Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Current Job: Creative Director - Bee Harris
LinkedIn
Describe FLIA in three words
“Service. Development. Community."
What does FLIA mean to you?
“FLIA was an opportunity for me to develop the necessary skills and experiences needed to make an impact in the social sector. It connected me to a lifelong community of people who have similar passions and goals."
Describe your career path. How did your fellowship with FLIA prepare you for this role?
"While I was a fellow at FLIA, I was also a grad student at NYU studying Educational Leadership, Policy, and Advocacy. My role as a curriculum developer directly connected to everything I learned during my studies at NYU. It gave me the hands on experience I needed to develop and implement curriculum in the K-12 and non-profit sector. After my fellowship, I went on to work in the public policy sector advocating for issues pertaining to criminal justice and youth homelessness. I also began doing curriculum development and implementation for some local non-profits in Chicago. Without my experiences at FLIA I would have never been able to successfully step into these roles. "
What is the most important thing you learned during your fellowship? Was there an individual, event or encounter that influenced the work you’re doing now?
“Kirsten has definitely played a major role in my experiences during and after my fellowship. She has always been really transparent about her journey as an entrepreneur and continues to be a mentor and positive role model for me. I’ve learned a lot about the social sector, business, and entrepreneurship from her.”
What’s something interesting about you that’s not in your resume?
“I am currently working as a full-time creative director for my own design and marketing company Bee Harris. I specialize in creating digital illustrations that use bold colors, abstract shapes, and charismatic characters to express issues going on within the Black community and beyond. Through my work, I’ve had the opportunity to create designs for Tampax, L’Oreal, and the United State of Women. I also recently completed my first mural in Chicago. It is located at 28 S. Wabash. If you’re ever in town please check it out! You can find most of my work at instagram.com/gobeeharris.”
