Kim Harris (she/her)
Donor Relations Manager
Kim holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from Gettysburg College in Pennsylvania. Her first post-college job was on a campaign for a member of the U.S. House of Representatives from her home district in New York. She worked in Washington, DC, first in Congress, focusing on legislation advocating for women's health and children’s issues, and later as project coordinator for a women's health advocacy organization.
After relocating to Denver as a young professional, Kim served as executive director of a local political organization, a consultant for the City of Denver on a variety of bond campaigns, as host committee coordinator for various national associations’ conventions, and held leadership positions within non-profit organizations and associations in Denver. Kim believes every individual possesses the potential to make a positive impact on the lives of others, and we, as a society, have an obligation to advocate for equitable access to education and opportunity for all.
Kim was inspired by her parents, both first-generation college graduates, who highly valued the education they earned. They served as Post-World War II goodwill missionaries in Japan through the U.S. Foreign Service, and instilled the value of connection with individuals who come from different life experiences than your own. Kim credits grants and scholarships for her opportunity to earn a college degree, and knows first-hand the daunting challenges of affording higher education, both as a student, and as a single parent now.
Kim loves skiing, exercise for mental and physical health, the ocean, and quality time with friends and family. Her greatest joy stems from experiencing life with her three high school and college-aged children, whose grit, character and determination inspire her.
Favorite College Experience: "I went to college near Washington, D.C. In my senior year, my friend and I did an independent study on a heated political issue. We researched both sides, attended marches on Washington, first with hundreds of thousands of people rallying for one side, and later, for the other. We documented our semester-long immersion in a photo-essay and journal. This experience profoundly opened my eyes to the importance of advocacy, and an individual’s power to make an impact."
Advice for High School and College Students: "Keep an open and curious mind and explore new things to discover what inspires you. There will be successes and failures, and both create opportunities to learn and grow. Surround yourself with people who lift you up, and do the same for them. Know that you can accomplish great and difficult things when you put your mind, your grit, and your heart into them."
Favorite Food: "Having grown up near the ocean, nothing beats fresh seafood right from the fisherman, steamed and eaten on the docks, while breathing in the salt air, and watching the sunset over the water."