Meet Alicia Harris

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Alicia Harris. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alicia , we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.

When I think about purpose, I think of being specifically called to solve a problem in the earth. We all arrive at our purpose in different ways and my route was through grief and loss. In 2019, I received some of the best news ever and that was learning that I was going to become a grandmother again. The news became even better when I found out that my daughter was pregnant with triplets. Although our family was in shock initially, we all rallied around her and her husband to ensure they had the support they needed. We attended doctor appointments, discussed possible names and even found out the sex of the triplets and they were girls. I was over the moon excited and could not wait to meet my grandbabies. Unfortunately, that day would never come as my daughter and her husband lost the triplets at 16.5 weeks.

That was a devastating time, and I wore a few different hats in that moment. Not only was I her mother, but I was also the intended grandmother as well as a clinician who watched with an eagle’s eye to see if my daughter and son-in-law would receive the emotional support and assessment they needed from the appropriate staff. Sadly, that help was very minimal, and it left me angry with questions and concerns about Black women who experience pregnancy loss. I began to talk with other Black women who experienced pregnancy loss, and my heart hurt even more. I listened to a few stories from close friends as they gave an account of their experience with loss and the lack of emotional support they received within the medical community. I began to realize that my purpose had found me as I was in the midst of pursuing my doctorate and deciding on a topic for dissertation was needed. At that moment, I accepted my calling to use my voice, research, and clinical skills to tell the stories of Black women who found themselves faced with pregnancy loss and the aftermath that followed. I understood that the work I was about to embark on was legacy building work and I was honored that it tapped me on the shoulder to be an advocate in this space.

I have completed my doctoral work and am excited that I have had the opportunity to contribute to the research connected to Black maternal health disparities. Now, the real work begins!

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I wear a few hats professionally. I am a licensed clinician, an advocate, adjunct professor and researcher. I am also the CEO and founder of a non-profit organization geared towards providing psychologically safe spaces for people dealing with Alopecia and hair loss.

I defended my dissertation research in November 2024 and am looking at avenues to become more immersed in the Black maternal health space. I stay busy with different causes such as intimate partner violence and have dedicated some of my newfound free time serving as a Clinical Coordinator for Peer Led Groups at a local domestic violence non-profit organization.

Another endeavor I am involved in is a photo project called BeYoutifull 2025. This project is sponsored by my organization, PIECES A Soulful Journey with Alopecia and this is our 2nd annual event. This project emphasizes the importance of self-love and self-acceptance and encourages women to embrace all of who they are. Recruitment is underway until March 31, 2025, and the project will commence in September in honor of Alopecia Awareness Month.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

The qualities that come to mind are perseverance, determination and humility. These qualities have served me well in my journey towards my PhD as there was always something to learn. Going through that five-year timeframe showed me a lot of me and one thing that was most prevalent was that I could do hard things. There were times when imposter syndrome tried to get the better of me, but I had key individuals in my space that encouraged me and held me accountable. So much so, that I was purposeful in affording myself grace in this area because I had never done this before.

Learning about the physical side of pregnancy was outside of my wheelhouse as I am a clinician. I can work with someone to identify negative behaviors and assist in developing a strategy to adjust those behaviors to experience optimal mental health, but I had not worked in the physical health side of all that makes up the pregnancy journey. Although rigorous, it was a great learning experience and broadened my knowledge base assisting me to become a strong advocate.

I would encourage anyone who is considering pursuing higher education, certification or a new skill to go for it. Do not allow anyone to talk you out of it or discourage you. I will be 55 on March 31st and I have realized my childhood dream of becoming a doctor. When I was a kid, I wanted to be a surgeon, but life got in the way. I am thankful that I had a second chance to become a different type of doctor, one that helps repair broken emotions or thought patterns. If there is a dream that you have, it is never too late to PURSUE!

Awesome, really appreciate you opening up with us today and before we close maybe you can share a book recommendation with us. Has there been a book that’s been impactful in your growth and development?

My bible has been the most influential book in my life. It is filled with mystery, intrigue, scandal and human error. It is also filled with the redemptive power of God as well as His love and protection for me. I have a few scriptures that really keep me grounded and reminds me that not only am I worthy, but I am valuable and what I have to say matters.

Jeremiah 29.11-“For I know the plans I have for you” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (NIV)

Psalm 139.14-I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. (NIV)

Contact Info:

• Instagram: Pieces_ASJWA
• Facebook: Pieces A Soulful Journey with Alopecia

Image Credits

Onita Simpson-Blue Dress Photo