Deborah Small Harris

Deborah Harris led one of the largest public-private efforts to create the North Carolina Blumenthal Performing Arts Center, “Blumenthal Arts", and was the Founding chair of the board of trustees. She served on the board of directors of World Vision and was the Founding president of Charlotte Women of Vision.

She was on the board of the Fistula Foundation for the Addis Ababa Fistula Hospital, Ethiopia. Deborah served as chair of the board of the Arts and Science Council, president of the Junior League of Charlotte, and president of the Drug Education Center, Substance Abuse Prevention Services.   She served on the board of trustees of Arts and Sciences Foundation for UNC, board of trustees for Wake Forest University, Foundation For The Carolinas, North Carolina Museum of Art, Discovery Place, Leadership Network, Dallas Texas and National Center for Learning Disabilities, NYC.

Deborah developed and edited a third/fourth grade primary prevention program, “I’m Special”, now “Unique You”, taught in the CMS Schools and in 38 states.  She was instrumental in Dr. Catherine Hamlin, nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize, appearing on The Oprah Show, and raising over $3 million for the Addis Ababa Fistula Hospital, Ethiopia.  She worked to pass a bill in the US Congress on national and international human trafficking, and violence against women.  She has taught “Being a Woman of Purpose- A Deeper Walk” since 1998. Charlotte Woman of the Year 1987.