For over a decade, Samantha Harris has established herself as a visionary entrepreneur at the intersection of community impact, publishing, and large-scale event production. With a foundation in liberal arts and sciences, she sharpened her leadership voice early as president and secretary of Real Talkers Toastmasters, laying the groundwork for a career centered on communication, strategy, and service.
From Church Fundraiser to Community Movement
Samantha’s journey began with a simple yet powerful moment: a church-based fundraiser built around an unexpected culinary success. What started as a creative way to fund youth travel quickly evolved into something far greater: affecting change through food source, food preparation, and daily exercise. Now known as the Tampa Bay Collard Green Festival Inc., a cultural and wellness platform serving thousands annually across St. Petersburg and Tampa, Florida.
Advancing Health, Wellness, and Economic Empowerment
As president and co-founder, Samantha has expanded the festival into a year-round ecosystem of impact. Through initiatives like the I ❤️ Greens 5K, youth entrepreneurship programs, and community wellness activations, critical issues such as health disparities, economic mobility, and access to resources are addressed head-on. Her work reflects a strategic belief: meaningful change happens when culture, education, and opportunity intersect.
Publishing, Purpose, and Personal Transformation
Beyond community programming, Samantha is the founder of 1st Book Club Publishing Inc., a platform dedicated to helping aspiring authors bring their stories to life. As an author, her books, “Whosoever: Chosen in Christ Before the Foundation of the World” and “Think. Plan. Prevail: How to Overcome Opposition,” equip individuals with tools for faith, clarity, and resilience. Her publishing work extends her mission, empowering others to transform their ideas into influence.
Civic Stewardship and Large-Scale Event Leadership
Samantha’s leadership has also been recognized at the municipal level. Her organization was selected to produce the City of St. Petersburg’s MLK Parade, one of the nation’s longest-running celebrations of its kind. This responsibility underscores her ability to manage complex, high-visibility public events while maintaining strong partnerships with local government, sponsors and community stakeholders.
Looking Ahead: Faith, Media, and Scalable Impact
Looking forward, Samantha is focused on expanding her influence through media, including a podcast ministry aligned with Whosoever, and scaling both her publishing and community-based platforms. With plans to deepen her education and continue building systems that empower others, she remains committed to a life of service.
