Bettinita Harris' award-winning journalism career has spanned more than 20 years at some of the nation's most prestigious newspapers, including The Philadelphia Inquirer, the Star Tribune in Minneapolis, the Tampa Tribune, and the Memphis Commercial Appeal. The hallmark of her work as a reporter and editor has been the rare ability to capture the souls of her subjects and share this intimate insight with the world.

She is now focusing her passion for truth-telling on the world of children's literature. The mission of her multimedia company, Colored Girl Wisdom, LLC., is to create an ongoing series of children's books that provide life lessons to guide African-American girls to develop a strong self-image.

Bettinita, who lives in West Chester, Pa., is bringing her inspirational message of encouragement and empowerment to elementary-age students at schools throughout the Philadelphia, Pa., region. She has partnered with the West Philadelphia Alliance for Children (www.WePAC.org) to read her books to students at Philadelphia elementary schools where the organization has renovated and re-opened school libraries. Each school visit includes hands-on activities for students to reinforce lessons of self-esteem and affirmation.