Karen Harris, BLOC Coordinator

 

Vocation: Executive Secretary for The County of Los Angeles

Hometown: St. Louis, Missouri

Background: Karen was born St. Louis, Missouri as the seventh of twelve children and relocated to South Central Los Angeles with her family as a young girl. Her father worked for Western Airlines and her mother was a homemaker and seamstress. Her parents’ dedication and sacrifice enabled all 12 children to earn high school diplomas through private schools. Karen attended St. Michael’s Catholic High School for girls. “I attribute my success to my parents,” she explains, “who raised us in a Christian home where there was plenty of love, Christian values and hard work. My parents, whom I refer to as heroes, instilled discipline, tenacity, love and a great work ethic in each of us.”

Karen retired as an executive secretary for the County of Los Angeles in 2015 after 38 years of service. During her tenure, she worked in five different departments, always in a clerical capacity. Karen moved to the Sunny Cove neighborhood of Compton in 1996. With her feet firmly planted, she served her community as Block Club Captain for eight years. She has served in volunteer and Team Leader roles within The Compton Initiative for several years, and currently serves as Commissioner of Compton’s recently established Beautification Committee.    

Family: Karen is the mother of 3 beautiful daughters and the proud grandmother of five young-adult grandchildren – two boys and three girls.  

What do you hope the Compton Initiative will accomplish? “My hope is that The Compton Initiative will continue to partner with other non-profits and Block Clubs in Compton to help encourage residents to take more pride in the city. The Compton Initiative has made huge strides in the city, however, with the help of residents, we will see more transformative change. 

What is your favorite thing about a Compton work day? “My favorite thing about a Compton workday is working alongside so many fascinating volunteers. Talking with them over a meal at the end of the workday and listening to their life stories is priceless.” 

How has the Compton Initiative helped you grow? “The Compton Initiative has helped me to grow spiritually and mentally. My faith as a Christian has been strengthened as everything we do is unto the glory of God. Mentally I am stronger and more focused in His mission, that as long as I remember it’s about doing God’s will, I can do all things through Him because He gives me strength.”

Karen Harris, BLOC Coordinator

Vocation: Executive Secretary for The County of Los Angeles

Hometown: St. Louis, Missouri

Background: Karen was born St. Louis, Missouri as the seventh of twelve children and relocated to South Central Los Angeles with her family as a young girl. Her father worked for Western Airlines and her mother was a homemaker and seamstress. Her parents’ dedication and sacrifice enabled all 12 children to earn high school diplomas through private schools. Karen attended St. Michael’s Catholic High School for girls. “I attribute my success to my parents,” she explains, “who raised us in a Christian home where there was plenty of love, Christian values and hard work. My parents, whom I refer to as heroes, instilled discipline, tenacity, love and a great work ethic in each of us.”

Karen retired as an executive secretary for the County of Los Angeles in 2015 after 38 years of service. During her tenure, she worked in five different departments, always in a clerical capacity. Karen moved to the Sunny Cove neighborhood of Compton in 1996. With her feet firmly planted, she served her community as Block Club Captain for eight years. She has served in volunteer and Team Leader roles within The Compton Initiative for several years, and currently serves as Commissioner of Compton’s recently established Beautification Committee.    

Family: Karen is the mother of 3 beautiful daughters and the proud grandmother of five young-adult grandchildren – two boys and three girls.  

What do you hope the Compton Initiative will accomplish? “My hope is that The Compton Initiative will continue to partner with other non-profits and Block Clubs in Compton to help encourage residents to take more pride in the city. The Compton Initiative has made huge strides in the city, however, with the help of residents, we will see more transformative change. 

What is your favorite thing about a Compton work day? “My favorite thing about a Compton workday is working alongside so many fascinating volunteers. Talking with them over a meal at the end of the workday and listening to their life stories is priceless.” 

How has the Compton Initiative helped you grow? “The Compton Initiative has helped me to grow spiritually and mentally. My faith as a Christian has been strengthened as everything we do is unto the glory of God. Mentally I am stronger and more focused in His mission, that as long as I remember it’s about doing God’s will, I can do all things through Him because He gives me strength.”