Harris was the first black woman director to win the special jury prize at the Sundance film festival.
Received a B.F.A. in Studio Arts from Denison University.
Taught Screenwriting and film production classes as both a full-time and adjunct professor at New York University Tisch School of the Arts.
Began her career working in the advertising industry, including for major advertising firms such as FCB and Saatchi & Saatchi Worldwide. She eventually moved into directing commercials.
Has lectured on filmmaking and film at Tulane University, Wellesley College, Portland State University, Columbia University and the Canadian Film Institute.