We recently connected with Renee Mahaffey Harris and have shared our conversation below.

Renee, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Do you think your parents have had a meaningful impact on you and your journey?

My parents taught me to always put my best foot forward in anything I do – excellence in all things, but not at the expense of others! They modeled a work ethic that has stuck with me my entire life. Both parents modeled a giving heart and told me to always remember that we cannot know what someone else is experiencing, so give Grace whenever possible.

My parents also consistently reminded me that I could do anything I put my mind to. And if I fall, it is how I get back up that will build my character. They taught me to keep God at the forefront of my life; He is in control and I am in His hands no matter the circumstances. This guidance has been instrumental in my personal life and career. (sidenote: My Mom will forever be my SHERO! I miss her.)

Renee, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

The goal of my 37-year professional career, that has spanned across the government, financial and public health sectors, has been to address the barriers that stand in the way of the everyday health and wellbeing of marginalized individuals. My optimism in this goal has not wavered. Every passing year I seek ways to collaborate with people and organizations to meet the vast needs of the marginalized by galvanizing resources, gifts and funding to collectively develop effective, long-term strategies. I believe in building a culture of health through civic advocacy and healthy living education. I have worked to support communities by equipping people on how to live healthier lives by activating their individual agency, and then demonstrate how they can teach others to do the same.

I am blessed to do this work as the President/CEO of The Center for Closing the Health Gap in Greater Cincinnati, a community-based grassroots nonprofit organization in Cincinnati dedicated to eliminating health disparities in our region. During my first eight years at The Center for Closing the Health Gap, I served as the Executive Director. In January 2020, I was promoted to as President and Chief Executive Officer. Our approach at The Center for Closing the Health Gap is to engage and empower African Americans and Latinos to live healthier lives by developing solutions through Community Based Participatory Research (CBPR). We also initiate solutions at the policy level, and collaborate with health care organizations to develop and implement evidence-based interventions and innovative programs to deliver our mission. The life changes I have witnessed through our work continues to motivated me to do more. The words of a program participant sum up why I do this work, she said “I didn’t know there was something I can do improve my health.” The impact of her of words continues to resonate and emphasize the importance of creating a culture of health and personal activation. In my 17 years with Closing the Health Gap, I have witnessed thousands of community residents’ health scares, triumphs, pain, struggles and transformations. I am a partner in public health because I see the potential in meaningful, sustainable interventions that improves the lives of African Americans and Latinx families.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

Twenty-four years ago, I was in a courtroom with my four-month-old daughter as my now ex-husband was on trial for a public physical altercation that resulted in injury to another person. It was a felony. It was obvious that he would be convicted and serve jail time. I vividly remember being summoned to the courtroom stand. I remember what I wore, and the pain and fear I felt. It seemed my life was on trial as well.

A strength came over me as I walked out of that courtroom. I had a new focus that replaced my fear. My daughter was going to experience her first birthday without her father. The pain, shame, and failure I felt were only overcome by God’s strength in me that my parent had modeled. When times get tough, I visualize myself back there. Then I remember that through God, I can accomplish all things.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

Early in my career, I worked for two elected officials at both the state and federal level. When one official lost his re-election campaign, I decided pivot to the private to insure a more stable career for my family. It was a significant shift for me. I learned a lot during this transition about the importance of maintaining my integrity, and my desire to focus on servant leadership with God at the core. I worked hard to remain authentic to my beliefs in a system and environment primarily focused on financial gain versus serving the needs of individuals. This experience has helped me understand the importance of knowing all parties’ agendas in any circumstance will increase the likelihood of a successful outcome.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://closingthehealthgap.org/
• Instagram: @health_gap
• Facebook: CloseHealthGap
• Linkedin: The-health-gap
• Twitter: @CCHGCincy

Image Credits

Renee with parents James and Gloria Mahaffey
Renee with daughter Sloane Harris