Kristen Wright-Matthews

Owner

 Kristen Wright-Matthews is a seasoned professional in the field of public relations. She specializes in entertainment, nonprofit and personal development subjects. 
The Ardent Agency was founded by Kristen Wright-Matthews, a seasoned professional who has worked in public relations for 20 years. At 18 years old, she was introduced to a legend in the field that would soon become her mentor and teach her everything about PR. Through this relationship, Kristen was afforded the opportunities to work on major projects for entertainers, icons and organizations including Tevin Campbell, Curtis Mayfield, Gladys Knight, and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., among others. A native of Los Angeles, she decided to remain in the area for college and launch a career in entertainment PR. As she neared graduation from California State University, Northridge, where she earned a degree in Journalism, she secured an internship at Lisa Carey Public Relations and assisted with amazing campaigns such as California Strawberry Festival, MGM, Ice Capades, Pacific Fine Art Festivals, and the infamous Harlem Globetrotters.



After a serious car accident only a few days before graduation, Kristen was so happy to be alive that she decided to seek opportunities that would benefit her community. It was then she met community activist, Darren "Bo" Taylor, president of Unity One - gang prevention /intervention organization comprised of over 200 former gang members. Kristen helped Unity One in many areas, but her main functions were to plan and promote community events, bring media attention to crime and injustices in the city, and raise funds for the organization. Unity One grew in popularity in Los Angeles and beyond, and ultimately landed Bo Taylor on the committee for President Bill Clinton’s Peace Initiative. The group made great strides in the streets, across the country, and even on stage. Kristen always had a love for the big stage and was happy to co-produce a production written about Bo’s life entitled, "A Call for Peace - Let the Killing Cease." Kristen worked with Unity One for over a decade, and it was one of the most rewarding periods of her life. During these years, Kristen became involved with NFL Hall of Famer, Jim Brown’s Amer-I-Can Foundation, and helped to facilitate his program in detention centers across Los Angeles County. She was also instrumental in facilitating programs and planning events for Grammy-award winning artist Brandy’s The Norwood Kids Foundation and NBA player Paul Pierce’s youth basketball camp.



Kristen has been employed by Harbor-UCLA Research and Education Institute where as the Communications Specialist; she helped to publicize research studies for world renowned doctors and scientists. She also contracted with the State of California and served as a member of The Forensic Project team, a grant funded by the Department of Development Services to administer programs for persons with developmental disabilities who were criminal offenders. In this capacity, Kristen helped to develop statewide trainings, a multi-agency assessment team and Board of Directors, as well as training materials for those who worked with this population across the State. Her love for community and youth led Kristen to spend two years as a middle school teacher at the school she attended as a child. Her tenacity caught the attention of the Steve Harvey Morning Show, recognizing Kristen as an “Honorary Angel” on his syndicated radio show for her contributions in the streets and in the classroom.



When Kristen’s parents relocated to Charleston, SC in 2003, she followed almost two years later. Little did she know that she would step into her most complicated role yet as a wife and mother shortly thereafter. For six years, Kristen has graciously enjoyed being a homemaker.



In January 2013, she rekindled her love for working with youth and promoting things when she was asked to take on the role of Director of Operations for Cannon Youth Projects, a youth media training program endorsed by Nick Cannon, media mogul and host of America’s Got Talent. It was a slow takeoff, but in 2014, Kristen is ready to step back into her purpose and live out her true passion by reemerging into the field of public relations. She attributes this to her six-year-old son’s exhilaration for life and making the most out of each moment. Kristen enjoys reading, writing, plenty of family time, planning memorable events, and sharing her journey with others.
Kristen Wright-Matthews
Owner
The Ardent Agency

Website:
www.theardentagency.biz

Phone:
818-900-4090

Address:
Charleston, South Carolina
United States

Areas of Expertise:
public relations
Entertainment
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