From Shelter to Writer, Speaker, PhD Student 🦋

Cathryn M. Harris is a writer, speaker, and PhD candidate whose journey proves transformation is always possible.

Her story began in the 90s during what she calls her “cocoon stage” — a time when she was quiet and not confident. Yet it was also her talent time. Cathryn worked with casting agencies, companies, and photographers who taught her about angles, lighting, and modeling skills. Walking on The Tyra Banks Show gave her confidence walking and being comfortable in her skin. Appearing on buses, billboards, magazines, and in ads showed her she could embrace her curves — size 14/16, toned, and happy.

But writing was where she always excelled. As a teen, she appeared in Teen Magazine after being chosen as one of 5 teens out of 10,000 people in the Noxzema Extraordinary Teen Awards Program. Her love of words never left her, even when life did. Cathryn experienced being unhoused and living in a shelter with a curfew, worked at Safeway with a Master’s degree, and pushed through a silent year of insecurity to become strong with herself.

She rebuilt. 

Today, Cathryn holds three degrees, including a Master’s in Organizational Leadership with an emphasis on Nonprofit Management, and is now the first in her family to pursue a PhD. She’s been involved with nonprofits most of her life and is launching her next project: a nonprofit to help young women and women find independence that doesn’t rely on family or a man.

Her global perspective was shaped early as part of a global teen club that helped her travel and work with companies, including going to Copenhagen, Denmark to attend school. That same spirit fuels her now as she speaks at Toastmasters in the Oregon state building, writes one chapter a day of the book that’s dear to her in coffee houses across Oregon, and prepares to teach others through seminars on scholarships, camps, and programs.

At 51, soon to be 52, Cathryn believes these are the golden years — not for slowing down, but for doing things that matter. She does what she loves, trusting God will put the right opportunities in her life when needed. An introvert who learned to be an extrovert, she prefers the library to parties. Word before world. Water before worry.

From shelter to billboards. From quiet to PhD candidate. From cocoon to calling. 

Cathryn M. Harris is proof: you can lose things, but you can always rebuild. 

Teeth and all. Curls and all. Curves and all.

🦋