uncommonwealth Properties, LLC. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Political Science – International Relations from Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), and a Master’s degree in Public and International Affairs from the University of Pittsburgh’s GSPIA, where he was recognized as a K. Leroy Irvis Fellow.

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