Cleveland native Ariane Kirkpatrick is known for being a serial entrepreneur, community leader and philanthropist. At the age of five, she had a vision of becoming an entrepreneur and hasn’t looked back. Her goal as a businesswoman has been to work in industries where minorities
and women are underrepresented.

Ariane is the owner and CEO of The AKA Team, a full-service commercial construction, waterproofing and facilities company founded in 2009 and based in Cleveland.

In addition, Ariane is the owner and CEO of Mavuno of OH, a cannabis company headquartered in Cleveland with a dispensary in Athens, Ohio. Mavuno’s mission is to improve lives and create extraordinary experiences for its patients and customers.

Ariane loves the city of Cleveland and she’s been recognized by several organizations asa result of her efforts to play a role in improving programs, including diversity and inclusion efforts in various industries. Among other honors, in 2023 Ariane was named Black Professional of the Year by the Black Professional Association Charitable Foundation. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Nonprofit Management from the Levin College of Urban Affairs at Cleveland State University. She is also an alumnus of Cuyahoga Community College.

Ariane’s proudest accomplishment is being the mother of two sons, Ali and Kristopher; wife of Danny Couch; and bonus mom of Camille and Jazmine.