"Once you do away with the idea of people as fixed, static entities, then you see that people can change, and there is hope."
- bell hooks
WHO IS JAKEEL R. HARRIS?
Jakeel R. Harris, M.S. is an educator, speaker, community organizer, author, and spoken-word poet who tackles topics of social justice, leadership, and self-awareness. He is the Founder and CEO of Project SPEAKS, Inc., through which he offers services as an Educational Consultant. He is a higher education professional with 10 years of experience working within different student services departments and support programs. Jakeel's areas of concentration in higher education include providing equity-based programming, promoting leadership development, and placing a heavy emphasis on co-curricular involvement. He specializes in embedding student engagement approaches in his practice to increase student involvement and student success. Jakeel uses his knowledge, experience, and creative outlets to teach, educate, and expose people to different perspectives in hopes of promoting social and personal awareness.​
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His activism includes a strong focus on promoting and encouraging pro-Blackness, engaging in community restoration, and providing equitable resources to disadvantaged communities. He holds a Master of Science degree in Counseling with an emphasis on Student Development in Higher Education (SDHE) from California State University, Long Beach, as well as a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from California Polytechnic State University, Humboldt (formerly Humboldt State).
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Although born in Poplar Bluff, Missouri, Harris was raised in Oceanside, California where he began his post-secondary education at MiraCosta Community College. It was there that he was involved in cultural clubs and organizations such as the Black Student Union, UMOJA, and Performance Writer’s Club, all of which set the foundation and helped guide his focus and purpose.
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As Founder and CEO of Project SPEAKS, Inc. (501c3), Harris uses his platform to portray and promote Blackness in a positive manner. He encourages all people, especially those who come from Black, Indigenous, or African ancestry, to connect to their cultural roots, embrace their identity, and build pride in who they are.
Myers Briggs: ENFP
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Warmly enthusiastic and imaginative. See life as full of possibilities. Make connections between events and information very quickly, and confidently proceed based on the patterns they see. Want a lot of affirmation from others, and readily give appreciation and support. Spontaneous and flexible, often rely on their ability to improvise and their verbal fluency.
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StrengthsFinder: Strategic | Empathy | Input | Relator | Developer
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Myersbriggs.org. (2015). The Myers & Briggs Foundation - Reliability and Validity. [online] Available at: http://www.myersbriggs.org/my-mbti-personality-type/mbti-basics/reliability-and-validity.htm [Accessed 24 Nov. 2023].
MISSION
To prepare transformational leaders, who have the capacity to facilitate and create change through personal and student development, by promoting learning, equity, and achievement to all people.
VISION
Create a peaceful and positive environment where we, as people, can flourish without limitations and comfortably explore our potential and identities.
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Vision #1: Enhance professional competencies through programming and providing opportunities
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Attending cultural competency and sensitivity training (Social Justice and Inclusion)
Vision #2: Provide current and relevant resources to better serve students
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Creating and seeking resources for student populations and community members
Vision #3: Build and maintain meaningful relationships to encourage personal and professional growth
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Building networks and connections with professionals, community members, and students
Vision #4: Develop leaders through self-exploration, encouragement, and help attain and apply the knowledge learned
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Professional development (Advising and Support)
PROFESSIONAL COMMITMENTS
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Being open and honest with colleagues, students, and myself. Learning from all people.
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Asking for help or clarification when needed. Avoid as many mistakes with clarity.
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Communicating regularly and positively with students and colleagues.
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Assisting colleagues and students by providing support to the office or environment.
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Sharing beneficial information to students and colleagues, with respect to confidentiality.
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Creating a positive environment for students, staff, faculty, and community members.
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Establish goals and a vision and continue to work towards them.
PROFESSIONAL GOALS & VALUES
Professional Goals:
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Gain valuable and useful experience working in higher education.
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Increase awareness and understanding of issues and decisions, related to marginalized groups, through training and cooperation.
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Improve leadership and communication skills.
Professional Values to instill in work performance:
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Justice - Promote human dignity and treat others equitably and justly
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Veracity - Truth in words and actions
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Affiliation – Encourage connectedness and foster community
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Beneficence - Actions that promote goodness and increase the health and well-being of others