Age: 30
Occupation: Marketing and communications manager I, Springfield Urban League, Inc.
Email: zhavijharris@gmail.com
Education: Bachelor’s degree in journalism and communications, Hampton University
Family: Parents, Darryl and Angela Harris; brother, Zaire J. Harris
Affiliations/community activities: National Urban League-appointed Whitney M. Young leader; cross-cultural media correspondent for ICN TV Network (China), the Long March in 2016 and 2026; certified FAA Part 107 drone pilot and program instructor; Project Ready Mentor, Rise Up Man! program leader; member and former basileus of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc., Omega Nu Chapter
What is your guiding principle in life? Romans 12:21: “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”
What led you to your career? My career inspiration started with a passion for creation and positively impacting my community. I enjoy bringing ideas and concepts to life and having those concepts create change for organizations.
What would you like your life to look like in five or 10 years? Married and surrounded by people I love, trust and care for. I aspire to lead and inspire the next generation by planting the seed of hope and opportunity in their essence.
What would you like to give back to your community? I will dedicate my life towards ensuring that the next generation sees men like myself and wants to mirror and surpass my success. I want to build a community that serves to build each other up and create a stronger future.
What do you wish your younger self had known when you started on this path? Everything that you are, is exactly what you’ve always needed to be. Fully embracing every aspect of your being will take you further than cosplaying someone or something you are not.
What has been your greatest professional achievement? My proudest accomplishment has been returning to the Springfield Urban League, the organization that helped guide me to Hampton University, and establishing its marketing and communications department. Also, being selected to serve as the international correspondent for the Hampton University Scripps Howard School of Journalism and Communications and as a cross-cultural media correspondent for the Springfield community.
This article appears in July SBJ 2026.