Danita Harris – a motivator, minister, community advocate, WKYC morning anchorwoman, and award-winning journalist, considers herself to be blessed to serve as an agent of change. Danita is devoted to her passion and purpose to encourage and empower women, men, and children through ministry as an ordained reverend. Danita’s spiritual faith is the foundation of her initiative, “It’s Your Time to S.H.I.N.E.,” which was founded in 2016 to help others find their divine light within. Proving unwavering success, S.H.I.N.E, a 501(c)(3) organization, meets monthly as a way to provide a sisterly and brotherly safe haven, as well as outreach to individuals and community groups in need.

Danita’s determination to spark generational change and care for our youth led to the founding of the S.H.I.N.E. Girlz Mentoring Program in 2018, which serves 4th through 8th-grade girls within the Cleveland Metropolitan School District. Each year S.H.I.N.E adopts one school to mentor. Within four years of instilling confidence, self-worth, and the freedom to dream big within hundreds of girls who have graduated from the program, Danita appointed former NFL Cleveland Browns Player, Josh Cribbs as Director of S.H.I.N.E. Brothers, to nurture young boys. It is S.H.I.N.E.’s dedication and impact that sparked another expansion in 2023 with the creation of S.H.I.N.E Men of Integrity, which focused on bringing men together for fellowship while supporting local charities that service hurting men. Danita’s commitment to mentorship has recently expanded beyond northeast Ohio as she is now an official mentor with the Baton Exchange Program. This faith-based program matches young adults with successful professionals in their desired career path across the US. While this program is headquartered in Columbus, OH, they incorporate modern technology to connect the participants virtually; Danita’s mentee resides in North Carolina and is seeking a career in journalism.

Danita is a woman of God who constantly challenges herself to evolve into a better advocate and voice for others just as she has done for the past 35 years within the TV news industry. Since the start of her career as a producer at BET, Danita’s charisma, poise, and compelling storytelling on-air are a testament to her success as a nine-time Emmy award winner, and recipient of RTDNA’s Edward R. Murrow award in 2021 for her podcast, “Voices for Change.” The podcast episodes highlighted the diversity of thought, authentic expression, and enlightening perspectives on topics and issues affecting the world.

Danita’s love for the Cleveland area grew almost immediately after joining the “Morning Exchange” and the early morning show as a live feature reporter for WEWS in 1998. Her passion for Cleveland aided in her return to the city in 2000 from Washington, DC, where she worked as a reporter and weekend evening anchor at WJLA-TV. Danita first stepped into an evening anchor position in September of 2006 before moving to mornings in 2020. She spent each morning helping inform and entertaining viewers while daring them to “get behind those Cleveland Browns,” until deciding to part ways with the station in 2023 after 25 years.

Danita’s work ethic and passion for journalism proved evident as she was recognized as a woman who has made significant contributions to American life, history, and culture, and was added to the “HistoryMakers Collection” at the Library of Congress in 2023. Danita, an Ohio Broadcasters Hall of Fame 2010 Inductee, was also awarded Journalist of the Year from the Public Children’s Services Association of Ohio for her work to increase public awareness of child protection. She is also the recipient of the prestigious Chuck Heaton Award from The Press Club of Cleveland. The National Council of Negro Women recognized Danita as one of the Outstanding Women in Ministry in Cuyahoga County. Danita’s infectious charm was shared on national TV while serving as a guest host on ABC’s “The View,” “Kelly and Ryan,” and interviewing talk show host Oprah Winfrey.