Her Story
About Alyiah
Alyiah Harris is an Area Manager (L4) at Amazon, where she leads large-scale fulfillment and delivery operations, overseeing teams of more than 100 associates while driving operational excellence, workforce development, and continuous process improvement. She manages production planning, labor allocation, safety initiatives, performance metrics, and cross-functional collaboration to ensure efficient operations and on-time delivery. Throughout her career at Amazon, she has earned a reputation for building engaged teams, improving operational performance, and fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
Before joining Amazon, Alyiah gained experience in project management, marketing, journalism, and business operations through roles in healthcare construction, media, and marketing. Her diverse professional background strengthened her expertise in project planning, communications, customer engagement, data analysis, and strategic problem-solving. She holds a Bachelor's Degree in Integrated Marketing and Communications from Albion College, earned an MBA in Cybersecurity and Healthcare Management along with a Graduate Certificate in Cyber Security Governance from Concordia University Chicago, and is currently pursuing a Doctor of Information Technology at Walden University.
Committed to lifelong learning and leadership development, Alyiah attributes her professional growth to strong mentorship, continuous education, and a willingness to embrace challenges. She is passionate about coaching and supporting her teams while continuously expanding her own technical and leadership capabilities. By combining operational expertise with advanced education, she continues to build a career centered on innovation, people leadership, and delivering measurable business results.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Alyiah
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my willingness to embrace leadership opportunities, continuously develop my skills, and remain committed to supporting my team. After joining Amazon as a college hire in 2020, I advanced to an Area Manager L4 role by consistently delivering results, improving on-time package performance, and increasing employee engagement throughout the facility. I take pride in making sound operational decisions, leading my shift with confidence, and serving as a dependable support system for my associates.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
My mentors, Tanya Ruth and Matola Ernie, taught me what it takes to lead an effective operation. They showed me how to make confident decisions, hold people accountable, and understand that making mistakes is an essential part of growth. Their guidance helped me overcome my initial hesitation as a leader and develop the confidence necessary to successfully manage teams and drive operational excellence.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I encourage young women to work hard, remain authentic, and never lose sight of who they are. Invest in your education, continuously develop your skills, and actively seek networking opportunities that will expand your knowledge and career possibilities. Success comes from combining dedication, lifelong learning, and meaningful professional relationships.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the greatest challenges—and opportunities—I am navigating is balancing the demands of a leadership role while pursuing my doctoral degree in Information Technology. Continuing my education while leading large operational teams allows me to strengthen both my technical expertise and leadership capabilities, positioning me for continued professional growth and future leadership opportunities.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Education, integrity, balance, and personal growth are the values that guide both my professional and personal life. My aunt, Tamara Knoss, instilled in me the importance of pursuing education, maintaining balance, and protecting myself throughout my career. My father taught me the importance of making ethical decisions and staying grounded in strong personal values, while my mentors helped me develop confidence, leadership skills, and resilience. Together, these influences have shaped my commitment to leading with accountability, supporting others, and continuously striving for excellence.
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