Ariel DeNey
Hustle Mommies
United States
Ariel DeNey Rainey is a seasoned professional with over a decade of experience in integrated marketing, communications, and philanthropy. With a deep passion for education, entertainment, and community development, Ariel is dedicated to creating transformative experiences that resonate within underserved communities. She is the visionary Founder and CEO of Hustle Mommies and the Urban Mom Collective National Black Mom Coalition, organizations focused on elevating the voices of Black mothers through impactful programming, advocacy, and training.
As a Global Creative Strategist and Urban Family Advocate, Ariel has collaborated with prominent brands such as the American Black Film Festival, MC Lyte’s Hip Hop Sisters organization, and BET, addressing both digital and traditional needs. She is the driving force behind Hustle Mommies, a nonprofit that has connected hundreds of mothers with career opportunities, personal development resources, and grants. The Hustle Mommies' Facebook community, boasting over 58,000 members, serves as a vibrant hub for urban moms seeking business promotion and parenting support.
Ariel’s leadership extends to initiatives like the PAINT THE HOOD ORANGE campaign, launched in response to the violence affecting inner-city neighborhoods. This campaign, part of Hustle Mommies’ broader efforts, has facilitated block parties, community meetings, and events serving over 5,000 people in the Chicagoland area. Additionally, the Pitch Like a Mom™️ competition series, spearheaded by Ariel, has awarded over $100,000 to Black mompreneurs, and the Moms Mean Business program and conference support moms in overcoming socioeconomic barriers to business success.
Under Ariel's guidance, Hustle Mommies has earned accolades from Mayor Aja Brown, New York Mayor Eric Adams, the WNBA Chicago Sky basketball team, Nike, and the Obama Foundation. Ariel is also the proud mother of The Mogul Kids, a creative collective comprised of her children Morgan and DJ, and she resides in the Chicagoland area.
About
Me.
What is your story?
What drives your work?
My story is deeply rooted in my personal experiences growing up in the Englewood community of Chicago. At the age of 19, I became a mother of two, navigating the challenges of young motherhood in an environment marked by gun violence and socioeconomic issues. These experiences shaped my understanding of the struggles faced by many urban, inner-city families, particularly Black mothers who often bear the brunt of systemic inequalities.
The creation of Hustle Mommies was born from these experiences and my desire to create a supportive community for Black moms. Witnessing firsthand the lack of resources and support available to young mothers like myself, I was driven to build an organization that empowers Black moms to lead and thrive in their homes, communities, and careers. Our mission is to provide the tools, resources, and community support that Black mothers need to succeed, recognizing the unique challenges they face.
Through Hustle Mommies, we have cultivated a vibrant Facebook community of over 56,000 moms who connect, support, and do business with one another. This platform has become a space for sharing resources, discussing issues, and promoting each other's businesses, creating a powerful network of moms who uplift one another. Our community demonstrates the strength and resilience of Black mothers, and our collective efforts are a testament to the power of solidarity and shared purpose.
What drives my work is the vision of building a mom ecosystem that fosters social impact and economic growth. I am committed to creating a network that not only supports mothers in their personal and professional lives but also positions them as leaders in their communities and the broader world. This movement aims to redefine what it means to be a mom in today's society, emphasizing the importance of economic empowerment, community engagement, and leadership. My goal is to ensure that every mom in our community has the opportunity to thrive, both personally and professionally, and to leave a lasting legacy for future generations.
Describe your biggest strength as a leader
My biggest strengths as a leader lie in my resilience, resourcefulness, and commitment to helping others. I have a strong ability to bounce back from challenges and setbacks, which enables me to stay focused and motivated even in the face of adversity. This resilience allows me to lead with confidence and determination, setting a positive example for my team.
I am also highly resourceful, able to identify and leverage opportunities to build and develop an ecosystem that fosters growth and innovation. My experience in developing such ecosystems has equipped me with the skills to create supportive environments where individuals and businesses can thrive.
Moreover, I am deeply committed to putting others in positions to succeed. I believe in empowering those around me by providing them with the tools, knowledge, and opportunities they need to reach their full potential. By focusing on the growth and development of others, I strive to create a collaborative and inclusive culture where everyone can contribute and excel. These strengths collectively enable me to lead effectively and make a meaningful impact on the communities and organizations I am part of.
Describe your biggest challenge as a leader
As a leader, one of my biggest challenges has been the need for robust project management structuring. While I am adept at envisioning and executing initiatives, I recognize the importance of developing a more systematic approach to managing projects. This includes setting clear timelines, defining roles and responsibilities, and implementing effective monitoring and evaluation processes. Establishing a strong project management framework will not only streamline operations but also ensure that our goals are met efficiently and effectively.
Another significant challenge is fundraising mentorship and enhancement. While I have experience in securing funding, I see the value in learning from seasoned experts who can provide guidance on advanced fundraising strategies, donor engagement, and sustainable financial planning. Gaining these skills is crucial for the growth and stability of my organization, allowing us to expand our reach and impact.
Board development is another area where I face challenges. Building a diverse and dynamic board that shares my vision and values is essential for strategic decision-making and long-term success. I aim to develop a board that brings a wealth of experience and perspectives, providing strong governance and support as we navigate various challenges and opportunities.
Lastly, a significant challenge lies in building a model where my brand can outlive me for generations. I am committed to creating a lasting legacy that continues to empower and uplift communities long after my tenure. This requires a focus on sustainability, succession planning, and institutionalizing the values and mission of my organization. Ensuring that the brand remains relevant and impactful over time is a complex challenge, but it is one I am determined to tackle.
