RISING ICON #94: Ron Harris
What name do you prefer to be called?
Ron
What are your pronouns?
he/him
Where did you grow up?
Northwest suburbs
What city are you currently based in?
Minneapolis
How do you typically introduce yourself to new people?
I usually start by introducing myself by first asking how the other person is, and then, because I’m proud of my work, letting them know I’m the Minnesota State Director for the Harris for President campaign
What’s one thing you wish more people knew about you?
Most folks have no idea I’m not as extroverted as I appear to be. I’m either the most introverted extrovert, or the most extroverted introvert. I love people, but I also need my solo time.
Who do you help?
I help communities who have been historically undervalued in our economy and political process—working people, folks living on the margins, young leaders, and people looking for a sense of purpose—by amplifying their voices, ensuring their needs are addressed, and helping them discover their power.
What are you building now?
As State Director for the campaign, I am building a broad-based coalition of supporters, while also developing the sort of infrastructure that strengthens long-term civic engagement.
What were you building ten years ago today?
2014 was one of the most challenging years of my entire life. I didn’t realize it at the time, but I was building the resilience and character that I’ve needed for this precise and particular moment in history.
What do you predict of yourself 10 years from now?
I see myself continuing to be a prominent leader in national politics, having created lasting systems of opportunity and economic prosperity, and having expanded my leadership in the business community. I also aim to mentor and develop the next generation of leaders, using whatever platform and power I have to amplify their voices.
What’s a fact or statistic you wish everyone knew about your industry?
Young people, working-class people, and Black and brown communities are often the key drivers of electoral success in national elections, but these communities are still underfunded, under-organized, and not listened to in many political strategies. Additionally, we tend to focus on the now (and far too often, the past) and we miss out by not skating where the puck is going.
Why do you believe the work you do matters?
Politics touches everything, and, with a values-based approach, has an amazing capacity to unlock the potential of the humans in our country. The work I do matters because I am in the business of restoring hope and purpose, and it's hard to imagine too many things more important than that.
Who is your mentor and what is the best advice they’ve given you?
I’ve been fortunate enough to have a handful of mentors, but I’ll share something the Vice President said to me a few years ago: always prioritize the people and never lose sight of who you're fighting for
What piece of content about you or your company are you most proud of?
I recorded a podcast called, “Shape the Nation” with a very close friend and business partner. We recorded and produced an entire season but have yet to release it!
What publication do you hope to appear in next?
I hope to be on the front page of the Star Tribune talking about how we won the election by bringing people together and inspiring millions along the way
Who would you love to be interviewed by?
I would absolutely love to be interviewed by Laysha Ward! I’ve heard her speak and met her a couple times and I always leave in awe.
If you had to give a TEDTalk tomorrow, what would the title be?
Failure is Feedback: How to keep winning even in the midst of loss
What award would mean the most to win?
A MacArthur Genius Award as it would reflect that I’ve creatively changed my industry for the better
What makes zero sense to you?
There are more vacant homes than there are people experiencing homelessness
What’s a word in your industry you hope gets re-evaluated?
"Electability"—often used to dismiss non-status quo candidates or big ideas. It needs to be redefined to reflect the growing power of new coalitions and voices instead of stifling new possibilities
What game are you changing?
I’m changing the game of political leadership by shifting the focus from transactional politics to people-centered leadership. I'm working to ensure that leadership is about advancing agency, not just winning elections, and navigating the tension that decisions can be driven by both long-term impact and short-term gains. By building bridges between grassroots movements and national platforms, between the public sector and private sector, I'm transforming how power is understood, built, and shared.
What’s the next thing you’re a part of that you want to invite more people to participate in?
This campaign! Nothing more important than the most consequential election of our lifetimes. How often in life do you get the chance to save the world for the better in less than 30 days??
Where can we follow you online?
Twitter/IG/LinkedIn @ronharrismn
What’s one thing that makes every leader better?
Empathy. The ability to truly understand and connect with the experiences and needs of others is what sets great leaders apart. Empathy allows leaders to make decisions that aren’t just strategic but also deeply human, and we could use a little bit of that right about now
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We’re grateful to each Rising ICON for their transformative work. Thank you, Ron, for sharing your story!
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“Politics touches everything, and, with a values-based approach, has an amazing capacity to unlock the potential of the humans in our country.”
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