Today we’d like to introduce you to Christina Harris, PhD.
Hi Christina, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I embarked on my professional journey as a high school teacher, dedicating six years to imparting American literature to 11th graders. My trajectory took a turn when I transitioned to teaching undergraduates while pursuing a Ph.D. in Africology & African American Studies at Temple University. Following the completion of my doctoral program, I taught in the Africana Studies department at Stockton University.
Deciding to venture into entrepreneurship, I took a self-funded sabbatical for a year. During this period, I launched a DEI (diversity, equity & inclusion) consulting business, offering comprehensive diversity strategies, training, and workshops to corporate, non-profit, and educational entities.
As the Founder & CEO of Harris Diversity Consulting, I was able to utilize my extensive knowledge of race, identity, and systems of oppression to create concrete strategies toward a more equitable society committed to fostering inclusivity and dismantling systemic barriers. Simultaneously, my sabbatical allowed me time to further pursue my passion for travel and I began to extensively document my journeys on social media. Through this organic process, I honed my photography, editing, and social media marketing skills.
After my sabbatical, I began showcasing upcoming events and local businesses and soon found myself increasingly sought after for paid collaborations. Within a year, my social media following grew from 5,000 to over 65,000. My dissertation research on digital Pan-Africanism allowed a seamless transition into my role as a food & travel content creator, where I leverage my platform to champion Black-owned businesses. This year alone, I’ve engaged in over 70 collaborations, resulting in substantial growth for the brands and businesses I’ve partnered with. These collaborations have not only garnered over 100,000 new followers for my partners but have also led to sold-out events and significant revenue increases for the involved businesses.
I was recently honored by being nominated for the Career Professional of the Year VICtor Award by the Black Travel Summit. I am grateful to use my skills in education, consulting, and digital advocacy to work toward transforming the landscape of identity, food, and culture.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Certainly, the road has been far from smooth. One significant challenge was the extended timeline for completing my Ph.D., which took seven years instead of the anticipated four. This deviation was largely due to my extensive travels—I visited 35 countries during that time. Despite the prolonged journey, this period of exploration profoundly influenced my dissertation topic and ultimately steered me toward becoming a travel content creator.
The transition to entrepreneurship presented another formidable obstacle. The prospect of beginning a new career at the age of 37 was daunting, and initially, I lacked clear guidance. After a period of uncertainty, I managed to overcome this hurdle by actively seeking resources, effectively growing and leveraging my network, and developing and applying best practices. These efforts proved instrumental in making my entrepreneurial journey considerably smoother.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
As a travel content creator, my focus is on showcasing and uplifting Black-owned businesses and experiences, both in my hometown of Philadelphia and around the world. This mission is deeply important, given the statistical challenges faced by Black entrepreneurs.
Shockingly, 8 out of 10 Black businesses face closure within the first 18 months, and despite comprising 9.5% of all U.S. businesses, they only account for 1.3% of total U.S. sales. Limited access to capital and resources often means many Black-owned businesses operate without the support of a PR agency and engage in minimal marketing efforts.
My work is dedicated to bridging this gap by providing increased online exposure for these businesses, ultimately expanding their customer base and boosting sales. A noteworthy example is a recent collaboration with Da Burger Jawn in Philadelphia, resulting in the establishment gaining 11,000 new followers, a remarkable 500% increase in daily orders, and the creation of 8 new job opportunities, accompanied by expanded store hours. These tangible outcomes highlight the impact of my efforts in fostering real change within the community.
I take immense pride in building a platform that catalyzes positive change, supporting and empowering Black-owned businesses to thrive and succeed in an increasingly competitive landscape.
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
I’m always open to collaboration and extending support in various capacities. Whether it’s engaging in discussions about fostering inclusive workplaces or partnering with businesses and brands on social media, I’m eager to explore opportunities for meaningful collaboration.
For inquiries related to my work in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), please feel free to reach out to me at dr.christina.harris@gmail.com. If you’re interested in content creation, the best way to contact me is through dr.afia.abroad@gmail.com or by sending a direct message to my Instagram account: @dr.afia_abroad. I look forward to connecting and exploring how we can work together!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/dr.afia_abroad
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cnh127
- Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/christina-harris-PhD
