The A.L. Harper Foundation

 MEET OUR TEAM

FOUNDER & CEO

Adrian Lanett Harper was born and raised in Charlotte, NC. She received her early childhood education in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg School System graduating from East Mecklenburg Senior High School. Upon graduation, she went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Communication Arts from Johnson C. Smith University (Charlotte, NC) and completed her Master of Divinity Degree at Hood Theological Seminary (Salisbury, NC) in the Spring of 2021.

In 2017, Adrian launched The A.L. Harper Foundation in response to a growing need to assist students attending Historically Black Colleges & Universities. As an HBCU grad herself, she knew firsthand the struggle of finding funds outside of financial aid.

Adrian serves as an Alumni Leader for her Alma Mater, Johnson C. Smith University, as a Class Agent and is a member of the Local and National Alumni Association. She has worked with various organizations in the Charlotte Mecklenburg area as a volunteer but finds the most joy working for this foundation.

2025 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

• Shania L. Jackson, Board of Directors, Chair

• Reginald Swann, Member At Large

• Belinda Carr, Member At Large

• Andrea Gray, Member At Large

• Cheryl Moore, Member At Large

• Allison Marks, Member At Large