Emerging Leaders Class of 2024

Ahrian Symphony Marie Stevens, mainly known as Ahrie, was born and raised on the East Side of Buffalo.  She is a Photographer, Activist, and Leader. Ahrie’s passion for community work began in 2018-2019 as an AmeriCorps VISTA for Open Buffalo during the COVID pandemic. Since 2020, she has organized the annual “Black Girls Picnic” to celebrate women who inspire her while giving a safe space for them to let their hair down. She has been a member of the Open Buffalo Eco Collective since 2022. She uses her talents to shine light on the positive and negative impacts we face, empowering and educating others through social justice work and art. Her goal is to help others reach sustainability and eliminate poverty.