Sharon Harris
Sharon Harris is the CEO and Director of Hart-of-Gold Care, Inc., a nonprofit organization she officially founded five years ago, though she has been engaged in community support and nonprofit work for more than 15 years. Under her leadership, the organization provides transitional housing, supportive services, reentry programming, and outreach to individuals experiencing homelessness, including veterans. Sharon is passionate about creating opportunities for independence and self-worth, combining practical assistance with programs that foster entrepreneurship, skill-building, and community engagement.
Throughout her career, Sharon has demonstrated a commitment to hands-on service. She regularly feeds the homeless from her own resources, organizes community events such as cleaning initiatives in Camden, New Jersey, and teaches entrepreneurial classes for individuals in reentry programs, which contributed to the formation of the Agency Foundation, a coalition of nonprofit organizations working collaboratively to strengthen community impact. Her approach emphasizes compassion, integrity, and sustainability, with a focus on helping individuals achieve long-term stability.
Sharon holds a Bachelor of Science in Computer Network Security from Wilmington University (2015) and certifications in early childhood education and leadership from Delaware Technical College, as well as being a licensed foster care provider. Her dedication has earned her recognition, including selection for the Influential Women: New Jersey 2026 feature. Beyond her professional endeavors, Sharon enjoys networking with community organizations, putting events together, and continues to make a profound impact on the lives of those she serves through her philanthropic work.
• Early Education Certification
• Licensed Foster Care
• Early Childhood Leadership
• Wilmington University – Bachelor of Science (B.S.), Computer Network Security
• Delaware Technical Community College – Early Education Certification3
• Delaware Technical Community College – Early Childhood Leadership Certification
• Influential Women 2026
• Delaware Chamber of Commerce
• New Jersey Small Business Association
• Feeding the homeless
• Founder, Hart-of-Gold Care, Inc.
• Organizer of community cleaning events in Camden, NJ
• Agency Foundation, nonprofit coalition
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to just always having the willingness to help others. Most people think when you're managing an organization or helping the homeless, it's because you've been homeless yourself, but I've never been homeless. I've never been incarcerated. That's just my character. That's my makeup. When my children were younger and we were walking down the street, they saw me look at somebody and ask if they were hungry, and I would take them into the store to feed them. That's all my kids know of me. My grandson who is 7 years old said to me, 'Ganny, when I get old, I want to feed the homeless like you,' and I'm like, oh my god. It truly goes to show you to be careful of what you do in front of them because they watch and they absorb everything you do or say. He was only 5 when he said that. When we pray at night, both of them say, 'God, watch over the homeless,' and sometimes I have tears in my eyes from the things that come out of their mouth. I'm honored that they truly have a relationship with God, because when you instill in them as babies, they're going to make mistakes, but God is always going to be in them, so when they really fall on their hard times, they know that they can pray.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Never stop doing what you know you were created to do
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Do it because you care, do it for the passion in your heart. If it's any other reason, don't do it. You have to have the passion. You have to have the compassion. And you have to be willing to deal with everyone. Everyone is not going to be acceptable to what you're doing, but as long as you're doing it with no hidden agendas, and it's truly what you want to do, do it to the best of your ability.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Challenges include the financial strain of operating nonprofit programs and limited grant funding. Opportunities lie in networking, collaborating with other nonprofits, hosting community events and galas, and increasing visibility to attract partners, donors, and community support.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Passion, compassion, willingness to help, and integrity. I believe in serving others without hidden agendas and in putting my heart into everything I do, whether it’s feeding the homeless, mentoring, or running my nonprofit.