Harris discovered early on that she had a talent for helping others learn. As far back as middle school, she tutored younger kids in several subjects and continued doing so throughout her adult life.\u00a0<\/p>\n
She graduated from Columbia University and now has more than a decade of experience as a professional tutor, with clients from NYC and the Bronx and as far away as China and Saudi Arabia.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf I excelled in it, I helped other students as well,\u201d Harris told the Bronx Times. Even though she didn\u2019t realize it back in junior high, \u201cI was accumulating all those skills that helped me build this business now.\u201d<\/p>\n
Harris helps students prepare for the SAT and ACT, along with homework help and skills-building in math, reading, writing and more, with tutoring either in person or virtual.<\/p>\n
She said when students are academically behind, their confidence often takes a hit that can last a lifetime.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen you\u2019re an adult, you still remember those experiences as a child. It\u2019s so important to have that foundation so they can have the confidence to achieve whatever it is they want to do,\u201d Harris said.\u00a0<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Starlight-Citizens-Cohort.jpg\")
M&T Charitable Foundation and CitizensNYC welcomed a Bronx-specific cohort of entrepreneurs who will receive funding and support to keep their businesses thriving. Photo courtesy M&T<\/p>\n
When she heard about M&T Bank\u2019s small business support, she thought it would be a great opportunity that would enable her to increase her reach.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Harris said she commonly covers costs for some students who can\u2019t afford the normal rates. The grant will help supplement that lost income and enable her to do more outreach among low-income students, she said.\u00a0<\/p>\n
She also plans to use the grant to develop a SAT \u201cboot camp,\u201d offered at different days and times, with customized workbooks that have Bronx-specific references.<\/p>\n
With the boot camp, Harris said she aims to reach many more students than her one-on-one sessions allow. \u201cAs long as there\u2019s continued interest, I would continue workshops,\u201d she said.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Most of her clients now arrive via referral from happy families, Harris said. \u201cStudents are so thrilled when they go from a C to an A, or a low score on the exam to skyrocketed, high score.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
But being involved in the Neighborhood Business Grants cohort will only increase her connections and opportunities, Harris said.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n
At the June 16 kickoff, she and others engaged in small group discussions about the kinds of support their businesses need to thrive.\n<\/p>\n
The cohort is \u201cso diverse,\u201d Harris said, citing entrepreneurs in the room who specialized in violin instruction, children\u2019s literacy promotion, and even CPR training by someone who had previously suffered a stroke.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cThere was not one common theme running for every business besides we all want to support others, help communities, help each other to grow and achieve in all our different ways, using all our different talents,\u201d Harris said.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Reach Emily Swanson at\u00a0eswanson@schnepsmedia.com<\/a>\u00a0or\u00a0(646) 717-0015<\/a>. For more coverage, subscribe to our\u00a0newsletter<\/a>\u00a0and follow us on\u00a0Twitter<\/a>,\u00a0Facebook<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0Instagram<\/a>!<\/p>\n