Arlesa Ferguson
Entrepreneur & Inventor
Arlesa is the founder of Gourmet Funnel Cake Express & Gyros in Lynchburg, Virginia—a business
built on excellence, integrity, and community engagement, earning consistent five-star recognition. As
an inventor, she holds nine design patents and actively pursues licensing opportunities for innovative
toy concepts that blend creativity, cultural awareness, and purpose.
Advocacy & Impact
Through media, storytelling, and advocacy, Arlesa amplifies the voices of others—bringing awareness
to individuals who have been wrongfully or unjustly incarcerated and supporting causes centered on
justice, restoration, and human dignity.
A Life Rooted in Purpose
As the youngest of three children and the only daughter, Arlesa credits her upbringing with cultivating
empathy, resilience, and humility. She lives simply by choice, believing that abundance is measured
not in possessions, but in the capacity to give, serve, and impact lives. Often described as a ‘jack of all
trades,’ she embraces the title with grace—knowing her greatest mastery lies in love, service, and
compassion.
Arlesa Ferguson is intentionally stepping forward to walk fully in her purpose—creating platforms,
projects, and pathways that reflect her lifelong mission: reminding the world that life is not about self,
but about what we do for others.
Servant Leader | Advocate | Entrepreneur | Innovator
Arlesa Ferguson is a servant-leader whose life and work are rooted in one foundational belief: true
purpose is discovered through service to others. Guided by faith, compassion, and intentional action,
she consistently shows up for people in both quiet moments and life-altering circumstances—especially
those who have been overlooked, unheard, or forgotten.
A Foundation of Service & Justice
A graduate of Campbell Memorial High School, Arlesa continued her academic journey at Liberty
University and completed formal law enforcement training before serving as a Deputy Sheriff with the
Lynchburg Sheriff’s Department. Her commitment to justice later extended into social services, where
she served as a house parent at Opportunity House in Lynchburg, Virginia, supporting teens who were
abandoned or court-appointed to residential care—helping them build accountability, stability, and
renewed hope for their futures.
A Diverse Professional Journey
Arlesa’s career spans multiple industries, each experience deepening her understanding of people and
strengthening her ability to connect across all walks of life.
• Supporting individuals with intellectual disabilities in group home settings
• Mentoring children within school systems
• Working as a professional truck driver
• Serving in traveling healthcare roles
• Currently working as a medical traveler at Duke University Hospital