TJ Harris

About TJ Harris

Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.

I hail from a blue-collar family that instilled hard work, principles, and morals into my core values. Their unwavering influence has shaped my character and approach to leadership.

Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?

Having navigated real estate and finance solutions, nothing surpasses the fulfillment I find in elevating self-image among our youth. It’s the heartbeat of my career—making a meaningful impact on their journey to confidence and self-worth.

Q: What advice would you give to people?

You don’t find yourself; you create yourself. Shape the person you aspire to be and never break character. Embrace the God given power of self-creation with unwavering commitment.

Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?

In the next 5 to 10 years, I envision myself influencing laws and government policies, elevating Jouéur into the pillar for Black psychology, and establishing it as a hub for leadership development and mental health in systematically deprived groups.

TJ Harris & Our Community

Q: What are a few of your favorite restaurants in our community?

Some favorite food spots in our community include Bowlegged BBQ, Ali’s Chicken and Waffles, and Mom’s Chicken and Waffles.”

Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?

In the four enriching years I’ve lived and worked in our community, I’ve witnessed its beauty and togetherness, fueling my commitment to push innovation and technology forward for collective progress.

Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?

The most interesting person I’ve met in our community is Kamaal Martin. His dedication to art and expression is not only inspiring but also a valuable resource for our community, showcasing a true commitment to its growth.

Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?

San Diego is a melting pot, and captivates me with its diversity and inclusive culture. Despite Black people constituting only 5-6% of the population, their togetherness and cultural pride stand out as truly admirable and I enjoy that part the most.

Q: If you could choose anyone alive today and not a relative, with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would you meet for this lunch?

I’d love to have lunch with Robert F. Smith, the billionaire CEO of Vista Equity Partners, at the iconic Mister A’s. I’m eager to delve into discussions about overcoming adversity and building a global empire, drawing inspiration from his remarkable achievements in the tech industry.

For Fun

Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?

Remember the Titans

Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?

Surprisingly, even for friends and family, most people don’t know that I’m an introvert and can be extremely shy, a fact that may seem nonintuitive to my role as a vocal CEO and Executive Director.

Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?

I would rate ‘The Four Agreements’ a 10 out of 10. Its profound wisdom and transformative insights into personal freedom and self-mastery make it an invaluable guide for navigating life with purpose and authenticity.

Q: Who inspires you to be better?

I’m inspired to be better by the belief that God chose me for this life and experience. I see my dedication and work ethic as a way of honoring that divine choice. It is my wish to maximize my experience on earth and leave a lasting positive impact before my departure.

Q: What is the best advice you’ve ever received?

“The best advice I’ve ever received is: ‘You can have anything you want if you are willing to work for it.’ This quote has been my guiding principle, propelling me forward and shaping my journey to date.”

Q: Finally, what three words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?

Peace, Family, and Joy