Alderman Harris has lived in the 8th Ward for over fifty years and has been a member of the 8th Ward Regular Democratic Organization for over forty years. She is a graduate of Bryn Mawr Elementary School, Chicago Vocational High School and Chicago State University. Alderman Harris is also a life member of Christ Temple Cathedral Church.

Alderman Harris has a distinguished history of public service in the Chicagoland area. She served as the Secretary to the Board of Commissioners of Cook County, Chief of Staff to former Alderman Lorraine Dixon and Superintendent of the 8th Ward – Department of Streets and Sanitation. Alderman Harris was appointed Alderman of the 8th Ward on December 13, 2006, and elected in 2007. She was re-elected in 2011, 2015 and 2019.
 
As Alderman she expedites and resolves city service concerns for 8th Ward residents, representing the 8th Ward community in City Council, promoting economic development, providing more resources for youth and seniors, educational improvements, less crime and a clean community. She is the former President Pro Tempore of the City Council, and the former Chairman of the Committee on Public Safety. Alderman Harris was appointed Chairman of the Committee on Committees, Rules, and Ethics on September 16, 2013, and now chairs the Committee on Committees and Rules. She is also a member of the Committees on Budget and Government Operations; Economic, Capital and Technology Development; Finance; Housing and Real Estate; Human Relations and Health; Immigrant and Refugee Rights; and, Transportation and Public Way.
 
Many of her accomplishments include the building of South Shore International College Prep, along with a new Rosenblum Park; a new fieldhouse at Jesse Owens Park; and the new Gately Park Track and Field Facility. Alderman Harris also facilitated the construction of the Transportation, Distribution and Logistics Facility at Olive-Harvey College; a new Social Security Administration Building; Montclare Senior Residences of Avalon Park, Phase I & II; and Montclare Senior Residences of Calumet Heights in the 8th Ward.