Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Dr. Elle Harris. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Dr. Elle, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Let’s start with the story of your mission. What should we know?
I started my company to solve an overarching problem in the human services industry. I worked with young adults from the ages of 13 to 21 who were in foster care and in my few years of working with them every child that aged out of foster care left without a success story. Many ended up homeless or signing themselves out of the system without a plan. It was devastating because no matter what I did, how well we connected they were not prepared for adulthood. Then I realized it had nothing at all to do with me, it was a system issue we were trying to address a new generation with old generational practices. So I quit and created a company that would help companies respond better to the needs of their customers and employees.
Dr. Elle, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
My education began at Virginia State University where l received a Bachelor’s degree in Mass Communications. I earned a Master’s degree from Norfolk State University in Community Counseling. A second Master’s degree in College Leadership and Administration, from what is now known as Purdue University Global. I completed my Philosophical Doctorate in Human Services and Counseling from Capella University.
I have served in many capacities throughout the community. I was a volunteer mentor with the Up Center, a Chairwoman over Youth and Recreation for the Lee Ward Civic League in Portsmouth, and a Program Director of Just Dyvine Dance Crew–an initiative under a non-profit organization called Youth Matter. I am a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. I serve as the President of the Board of Directors for the Burbage Grant Homeowners Association and the Vice Chair of the Early Childhood Development Commission in Suffolk Virginia.
My continuous work has earned me a Gold Level Presidential Volunteer Service Award from President Barack Obama, in 2011. I was named a 2020 Women of Distinction Honoree in the category of Entrepreneurship and Innovation, from the YWCA of South Hampton Roads and in 2022 I was named Top 40 under Forty in Hampton Roads by Inside Business.
We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?
Your business is not your baby. I think one of the biggest issues I’ve faced and I’ve seen others face is that we become too emotionally attached to our businesses and so we call them our babies and talk about the birthing pains of creating it. Moving in business with this mentality leads to emotionally charged decisions. We hold on too tight and so we do everything ourselves in fear that sharing the workload will hurt the business. The day I learned to treat my business as a business and nothing more was the day that it no longer became a burden and I was able to increase my clientele because it wasn’t about my feelings anymore, it was about producing results.
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
Contact Info:
- Website: Www.wearethewagency.com
- Instagram: Dr.Elleharris