Influential Woman · Nonprofit

Rozalia Harris

Induction Specialist (Mentor), Milwaukee Public Schools

Milwaukee, WI

1Award received

Certifications · Degrees · Memberships

Degree Master's Degree in Curriculum Specialist and Administrative Specialist from Alverno Degree Bachelor's Degree from Cardinal Stritch Member NAACP

Her Story

About Rozalia

I've been working in the nonprofit field for the past 20 years, with 8 years as Board President of Friendship Incorporated. My background is in education - I have a master's degree as a curriculum specialist and administrative specialist, and I previously worked in the field of alcohol and drug abuse. I was introduced to Friendship Inc. for personal reasons over 30 years ago, and as a member, I traveled through my journey in education working with elementary students. I realized that people of color had needs that I could help support as a leader in their recovery. My college career focused on leadership development and elementary education, which fit naturally into seeking committee chair positions and eventually board officer roles. I served on the board several times as vice president and board member before feeling confident enough to accept the nomination to become president. In my role, I ensure smooth operations of our recovery club, which provides space for 12-step meetings serving up to 50 people daily. I work closely with our four officers, meet with the board and membership twice monthly, and advocate for our members to live fruitful, healthy lives in their recovery. I'm currently focused on strategic planning, seeking funding, board development, and connecting our members with community resources, especially addressing mental health needs since the pandemic.

Her Interview

Ten minutes with Rozalia

01What do you attribute your success to?

I would say my most notable achievement is building relationships with foundations where I could sell myself and what I was doing, and have them say yes, this is worth investing in Friendship Inc. I've kept those relationships, and they help steer the course for me - sending me information about grants, informational sessions, and learning sessions. I've built relationships with people in the community and foundations, like the Fleck Foundation and Zilberg. With the Fleck Foundation, that person would only speak to me after we had discussions about what we needed and why. I think the membership and my board respect me because I can make connections. Some people say I have a split personality - when I'm bad, I'm bad - but with people, I allow people to be who they are and where they are. I really try not to judge. I may not like what you do, but I'm open enough to allow you to be who you are.

02What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?

Right now, we're in the process of strategic planning and trying to sustain a membership-ran organization. I'm working to find all the board development I can find and motivating the board to participate. We're seeking funding and trying to advocate for our members so they can live a fruitful life, a healthy and fruitful life in their recovery. I think the highest need right now since the pandemic is mental health. The key component is peer support and community support - you can't live in isolation, this is not just your problem. The biggest message when you look at the 12-step program is recovery is possible. Being around people who have taken that journey and changed their lives is critical, because you cannot do it alone.

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