Meet Carolina Arias Cediel | Founder & Executive Director

We had the good fortune of connecting with Carolina Arias Cediel and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Carolina, what inspires you?
I am internally and externally inspired by different things. Internally, I am inspired by my family, faith, and my purpose-driven vision for what I want in life. Externally, I am inspired by travel, culture, and biographies because I love to see how other human beings overcame obstacles and accomplished their dreams.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Hola! My name is Carolina and I am a Colombian immigrant, first-generation law graduate, and socialpreneur residing in Midtown. My family and I migrated to the United States after my dad competed in the 1996 Atlanta Olympics. My family fell in love with the city and culture, which led us to hire an immigration lawyer to apply for lawful status and be able to move to the United States. After a long process, we were blessed to receive our permanent resident cards and embarked on a journey to build our American Dream.

Now, I am the Executive Director of United Voices Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization that provides legal representation, education, and outreach programs to underserved communities. Through my assimilation and naturalization process, I experienced obstacles adapting to a new socioeconomic system but I also found a myriad of opportunities available to those who wished to pursue them. I believe empowered individuals lead to thriving communities so I founded @UnitedVoicesFdn my first year in law school to bridge the gap and make immigration and business law services available to those who need them most. Our goal is to educate the community about the different paths available to obtain legal status and to empower them to create and protect their American Dream.

I am proud of the work we have been able to accomplish locally and abroad. Over the last four years, we have been able to serve hundreds of clients by informing them of their legal rights and providing resources so they can make informed decisions on their cases. We have also provided humanitarian relief alongside Atlanta 4 Haiti, as well as worked with local government such as Councilman Hector Gutierrez (Ward 3 – Forest Park) to provide COVID-19 relief in our local community. We are grateful to have received the Islamic Circle of North America Community Service Award because it shows that it is possible to transcend ethnic and religious differences to work together for the greater good. I see and feel the Atlanta spirit in our work because the diversity and ideals of our community are reflected in our team.

United, we make a difference in our community.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
A perfect weekend in Atlanta for me would be a bike ride along the beltline starting with breakfast (to go) from the Flying Biscuit on 12th and setting up a picnic at Piedmont Park enjoying the Atlanta skyline. From there, I would continue biking on the beltline making stops at Ponce City Market, Krog Street Market, crossing under Krog Street Tunnel to the Living Walls. At sunset, I would enjoy a nice drink and bonfire at Nine Mile Station while enjoying the cityscape. To top off the night, I would stop by Cafe Intermezzo in Midtown to enjoy a delicious dessert while enjoying the nightlife on Peachtree. The following day, I would visit the birth home of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and visit the King Center and/or the National Center for Civil and Human Rights.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to dedicate my Shoutout to my mentor, Attorney Corey Martin. Thank you for your guidance, support, and mentorship.

Website: www.ariascediel.com

Instagram: https://instagram.com/connectwithcarolina?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/connectwithcarolina

Twitter: https://twitter.com/colombianbelle

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/carolinaariascediel

Other: www.unitedvoicesfdn.org www.fundacionvocesunidas.org