MEET OUR EMCEE: DR. NIKITA Y. HARRIS
Dr. Nikita Y. Harris is a distinguished communication scholar, public historian, and advocate for preserving African American cultural heritage. As an associate professor of organizational communication and leadership at the University of Alabama (Tuscaloosa), she spearheads the National Black Debutante Project, a groundbreaking initiative born from her Reese Phifer Fellowship on the study African American Cotillions and Black Debutante Social Programs throughout the United States. Dedicated to showcasing the transformative impact of Black social and civic organizations on youth development since 1895, Dr. Harris was inspired from her personal experiences as a former Black Debutante through the Fort Worth Junior Debutante Society, the Fort Worth Assembly and her family's legacy of involvement since 1957. Her nieces Allana Jerry and Nivea Jerry were Arlington Foundation for Excellence Debutantes in 2018 and 2021. Dr. Harris holds degrees from Clark Atlanta University (BA), Auburn University (MA), and Howard University (Ph.D.). Her impressive background includes fellowships at the University of Nebraska Lincoln and NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt Maryland. In addition, she is a sought-after keynote speaker, organizational consultant, leadership coach and trainer of employees in over 30 different government, state and federal agencies. In 1989, Dr. Harris was initiated as a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated during the Fall of 1989 through Alpha Pi Chapter at Clark Atlanta University. As a Silver Star and Life Member, she is most proud to be a 2022 charter member of Alpha Beta Xi Omega Chapter in Trussville Alabama. She holds membership in several professional and civic organizations, including the National Communication Association, the Birmingham (AL) Chapter of the Links, Incorporated, National Council of Negro Women and the NAACP. With a unique blend of academic rigor and community passion, Dr. Harris inspires a new generation to cherish and continue the rich traditions of African American Cotillions and youth presentation programs. To learn more about Dr. Harris and her remarkable work on African American Cotillions go to the International League of Cotillions website: intlleagueofcotillions.com.
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