Danita Harris awarded with prestigious Sojourner Truth award

CLEVELAND - On Sunday, NewsChannel 5 anchor Danita Harris was presented with the 2011 Sojourner Truth Award, the most prestigious award given by The Cleveland Club of the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women’s Clubs, Incorporated.

The award was presented to Harris at the 55th Annual Founder’s Day Breakfast at the Hilton East Beachwood hotel.

The National Association of Negro Business Professional Women’s Clubs, Inc. was founded 76 years ago. It is a national non-profit organization that promotes and protects the interests of women business owners and professionals. Its headquarters is located in Washington, D.C.

The mission of the organization is to provide opportunities for women to increase their leadership skills and enhance their educational awareness of issues impacting the Black community through volunteerism.

Harris strongly believes in community service and volunteers her time and energy to various non-profit organizations. In 2008, she founded a mentoring program called Sisters of Success at her church to inspire and empower young women to reach their full potential and work hard toward achieving their dreams.

“Sojourner Truth, I read about her and think, 'Ain’t that a woman, ain’t that a woman, ain’t that a woman,'” said Harris in her acceptance speech as the crowd roared in delight.

Other award winners include Professional Award Recipients Tracy A. Oliver, Media Relations Director for Dominion East Ohio and Randell Mc Shepard, Vice President of Public Relations for RPM International, Inc.

Magen Greer, a student advocate, youth leader and student scholar at East Technical High School was the recipient of the “I am EMPOWERED” Award for her commitment to service and Stacey Stoudemire, founder of Simply Elegant Catering in Catering in Cleveland was the Business Award recipient.

NANBPWC members are among the most dynamic professional women in the country and Harris said she was humbled to receive such an honor from this distinguished group of women.