Transformative leadership takes many forms, but for Kathryn Harris, ActivateWork’s president and chief operating officer, it manifests in her unwavering commitment to connecting diverse talent with Colorado’s leading employers. This First-Year Titan 100 Honoree’s journey from Fortune 100 consultant to nonprofit changemaker exemplifies her dedication to creating systemic solutions for workforce development.
Harris’s entrepreneurial spirit shines through her ability to navigate challenges while fostering growth. When the pandemic threatened to derail ActivateWork’s launch in 2019, she pivoted swiftly, partnering with Coursera and PCs for People to ensure continuity of their mission. This resilience has become a hallmark of her leadership style, resulting in hundreds of program graduates and garnering both state and national recognition.
Under her guidance, ActivateWork has evolved from a determined startup to an early-growth organization with remarkable achievements. The organization has achieved extraordinary graduation, placement and retention rates, far exceeding industry standards. Most significantly, their many cohorts have generated millions in wealth for graduates, with the majority being people of color, along with strong representation of women and immigrants.
Harris’ innovative approach to workforce development is evident in the launch of the Tech Talent Partnership, a revolutionary education-to-employment intermediary engaging dozens of executives and educators to address critical skills gaps in cybersecurity. This initiative recently enabled ActivateWork to secure a contract with Elevate Quantum to build multiple pathways to critical jobs in quantum computing.
Her commitment to economic equity extends beyond individual success stories. Harris has positioned ActivateWork as an IT industry intermediary, fostering collaboration between employers and education providers. She established partnerships with major universities for accreditation and developed a robust apprenticeship program recognized as top apprenticeship program by the Colorado Department of Labor and Commerce.
Recognition of her impact includes being named among CWCC top most powerful women in business and selection as a Colorado Governors Fellow. She serves as a founding board member for both the Colorado Equitable Economic Mobility Initiative and Colorado Inclusive Economy.
Looking ahead, Harris envisions training thousands of Coloradans in the coming years, with ambitious goals for launching life-changing careers. Under her leadership, ActivateWork graduates are projected to generate tens of millions in increased income, creating substantial economic impact for Colorado families.
Her personal resilience mirrors her professional achievements. While steering organizations through complex transitions, Harris has navigated personal challenges including caring for ill parents, supporting twin sons with learning disabilities and overcoming breast cancer. This firsthand understanding of life’s challenges fuels her passion for creating systemic solutions that outlast her own contributions.
