MEET MORE OF OUR 2024 WOMEN OF DISTINCTION
Alexis Harris has been instrumental in shaping the future of Potawatomi Ventures, the economic development arm of the Forest County Potawatomi tribe. Harris, a Forest County Potawatomi member herself, has served on the Potawatomi Ventures board since 2023 and was named vice chairwoman in March. As vice chairwoman, she has led initiatives that enhance corporate culture and community involvement.
Harris has also strengthened community outreach and education efforts, including supporting hiring a tribal liaison, and ensuring that the tribe’s economic growth is transparent and involves the entire community.
“Listen, ask questions, and always seek to learn.”
In addition to serving on the board at Potawatomi Ventures, Harris works at Gartner, focusing on diversity, equity and inclusion. “We can diversify where we’re getting talent from instead of looking at the same people from the same companies, recruiting from the same universities and from the same programs,” says Harris. “Our team has found that there’s a lot of strong and talented candidates out there, you just need to find them.
“I find the education piece incredibly rewarding. Whether it’s helping candidates find success or educating tribal members about the mission and values of Potawatomi Ventures, I love getting people excited about what we’re doing and ensuring they understand the impact we’re making.”
Q&A
What have been some of the more rewarding aspects of your job?
I find the education piece incredibly rewarding. Whether it’s helping candidates find success or educating tribal members about the mission and values of Potawatomi Ventures, I love getting people excited about what we’re doing and ensuring they understand the impact we’re making.
How have you seen hiring practices evolve in recent years?
There’s been a significant shift in how companies approach corporate culture in regards to hiring and retention. Candidates now expect organizations to offer inclusive benefits, employee resource groups and a strong work-life balance. Additionally, companies are increasingly leveraging professional networks that serve underrepresented communities, which has greatly diversified the talent pool.
