ST. PETERSBURG, FL, December 18, 2025 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Samantha Harris has been selected for inclusion in Marquis Who's Who. As in all Marquis Who's Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.

With more than a decade of dedicated work in the health and wellness sector, Ms. Harris has distinguished herself as a leader and advocate for community engagement and empowerment in St. Petersburg, Florida. As the co-founder and president of Tampa Bay Collard Green Festival Inc. (TBCGF Inc.), established in 2017, she has played a pivotal role in the growth and success of the annual event, which will enter its ninth year in 2026.

Under Ms. Harris' leadership, the festival has grown from an inaugural crowd of 1,000 to 18,000 attendees each year, becoming a cornerstone for promoting healthier lifestyles and strengthening community unity. Her work includes building relationships with sponsors, participants, and vendors; hiring and supervising fundraising staff; and designing comprehensive marketing strategies. TBCGF Inc. has also expanded into large-scale event planning through a three-year partnership with her hometown municipality to produce the longest-running MLK parade in the nation, and is committed to documenting the economic significance of both events through formal economic impact reporting.

Ms. Harris' inspiration for founding the Tampa Bay Collard Green Festival originated from a successful fundraising initiative at her church, where she helped raise finances by selling collard greens to support a youth media group's participation in a national conference. This experience highlighted health disparities within Black and Brown communities related to food choices and preparation methods, motivating her to create an event that would promote healthier eating habits on a citywide scale.

In addition to her leadership at the festival, Ms. Harris is the owner of 1st Book Club Publishing Inc., a role she has held since 2019. She established the company to provide a platform for individuals, particularly those who are incarcerated or have been recently released, to share their stories and experiences. Her commitment to amplifying marginalized voices reflects her belief in the power of storytelling to bridge divides and foster greater understanding among communities.

Before venturing onto her path in business and community wellness, Ms. Harris pursued higher education and earned an Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts from Hillsborough Community College in 2012. Dedicated to continuous growth and expanding her professional network, she has been an active member of the National Association of Professional Women since 2015.

Alongside her primary roles, Ms. Harris continues to make civic engagement a central part of her life. She serves as treasurer for the Sustainable Urban Agriculture Coalition, which strives to provide communities with access to healthy, locally sourced foods and regenerative food systems.

Ms. Harris' outstanding efforts to improve the lives of individuals, families, and communities earned her recognition at the Simply the Best Community Impact Awards Gala, which spotlights local nonprofit organizations and business owners who provide critical services to those in need. A woman of strong faith, she also authored and published "Whosoever: Chosen in Christ Before the Foundation of the World," a book that combines spiritual insights with journaling prompts for those seeking guidance in their religious pursuits.

Born and raised in St. Petersburg, Ms. Harris enjoys traveling and remains committed to personal growth and helping those in need. She plans to complete her college education, pursue certification as a public accountant, and is considering doctoral studies in divinity. Looking ahead, she intends to launch a podcast ministry and publish additional books while continuing her commitment to giving back and supporting others throughout her community and beyond.

About Marquis Who's Who®:
Since 1899, when A. N. Marquis printed the First Edition of Who's Who in America®, Marquis Who's Who® has chronicled the lives of the most accomplished individuals and innovators from every significant field of endeavor, including politics, business, medicine, law, education, art, religion and entertainment. Who's Who in America® remains an essential biographical source for thousands of researchers, journalists, librarians and executive search firms around the world. The suite of Marquis® publications can be viewed at the official Marquis Who's Who® website, www.marquiswhoswho.com.

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