Meet Andrea Harris

 

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

Hi Andrea, so excited to talk about all sorts of important topics with you today. The first one we want to jump into is about being the only one in the room – for some that’s being the only person of color or the only non-native English speaker or the only non-MBA, etc Can you talk to us about how you have managed to be successful even when you were the only one in the room that looked like you?

At first glance, people often assume I’ve had an easy path. They see my achievements, recognize my family name, and conclude that privilege played a significant role. And to some extent, they’re not entirely wrong—my family worked incredibly hard to create opportunities for me. But what’s often overlooked is the resilience, sacrifice, and perseverance behind those opportunities.

I was born and raised in Mississippi, a state often ranked among the poorest in the nation. Coming from a racially diverse family in a region marked by deep-rooted inequities, I knew from an early age that I would have to forge my own path. I walked a road made smoother by the grit and grace of those who came before me—my great-grandparents, grandparents, and parents—who overcame tremendous racial and economic hardships.

My grandparents taught me the value of hard work, unwavering faith, and knowing who I am in God. My parents built on those lessons, and through their example, I witnessed what perseverance looks like in action. Their lives were not just stories—they were blueprints, guiding me through challenges with wisdom, strength, and a deep sense of purpose.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

The year 2019 was a transformative one for me. While navigating the early impact of what would become a global pandemic, I officially launched my brand, The Arubah Group, and published my first book.

Through The Arubah Group, I offer executive and education consulting services. My journey in education began in 2002 with the Council for Economic Opportunities in Greater Cleveland Head Start, where I served as a Family Liaison and early childhood educator. Over the years, I advanced through roles in primary education, behavioral management, and higher education. Along the way, I consistently noticed systemic gaps—particularly those impacting minorities and educators. These gaps included insufficient training, limited access to resources, and a lack of community support. These observations, combined with my passion for equity and transformation, inspired me to establish The Arubah Group. I am proud to have sustained and grown the company for over six years.

Raised by a family of educators—most notably my paternal grandmother, a librarian—books and learning were integral to my upbringing. My love for suspense, realistic fiction, biographies, and poetry evolved into a passion for writing. Poetry, in particular, became a personal outlet, allowing me to express deep emotion and find healing. That creative expression led to the publication of my first book, Reflections of an Empress. Following the loss of my father in 2022, I released my second book, This is 42, a heartfelt reflection on the first year of grief after his passing.

My father, Crandall Smith, was a minister with a heart for veterans, leading a ministry dedicated to sharing God’s word and connecting veterans to essential services. To honor his legacy and ensure his mission lived on, I launched a nonprofit in 2022 under the same name as his ministry—Pass It On. The organization now serves veterans, the homeless, and college students, offering support, resources, and encouragement rooted in faith and compassion.

Today, I am writing my third book—a devotional—while continuing to grow The Arubah Group and expand the reach of Pass It On. Through both my business and nonprofit work, I remain committed to purpose-driven service, using every platform available to empower, uplift, and inspire others.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

They say hindsight is 20/20, and looking back, three key traits have made the biggest difference in my journey: my ability to connect with people, my creative spark, and my hunger to learn. Of the three, that hunger—especially the desire to understand not just the world, but myself and how God sees me—has been the most powerful.

Even though I grew up with a strong spiritual foundation (my dad was a minister, after all), I struggled with self-worth and fully grasping my purpose. That disconnect led me down paths that didn’t serve me—and, honestly, into some situations that were less than safe. But when I paused to really learn about myself through the lens of my life’s assignments, everything changed. My focus sharpened, and my confidence grew.

To anyone reading this—no matter your age or stage—I encourage you to stay open to learning and always remain coachable. When you commit to growth, knowing and embracing who you are becomes much easier. And the more you know yourself, the harder it is for others to define you (smile). Don’t shut yourself off from people—you never know who might teach you something or walk alongside you as you grow. So, connect deeply, share generously, learn constantly, and shine brightly.

How would you spend the next decade if you somehow knew that it was your last?

Wow—at this age, the word decade feels like two days. Time moves fast, and if given only ten more years, I’d be far more intentional about how I live and love. As the kids say, I’d “lock in” on the things that matter most.

First, I wouldn’t take a single moment with family for granted. I’d spend as much time as possible with them—laughing, learning, sharing stories, and creating unforgettable memories. I’d drag them (willingly or not!) to museums around the globe and make it a mission to visit all seven continents together.

I’d pour even more energy into my nonprofit, spreading the love and word of God as far and wide as I could. I’d aim to host community events every quarter across Mississippi, Georgia, and Texas—bringing people together, offering support, and creating safe spaces to grow. And as I build, I’d teach my daughter, nieces, and nephews what it truly means to serve, to lead with compassion, and to give back with purpose.

And then there’s the writing. I’d write my heart out—capturing life lessons, weaving God’s word into my stories, and expressing the highs and lows through raw, honest poetry.

In short, I’d be on a mission: to teach boldly, share freely, and love deeply. Because time may fly, but purpose gives it wings.

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