Over an impressive career spanning nearly three decades, Tiffany Harris has become adept at communicating and providing support to the communities she serves. From her early years as a 'military brat' traveling the globe to her current role as Community Vitality Coordinator for the City of San Marcos, Texas, her journey demonstrates an unwavering commitment to building meaningful relationships, advocating for community needs, and fostering a sense of unity among diverse groups.
In this post, we will learn how sometimes, discovering our true calling is as simple as being willing to lean into and learn from every opportunity and relationship that crosses our path.
The Early Years: A Global Upbringing
Her story begins with a childhood that spanned continents. As she recounts, "I was a military brat. So, I grew up in Germany, Florida, Virginia, Japan, Korea, and Hawaii." This diverse upbringing laid the foundation for her future career, equipping her with invaluable skills.
"I'm good at meeting new people and going into new situations and getting to know people all over again."
This adaptability would later prove crucial in her professional life, where building relationships and fostering connections became her forte.
Like many college students, Tiffany initially struggled to decide on a career path. "I remember when I was going to college. I didn't know what the heck I wanted to do with my life," she admits. However, a scholarship to the University of Denver led her to explore mass communications. "I graduated high school in Hawaii, so when I went to college, I chose to attend somewhere in the middle of the United States. I majored in mass communications with a minor in English," she shares. Her mother's influence as an English teacher instilled in her a keen eye for detail: "I'm just naturally a very good proofreader and can spot a typo a mile away."
Initially aspiring to be a sportscaster, she soon found herself drawn to public relations. This shift set the stage for a fulfilling career that later expanded into community engagement.
"I love bringing together people for a common goal, a common cause."
The Heart of Community Engagement
For the past four years, Tiffany has served as the Community Vitality Coordinator for the City of San Marcos, Texas. Her role, as she describes it, is "essentially to connect our city and its residents with the resources that are available in the community."
But what does community engagement mean to Tiffany? She explains, "To me, community engagement is connecting with people on a one-to-one level. I mean, you are working with large groups, but in the end, it's how they relate to you and how you make that connection with them."
Her approach is deeply empathetic and focused on building trust.
"It's just making people feel heard, seen, and heard and that we're doing the best to let them know that we're on their side and that we're not the enemy."
She strives to change the often adversarial perception of city officials, stating, "We're trying to help them, and trying to fight us every step of the way isn't going to be productive or beneficial to anyone."
The Power of Networking
One of the key aspects of her success is her commitment to networking. "I probably spend 25% of my job just out networking with people," she reveals. This isn't just about professional advancement; it's about creating meaningful connections that can benefit the community. "I love bringing together people for a common goal, a common cause," she says.
She emphasizes the importance of face-to-face interactions, especially in a post-pandemic world: "Face-to-face interactions are important for everyone, especially for our mental health. We all need opportunities to connect with others."
For those new to the field, especially young professionals, she shares this advice about acquiring networking skills:
"I can't stress enough how important it is to develop connections and see what things you can work on together. Asking ‘What do you do? How can I help you do what you're doing?’ And then, really taking the time to listen."
Building a strong network has given her numerous opportunities to leverage those relationships into collaborative successes, such as organizing the first governor's conference for women business owners in Texas.
"Being able to bring together a wide variety of different agencies and organizations all into one room to put on a conference and make the magic happen for all the women business owners and make them feel heard and learn so much during a conference was it for me."
Advice for Aspiring Professionals
She values the importance of continuous learning and professional development. In addition to her degree, she also holds certifications in nonprofit management, social media, and town and government relations. Her dedication to personal growth ensures that she remains effective and impactful in her work.
Drawing from her experience, Tiffany offers valuable advice for those entering the field of public relations and community engagement:
Develop public speaking skills: "Get some real experience doing it. It's something that I honestly wish I had gained earlier in my career."
Understand the issues thoroughly: "You need to understand the issues before you put your position out there. Make sure you know what you're talking about."
Be honest about what you don't know: “Don’t be afraid to say you don't know and come back with an answer."
Listen more than you talk
The Rewards of Community Service
Tiffany’s work in San Marcos has left a lasting impact on the community. From starting community organizations active in disasters to forming a local chapter of 1 Million Cups and working with the Homeless Coalition, her initiatives have brought people together to address pressing issues. These efforts have created a more connected and resilient community.
"If anything, we're bringing people to the table to talk about issues that have never been done before in the city."
In an era dominated by virtual communication, she also emphasizes the importance of face-to-face interactions.
"Face-to-face interactions are all about our mental health. Everybody needs to connect with people."
Personal interactions foster deeper connections and a better understanding among community members.
Despite her extroverted professional life, she identifies as an introvert at heart. "I'm an extrovert/introvert' because, when I get home, I just want to be alone," she reveals. She stresses that finding ways to balance her need for solitude with her passion for networking is crucial for maintaining her well-being.
Inspirational Reads and Conclusion
She recommends the book Chasing the Bright Side by Jess Ekstrom, which encourages readers to pursue their dreams and maintain a positive outlook on life. "It's just an amazing book about looking on the bright side of life and going after your dreams," she shares. This recommendation reflects Tiffany’s optimistic and proactive approach to both her personal and professional life.
Tiffany Harris’s journey from a globe-trotting military child to an engagement professional highlights the power of dedication, adaptability, and a genuine desire to help others. Her ability to connect with people, commitment to continuous learning, and passion for community engagement serve as an example for others to follow. As she puts it,
"We all can do a lot more than what we're doing, but it's great whenever you are truly doing what it is that you're supposed to be doing."
She is truly doing what she is meant to do, and the impact of her work will be felt for generations to come.
More Information
View these resources mentioned by Tiffany:
Greater San Marcos 1 Million Cups: 1MC communities across the nation aim to present an inclusive and supportive front door to their local entrepreneurial ecosystem by connecting aspiring entrepreneurs to the resources they need to start or grow their businesses.
The City of San Marcos, Texas, is a vibrant community located between Austin and San Antonio, known for its scenic river, thriving university life at Texas State University, and rich cultural heritage. It offers a mix of outdoor recreation, historic sites, and a growing economy.
Chasing the Bright Side by Jess Ekstrom is an inspiring book about the power of optimism, resilience, and turning setbacks into success. Through personal stories and practical advice, Ekstrom encourages readers to embrace positivity and create meaningful change in their lives.