Today we’d like to introduce you to Aris Hanchard Ferguson.
Hi Aris, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I grew up in Summerville and attended Pinewood Preparatory School from age four, all the way through graduation. I almost did not start at Pinewood because I would not speak at first in my interview, which many in my life would find hard to believe because I am never short on things to say these days. What would not surprise others is that I negotiated with my family for a new doll in order to get me to give the interview another try—typical lawyer, right?
Growing up, my mom worked as a paralegal. I recall spending some afternoons hiding underneath her desk reading books and hearing her answer the myriad of questions that came across her desk. I was always so fascinated by how knowledgeable she was and how much she could really help others. I have fond memories of my years at Pinewood—my involvement there really set the tone for the person I would become. I had a passion for advocacy at an early age. I believe it was elementary school when I first told my optometrist that I wanted to be an attorney. It was only natural that I participated in extra-curricular activities such as Student Government, Mock Trial, and Model UN while in school. I also participated in Varsity Sideline and Competition Cheerleading but that simply is another form of advocacy—depending on how you look at it.
People have always been another passion of mine—I love learning about our shared experiences and our unique differences. This is why I wanted to earn a degree in psychology. My time attending Duke University were some of the best. Duke pushed me out of my comfort zone though. I was a small fish in a big pond and that took some getting used to. I enjoyed every aspect of student life—close relationships made, educational experiences, clubs and activities, and of course, basketball. While at Duke, during the first semester of my freshman year, my Dad passed away suddenly. This is still one of the most life-changing events I have experienced. It really forced me to understand the shortness of life and how often we take time for granted. I am only thankful that the experience made me someone that appreciated life and the people around me that much more.
I started at Charleston School of Law in the Fall of 2013. When people ask about my experience, I often say that law school made me feel at home. It was a place of logical reasoning, research and oral communication and these were all areas of strength for me. Law school introduced me to my husband also. While he and I had our first-year Contracts class together, it was not until the end of our first year that we really met and started hanging out. It was a night out downtown with friends that fell through and we ended up on what would later be our first date. We grew to be best friends but it turned into more. There were still plenty of challenges in law school though—especially when it came to the bar exam. I passed the bar on my second attempt. I expected to pass the first time but in being unsuccessful, I learned more about myself and my true strengths and capabilities than I ever could otherwise. Since graduating from law school, I have aided Charleston residents in providing pro bono legal representation, worked for a top law firm in securities and consumer fraud, and am now able to use my talent and skills as General Counsel for the Housing Authority of the City of Charleston, providing and developing affordable housing for ten percent of the City’s residents.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
There have definitely been obstacles and hurdles in my life. I grew up living in South Carolina and my Dad lived in New York. Our relationship grew as I got older and we were our closest right before he passed away. Though I am thankful for the time we had together, I experienced grief and depression after his passing because I felt like we had grown so much and it was taken away too soon. It really forced me to understand the shortness of life and how often we take time for granted. I struggled balancing school and my grief which only made the adjustment to college that much more difficult. The support of my friends and family, as well as some counseling really helped me through. Our family made the decision to make him an organ donor and that also provided a bit of solace to know that he helped two other people have a chance at life and that his legacy would live on. All in all, I am thankful for that and what the experience taught me—to appreciate life and the people around me that much more.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I work as the General Counsel for the Housing Authority of the City of Charleston. The Housing Authority can best be described as a government-based property manager and property developer. The mission of the Agency is to provide decent, safe, sanitary and affordable housing to low- and moderate-income citizens of the City of Charleston. The Housing Authority assists approximately 10% of the City’s residents through the administration of government subsidy programs as well as through the ownership of multi-family property in the area. Because the Agency owns these properties, rental rates are not as susceptible to market forces and rising property values, allowing the homes to remain affordable.
I oversee and coordinate legal transactions and activities, including providing counsel and direction on legal and compliance matters, negotiating and drafting contracts, as well as, representing the Housing Authority in litigation. I have extensive experience in property and landlord-tenant matters, having assisted Charleston Prop Bono Legal Services and the Housing Court Pilot program in that area of the law.
I am most proud of the development work that the Housing Authority is a part of. We have the ability to strategically plan and execute the addition of more affordable housing to the area that is indisputably much needed. In fact, the Housing Authority has embarked on a development strategy in order to continue to provide much-needed additional affordable housing, and to further decrease its dependency on federal dollars.
How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
The Housing Authority is always willing to sit down with developers, resident services organizations, property owners, and other community stakeholders to discuss how we may partner together to further the mission of the Agency and improve the quality of life for our residents and participants.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.chacity.org/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_likeparis/?hl=en
