Vida Harley Harris
| Gender | Female |
|---|---|
| Industry | Non-Profit |
| Occupation | Founder and President of Women Entrepreneurs Matter Inc. (Nonprofit 501 c 3). Student entrepreneur at IU South Bend, writer & mentor sharing tools for success in business. |
| Location | SOUTH BEND, INDIANA, United States |
| Introduction | Greetings! My name is Dr. Vida Harley, I received my Honorary Doctorate in Divinity, and I am a senior in General Studies: Arts and Humanities at IU South Bend, the president/founder of Women Entrepreneurs Matter Inc. (Nonprofit 501 c3). I am a passionate advocate for innovation, leadership, and purpose-driven success. My journey has been one of resilience — rising from challenges with creativity, faith, and vision. Through my nonprofit, I’ve hosted empowerment events, youth programs, and awarded hundreds of entrepreneurs who dared to dream. As an author, mentor, and visionary known as AI Queen Vida, I teach others to harness AI, business strategy, and storytelling to build legacies that last. I believe entrepreneurship is more than business — it’s about courage, creativity, and community. My mission is to inspire others to turn pain into purpose and ideas into action. Welcome to my space — where innovation meets empowerment and every dreamer learns to lead. |
| Favorite movies | Movies have always been more than entertainment for me; they are lessons in resilience, imagination, and the power of storytelling. Posse (1993) – Directed by Mario Van Peebles, this film honors the forgotten African American cowboys of the Old West. It represents justice, pride, and reclaiming history. Waterworld (1995) – Kevin Costner’s bold portrayal in a world swallowed by water reminds me of survival and reinvention. It’s a story of persistence and adaptation. The Color Purple (1985 & 2023) These timeless stories of Celie’s struggle and triumph reflect my own battles with hardship and domestic violence. They remind me that faith, love, and endurance can turn pain into purpose. Black Panther (2018) A celebration of Black culture, technology, and heritage. Wakanda inspires me to dream boldly, blending technology with tradition and standing up for what is right. Hidden Figures (2016) – The brilliance of African American women at NASA proves that intelligence and persistence can break every barrier. Their courage reminds me why I mentor others to believe in their own brilliance. Love & Basketball (2000) – A beautiful story of love and ambition, chasing dreams, and overcoming adversity. It captures the heart and drive that every entrepreneur must carry to win in life and business. The Matrix (1999) – I watched it four times because it spoke to my soul about awakening, courage, and realizing inner power. It mirrors my journey of breaking free from fear and my own self-made limitations. Dreamgirls (2006) – Seeing strong Black women in music and fashion inspired me so much that I made copies of the soundtrack and shared it with friends and family. It celebrates artistry, ambition, and resilience, the same creative fire I see in entrepreneurship. The Pursuit of Happyness (2006) – As a widow and mother who faced homelessness, this story hit home for me. It reminded me that faith, perseverance, and vision can transform struggle into success. |
| Favorite music | For me, music isn’t just entertainment; it’s a tool for healing, a motivator, and a spark needed for vision. Whether I’m studying for a test, building a business plan, writing, or mentoring, there’s always some type of music for the occasion inspiring my work. Music has always been a source of strength and creativity. My playlist is as diverse as my journey, representing resilience, joy, and the energy I bring into entrepreneurship, writing, and mentoring. 🎶I am a Hip-Hop Girl! I love the old fashion rap music without all of the profanity. Some of my favorite artists are, Common, Tupac, New Edition, Bobby Brown, Johnny Gill and the Sugar Hill Gang, whose lyrics tell stories of struggle, hope, and triumph. Their words motivate me to use my own voice to make an impact. 🎶 Gospel & Soul – Gospel legends like Yolanda Adams and Kirk Franklin inspire me with messages of faith and perseverance. Their music reminds me that no matter how tough the road gets, faith and resilience open new doors. 🎶 R&B & Motown Classics – Artists like Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin, and Anita Baker ignites my spirit with timeless melodies that celebrate love, empowerment, and community. These classics connect me to my roots and the generations before me. 🎶 Jazz. I love Motown Smooth jazz the best. Artists like the Temptations, the Four Tops, and Marvin Gaye relaxes me. Just listening to Jazz is good for events, and creating a pleasant environment. . 🎶 Afrobeats I love beats because it is supposed to open the third eye. Drums have healing energies and creates a celebratory culture and joy in movement, and is perfect for fashion show scenes and plays. 🎶 Inspirational & Empowerment Anthems Like Lift Every Voice and Sing, “Rise Up” by Andra Day and “I’m Every Woman” by Chaka Khan motivates me to share my mission to inspire others, especially women and entrepreneurs, to believe in themselves and their power. |
| Favorite books | Books have always been my sanctuary and have, shaped how I see the world. They have shown me how to dream big. I am drawn to stories and guides that teach resilience, reveal hidden truths, and inspire bold leadership. These books aren’t just pages and words to me, they’re roadmaps. Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill, was the first book I read as a teenager. It is a classic that has guided generations of entrepreneurs to harness the power of vision, faith, and persistence. Its lessons on mindset and determination helped me to push through obstacles with creativity and confidence. The Miseducation of the Negro by Carter G. Woodson, a timeless work that challenges us to think critically about education, self-determination, and economic empowerment. It reminds me why entrepreneurship and leadership are such powerful tools for creating freedom. Becoming by Michelle Obama, touched me as a deeply inspiring memoir that shows the strength, vulnerability, and courage of a woman who redefined leadership on her own terms. Alex Haley’s Roots showed me the real struggle of our ancestors, and it gave me a deeper appreciation for heritage, resilience, and the importance of storytelling across generations. Maya Angelou’s, my favorite author, in he I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings reminds me of the transformative power of voice, courage, and rising above hardship. Start With Why by Simon Sinek has helped me in my Network Marketing endeavors, and is one I often revisit, because it pushes me to lay a good foundation with purpose, and inspires me to ignite passion in others. Paulo Coelho’s The Alchemist is another book close to my heart, its lessons about following my dreams, trusting my journey has helped me to deal with the struggles I have experienced for many years. |