Charlotte D. Harris
Executive Director of the National Urban League's Washington Bureau and Senior Vice President for Policy and Advocacy
Charolette D. Harris is currently the Vice President of Business Development & Entrepreneurship at the Urban League of Greater Southwest Ohio. She previously served as the Vice President of Operations and Engagement at the Women's Business Enterprise Council Ohio River Valley (WBEC ORV), where she was responsible for strategic planning, daily operations, and client engagement related to the WBENC Certification Program. Harris has held various leadership roles, including Director of the Ohio Small Business Development Center (SBDC) for Cincinnati-Hamilton County at the Urban League, leading a team of Certified Business Advisors® and Coaches. She has also served as the Director of the Minority Business Assistance Center (MBAC) at the Greater Cincinnati & Northern Kentucky African American Chamber of Commerce. Her career spans over 25 years and includes extensive experience in market research, project management, technology transfer, and commercialization analysis. She has worked for prominent organizations such as Battelle, University Circle Inc., Polaroid, and NCR. Harris holds a BA in Economics from the University of Cincinnati, an MBA from the University of Phoenix, and various certifications, including a Project Management Certification (CPM) from Xavier University and a Strategic Management Performance System Certification from George Washington University. Additionally, she is a Certified Business Advisor®, Kauffman FastTrac Growth Venture Facilitator, and Certified GrowthWheel Advisor. Her passion lies in technology-based economic development and fostering an entrepreneurial culture. Harris is also a graduate of the Greater Southwestern Ohio Urban League's Africa American Leadership Program, Class 27, and has pursued numerous professional development opportunities throughout her career.