The year 2020 has presented unique challenges and interruptions across all aspects of our lives, but it does not stop us from celebrating the various accomplishments and achievements of women leaders of color! Throughout the month of August, we will spotlight these amazing women and share their unique perspectives, philosophies, and stories.

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Ebony Ava Harper is a Sacramento-based, award-winning, and nationally recognized activist and philanthropist. She is the current Director of California TRANScends, a statewide initiative that works to promote the health and wellness of transgender people throughout the state of California. As an openly Black and trans woman, Harper is dedicated to transforming and uplifting marginalized communities across the country. She is a firm advocate of health care reform, prison reform, environmental justice, climate justice, gender justice, race equity, and so much more.

In 2019 Harper was recognized by San Francisco Mayor London Breed’s Office for her trailblazing advocacy work. Harper is the recipient of the prestigious 2019 Sacramento Stonewall Four Freedoms Award and Grand Marshal for Sacramento PRIDE 2019. She also helped spearhead the Chyna Gibson Memorial Mural in 2018 to remind communities everywhere that the fight for trans liberation remains active and strong.

Harper’s dedication to dismantling oppressive systems and creating positive and progressive change for marginalized communities has been a tremendous inspiration to many. Here’s a glimpse into her insightful mind:

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Throughout your leadership journey, from your first job to your current position, what are some key lessons you’ve learned that have shaped you as a leader?

Ebony Ava Harper: I came into my field of work bright-eyed and bushy-tailed. I wanted to help my community, no matter what. Having come from harsh beginnings myself, I felt like I had the empathy and expertise it took to change people’s lives. I started many years ago at youth shelter as a peer counselor; today, I am the director of a statewide transgender program. The first lesson I learned is you have to be in the profession you want to be in, on the days when you feel like giving up that inner knowing can keep you going. Second, create boundaries for work. Being in leadership that is sometimes hard to control, but you need some off time to regenerate energy for service. Depending on the field, some things take vast amounts of emotional energy, pace yourself when you can.

There is often a lack of representation of women of color in executive and board rooms. When you find yourself in these situations, how do you ensure your voice is heard?

EAH: I’m a big ole, unapologetically loud, proud, Black trans woman. Frequently I’m the only transgender person in the room. I use those opportunities to educate and urge folks to be more inclusive, and if you want equity, that means bringing on more Black trans women, more cis women, more people of color. As the saying goes, we have to walk it, exactly like we talk it. Too many folks know all the equity language but not living equity.

Knowing the unique challenges that you have faced as a professional woman of color, what advice would you give to your younger self?

EAH: “This, too, shall pass.” I find everything in life to be a part of the corporate evolutionary process. Nothing remains the same. Don’t dwell on your failures or your advisories. Know you will grow up to do amazing things and influence amazing people to be better people. Your struggle won’t last, always, my dear.

What podcasts are you listening to and/or books are you reading?

EAH: I’m reading Thinking Your Troubles Away by Ernest Holmes and Stamped From The Beginning by Ibram X. Kendi. One for spiritual growth the other to increase my Black social justice conciseness.