Dakota Harris

About Dakota:

Dakota Harris (she/her) is a first-generation, rising second-year at the University of Chicago from Richmond, CA.  She is currently pursuing a double major in Visual Arts and Environmental and Urban Studies with a minor in Architectural Studies. She comes from a small family who always taught her to never give up and that the sky isn't the limit, one’s mind is. From that point, she made it her duty to improve not only herself but the community around her to implement perseverance. During her time at UChicago, she has been involved in various Recognized Student Organizations (RSO) including Moneythink as a mentor, the Organization of Black Students, ArtShould, and the Socioeconomic Diversity Alliance as social chair. She is passionate about using her time as an undergraduate to enhance the recognition of Black students and inspire Black talent on the campus as well as throughout the Southside of Chicago. Her involvement in the organizations mentioned above consists of working closely with K-12 schools in the Southside of Chicago to teach college readiness, financial literacy, and evoke the pursuit of long-term passions. Furthermore, she is immersing herself in multiple internships and opportunities that will fulfill her long-term passions of urban planning, community development and design. This upcoming Autumn, Dakota plans to study African Civilization abroad. She will also be formulating a plan to carry the founding of a new RSO geared toward educating and acknowledging art, design, and architecture as lifetime careers for Black youth encompassing such talents in Chicago. 

Accolades

Scholarships/Awards

• Questbridge College Match Recipient
• Questbridge Scholar 
• Member of Chicago Academic Achievement Program 
• Moneythink Mentor
• Social Media Chair of Socioeconomic Diversity Alliance
• Member of the Organization of Black Students