SARAH HARRIS
Fresno, CA 93722
OBJECTIVE
To be a part of organizations that empower the independence and self-determination of people with disabilities.
AWARDS AND RECOGNITION
• Community Service Award, CCB 2022
• Disability Advisory Commission Advocacy Award, City of Fresno, 2021 • Community Leadership Academy, Resources for Independence Central Valley 2015
• Chapter of the Year, California Council of the Blind, 2016 and 2021 • JP Morgan Chase Leadership Fellow, 2017
• Project Athena Foundation, Athena, 2017
SKILLS
• Training and Development
• Performance Tracking and Evaluations
• Administration and Reporting
• Time Management
• Project Coordination and Management
• Personnel Management
• Usability and Accessibility
• Public Speaking
• Person Centered Planning
• Youth Transition
• Leadership
• Advocate
WORK HISTORY
08/2021 to Current Director of Programs
Resources For Independence Central Valley – Fresno, CA
• Oversee Assistive Technology, Systems Change/Community Organizing, Community Outreach, Youth Empowerment Services, Distinct Grants, , Volunteers and Interns
• Creation, expansion, and sustainability of programs and services • Process grant reports
• Organize advocacy efforts
• Database entry and management
• Develop and facilitate workshops and staff activities
• Maintain and develop community partnerships and relationships •
11/2019 to Current CEO
Crazy Blind Lady Consulting – Fresno, CA
• Website, digital material accessibility, and usability testing • Website and digital material content review
07/2017 to Current Board Member
California Council Of The Blind, Statewide Org. – Sacramento, CA • July 2017-June 2019: Board Member; Support CCB mission and initiatives, attend monthly meetings, oversee projects and funds and development, on the convention planning (chair), bylaws, resolutions (co-chair), and publications committees • July 2019-June 2020: Second Vice-President
• July 2020- Present: First Vice-President
01/2017 to Current President
California Council Of The Blind Fresno Chapter – Fresno, CA • Organize and chair monthly meetings for 30 chapter members • Manage 3 officers
• Maintain relationships with City of Fresno officials and staff and local legislative representatives
• Fundraising
• Oversee and create chapter projects and initiatives
10/2017 to 08/2021 Youth Empowerment Specialist
Resources For Independence Central Valley – Fresno, CA
• Provide direct service for Youth with Disabilities ages 14-25 • Create and present workshops to High Schools and Adult Transition Programs • Create and facilitate seasonal workshops including month long Summer Programs. • Data entry/ service notes
• Collaborate with community partners
• Organize annual Self-Advocacy Conference
• Oversee Youth Peer Group
• Create and expand programming
06/2017 to 09/2017 Assistive Technology Advocate
Resources For Independence Central Valley – Fresno, CA
• AT training including; screen readers, iPhone accessibility, and other AT technology being offered
• Research on new technology and grant positions
09/2014 to 01/2017 Board Member and Volunteer
Valley Center For The Blind – Fresno, CA
Board Secretary:
• Fundraising
• Restructuring of board policies and procedures
• Procurement of new office building location
• Created and facilitated the Creative Recreation Program; included Health and Wellness, Recreational, and educational activities for people who are blind or have low vision
11/2018 to 08/2021 Program Manager
Resources For Independence Central Valley – Fresno, CA
EDUCATION
No Degree
Fresno City College - Fresno, CA
1998 High School Diploma
Fresno High School - Fresno, CA
AFFILIATIONS
July 2021-May 2022 Measure C Executive Committee
November 2020-Present Blind Advisory Committee
August 2016-Present: City of Fresno Disability Advisory Commission- Transportation Sub-Committee
• Consult on capital projects
• Attend bi-monthly meetings
• Consult on accessibility and usability of Fresno Area Express, fixed-route service and Handy Ride, para transit online materials
• Serve on appointed Ad HOC Committees
March 2019-May 2020: Voters Accessibility Advisory Committee (Chair) • Worked with Elections staff to develop agendas
• Consulted on accessibility and usability of elections website and digital materials • Assisted in organization of Voters Choice Act Educational Workshops