About the
Organization
and the Project.
Sector
Not-for-profit
Vision & Mission
The Hustle Mommies nonprofit and brand is a movement designed to empower urban, inner city moms to be leaders in their homes and their communities. We are dedicated to helping urban, inner city moms thrive by providing them resources that will help them become greater as an individuals and moms.
Year Founded
2012
No. of Employees
3
Years in the Organization
11 years
Annual Budget (USD)
$300.000
Geographical Area Served
Chicagoland and expanding to the urban communities
Organizational /
Project Description
The Hustle Mommies nonprofit and brand is a movement designed to empower urban, inner city moms to be leaders in their homes and their communities. We are dedicated to helping urban, inner city moms thrive by providing them resources that will help them become greater as an individuals and moms.
Why is this project important and timely?
What is the target population of your project?
Black moms between age 21 and 50 for MOM MEAN BUSINESS and all moms between ages 21 and 55 for Pitch Like a Mom pitch competition.
How will you know that you have achieved that impact? What data will you use to assess your impact?
To determine whether we have achieved the desired impact, we will rely on a comprehensive set of data and metrics. Our primary indicators of success will include the total dollars funded through our initiatives and the business longevity of moms within our programs. By tracking these metrics, we can assess the financial and operational success of the businesses we support and understand the long-term impact of our efforts.
1. **Dollars Funded**: We will measure the total amount of funding allocated to mompreneurs through our "Pitch Like a Mom" initiative and other funding programs. This data will provide insight into the financial support we have provided to help women start and grow their businesses. By monitoring this metric, we can evaluate the scale and reach of our funding efforts and ensure that we are effectively addressing the funding gap faced by Black moms in entrepreneurship.
2. **Business Longevity**: The success and sustainability of the businesses launched or supported through our programs are critical indicators of our impact. We will track the survival and growth rates of these businesses over time, looking at factors such as revenue growth, job creation, and market expansion. By analyzing this data, we can assess the effectiveness of our support services and identify areas for improvement.
3. **Focus Group and Survey Models**: To gather qualitative data and gain deeper insights into the experiences of our participants, we will utilize focus groups and surveys. These methods will help us understand the challenges and successes faced by the moms in our programs, as well as their satisfaction with the support they receive. This feedback will be invaluable in refining our programs and ensuring they meet the needs of our community.
4. **Other Metrics**: Additional data points, such as the number of moms engaged in our programs, the diversity of industries represented, and the geographic reach of our initiatives, will also be considered. These metrics will provide a holistic view of our impact and help us identify trends and patterns in our work.
By using this multi-faceted approach to data collection and analysis, we can comprehensively assess the impact of Hustle Mommies and ensure that we are meeting our goals. This data-driven approach will also enable us to make informed decisions, continuously improve our programs, and maximize our positive impact on Black moms and their families.
How do you anticipate this unique leadership education impacting you personally? What new skills are you hoping too develop & grow through this experience?
I anticipate that the unique leadership education provided by the How Women Lead Fellowship for Black Women will have a profound impact on me both personally and professionally. This experience offers a valuable opportunity to expand my understanding of leadership from a perspective that resonates with my identity and lived experiences. Personally, I expect to grow in confidence and self-awareness as I learn to navigate and overcome the unique challenges faced by Black women in leadership positions.
Through this fellowship, I am particularly eager to develop new skills in strategic decision-making, effective communication, and team leadership. I aim to enhance my ability to advocate for myself and others, especially in high-stakes environments. Additionally, I look forward to refining my networking and partnership-building skills, which are crucial for expanding the reach and impact of my business. By immersing myself in this supportive and empowering community, I hope to gain insights and strategies that will not only elevate my business but also enable me to uplift and inspire other Black women entrepreneurs.
Where would you like to see yourself professionally in the next 3 years?
In the next three years, I envision Hustle Mommies evolving into a $30 million nonprofit organization with established locations in major cities across the United States, including Chicago, Washington D.C., Oakland, Atlanta, Houston, Miami, and St. Louis. This expansion will enable us to reach and support even more Black moms, providing them with the resources and opportunities they need to succeed in their personal and professional lives.
One of our primary goals is to impact 5,000 moms through our mompreneur efforts and programs. We plan to achieve this by launching our accelerator program, which will offer intensive support, mentorship, and funding opportunities to help moms scale their businesses and achieve financial independence. This program will be a cornerstone of our efforts to empower Black moms as entrepreneurs and leaders in their communities.
Additionally, I see our annual mompreneur conference, "Moms Mean Business Mompreneur Experience," entering its third year as a premier event for networking, education, and inspiration. This conference will serve as a platform for showcasing the talents and achievements of mompreneurs, providing them with valuable exposure and opportunities for growth.
Moreover, our "Pitch Like a Mom" initiative aims to have provided $75 million in funding to mompreneurs by this time. This initiative will be crucial in addressing the funding gap that many women, particularly Black moms, face in the entrepreneurial space. By offering substantial financial support, we hope to break down barriers and create a more equitable landscape for women entrepreneurs.
Professionally, I see myself continuing to lead and grow Hustle Mommies, working closely with our partners, stakeholders, and community members to create lasting change. My focus will be on scaling our impact, expanding our reach, and ensuring that Hustle Mommies remains a powerful force for empowering Black moms and their families. Through these efforts, I aim to leave a legacy of empowerment, equity, and opportunity for future generations.