We had the good fortune of connecting with Abriana Terrell and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Abriana, what role has risk played in your life or career?
I believe that risks are necessary in order to catapult you forward in life. Risks take you out of your comfort zone. I also refer to risks as “leaps of faith.” I actually took a big leap of faith with quitting my corporate job about seven months ago and completely focusing on my spiritual duty through positively affecting others through this humanitarianism project. It has been a journey and still is, but it has been a very fulfilling journey thus far. I also believe in making calculated risks. So being patient and thoroughly thinking through something before acting on it is key for me. I do not move in fear, but on faith in God.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am a Licensed Master’s Social Worker pursuing my doctorate’s degree in Public Administration and Public Policy. I graduated from Texas Christian University at the age of 21 then graduated from University of Texas at Arlington with my master’s degree at the age of 22. I have always worked hard to get where I want in life. Failure is not an option for me at all. Anyone that knows me says I am very “optimistic.” in all that I do. In my career, I have worked as a supervisor foster care youth, Director of Social services at a nursing home, and lastly venturing into hospice. I am now a full-time entrepreneur. I have been prepared for connecting with individuals and understanding humanity as a whole. No one of us is greater than the other. Homelessness is a very serious issue that can be overlooked by many who are not in the shoes of the homeless. What we all have to understand is at any moment, those same shoes could fit us and we should do unto others as we would want done to ourselves. My mother suffered from mental illness as well and I have had a bit of experience in early childhood with homelessness, but my father fought for custody of me and my sister in court to ensure that we were raised in a proper nurturing environment. His love for us gave us stability and happiness. What I noticed as I grew up with him, he did not talk bad about my mother. He was very compassionate in the stories he would tell us about her and made sure we did not have any hatred towards her. YOUtopian Estates is built on love and compassion for others no matter their situation. It is built on fostering peace and love for humanity. We believe in human connection amongst staff and those we are servicing. Everyone’s peace and happiness is priority.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I love luxury and nature places. I would eat at: the Monarch restaurant in downtown Dallas, Fogo De Chao, Perry’s Steakhouse and Grille, Sunny Street Cafe, Whataburger, The Happiest Hour, etc. I would hangout at: Trinity Park or Botanical .Gardens in Fort Worth, KISS lounge in Dallas, Kessaku, the Art’s District in Dallas, The Star in Frisco, Sidecar Social in Addison, Canvas Hotel rooftop pool, Studio Movie Grill, and maybe check out the museums. I would drink at: The Happiest Hour, The Tipsy Alchemist, Kessaku, KISS lounge, etc. The architecture in downtown Dallas is so beautiful to me. One time I had a presidential suite at the Omni hotel in Dallas and it had an amazing view. I am in love with beautiful skyline views. I would recommend getting a room or going some place in the Dallas area where they can relax and enjoy the view.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
First and foremost shoutout to God for his continuous teachings, love, and blessings in my life. I am very spiritual and love my spiritual team. I come from a single parent home where my dad raised me and my sister by his lonesome so shoutout to him for making me as dedicated as I am. Shoutout to Texas Christian University because that is my alma mater, Go Frogs! Timeka Gordon gave me that amazing opportunity to attend through the Community Scholars Program (a full ride academic scholarship for minority students). Shoutout to my YOUtopian Estates team and all of my supporters; this organization is going to take off in so many ways so being able to have that support is needed.

Website: www.youtopianestates.org

Instagram: youtopian_estates

Linkedin: Youtopian Estates

Facebook: YOUtopian Estates

Other: Donation LINK: https://www.youtopianestates.org/checkout/donate?donatePageId=64191662a440b77a746ae4a7

Image Credits
JCPenney Portraits Edmilson Sousa (@edsousa.arquiteto)

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutDFW is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.