As the visionary founder of Century 21 Harris, Hawkins & Co. and the esteemed president of the Greater Baltimore Board of Realtors, Tiffany Harris passionately advocates for the creation of Black generational wealth and the empowerment of communities, recognizing the profound impact that homeownership and economic stability can have on future generations.
You built Century 21 Harris, Hawkins & Co. from the ground up, and now you’re serving as president of the Greater Baltimore Board of Realtors. What has that journey taught you about earning and owning a seat at the table?
This journey has taught me that visibility matters. Being a woman—and specifically a Black woman—in the real estate space means that having a seat at the table isn’t just impactful for me; it’s impactful for others. It sets a tone and creates precedent. It also brings a voice to communities that historically have not been served in ways that align with my values. It sets a tone, and being president shows others that they can do this too.
As a woman leading both your own brokerage and one of the region’s largest real estate organizations, how has your perspective on leadership evolved over the years?
My leadership has evolved tremendously. Early in my career, a mentor taught me that if you take care of your staff, they will take care of you. But leading independent contractors requires a different approach because they can leave at any moment. I had to rethink the value I provide and learn to support people as whole individuals first. Every decision I make affects not only the brokerage but also my agents and their families. Agents often assume I’m calling strictly about business, so I’ve learned to lead with personal support first.
Real estate has long been viewed as a pathway to building generational wealth. How do you help clients and your community see homeownership and entrepreneurship as part of a larger legacy?
I meet clients where they are—in their communities—and help them understand how far homeownership has come. Generational wealth looks different for everyone, so I focus on their individual goals rather than imposing my own. Whether they want a rental property, a forever home, or multifamily investments, I make sure they understand all the options available. I focus on their goals while presenting every opportunity that exists.
Stepping into the presidency of the GBBR comes with new responsibilities and visibility. What priorities do you hope to champion during your term, and what impact do you want your leadership to leave behind?
When I was installed in November 2025, I committed to leaving the organization better than I found it. Increasing our visibility in Greater Baltimore—especially in underserved communities—was essential to me. I want GBBR to be seen not just as a real estate organization but as a community resource. My tagline this year is Believe in the Benefit, because I want members to truly see the value of the association. Everything I’ve started this year, I want to become an annual tradition that continues long after my term.
Leadership often requires knowing when to step into new opportunities and when to step back from others. How have you navigated these transitions while staying true to your vision and values?
I’m very goal‑driven, and alignment guides every decision I make. Any opportunity must align with my integrity, my morals, my capacity, and my long‑term goals. If it doesn’t align, I don’t move forward. I always make sure each decision aligns with my values before I commit.
Entrepreneurship can be rewarding, but it also comes with setbacks and difficult decisions. What were some of the defining moments that shaped you as a business owner, and what did you learn from them?
The dissolution of my former partnership was one of the most defining moments of my career. It forced me to pivot instantly—without preparation—which strengthened me in ways I still struggle to put into words. That experience taught me adaptability and prepared me for the industry’s recent challenges. There was no time to prepare, and I had to pivot in the moment.
Representation matters. What does your leadership mean to young women, particularly Black women, who aspire to own businesses and lead within industries where they’ve been historically underrepresented?
My representation shows that your beginning doesn’t define your end. Even in spaces where representation hasn’t existed previously, success is still possible.
Baltimore has a unique housing market with distinct opportunities and challenges. From your perspective, what excites you most about the city’s future, and where do you see the greatest opportunities for growth?
I’m excited about the strong relationship between our mayor and governor—something I haven’t seen in years. Combined with state housing organizations, it signals a promising future for affordable housing. I love Baltimore City. I’m a product of its public schools, and I’m excited to see more communities become truly affordable for residents.
Throughout your career, who has influenced or mentored you, and how do you pay that guidance forward by investing in the next generation of real estate professionals?
I have tribes—groups of people who create safe spaces for me in different seasons. I pay it forward by sharing everything I learn. Me sharing does not take away from anything that I have… I think it is my duty to pay it forward. I mentor anyone who wants to learn about real estate, opening a brokerage, or starting a team.
When your term as GBBR president comes to an end, what do you hope people will say about the way you led, the doors you opened, and the legacy you created?
That I did well. As simple as it sounds, I want people to know I used my time wisely, showed up, was available, and did the work. Community matters. Visibility matters. And I hope that’s what I leave behind.
Be’n Original
