Meet Our Team

Rissa Harris, MPA

Co-Founder & CEO

As CEO, Rissa leads with a deep commitment to expanding access to justice-informed financial literacy education for justice-impacted individuals and communities. She works to build strategic partnerships with correctional institutions, schools, nonprofits, workforce development organizations, and other stakeholders, ensuring BeRe Stewardship’s programs reach those who can benefit most. Rissa also leads BeRe Stewardship’s collaboration with its Justice-Impacted Advisory Committee, helping ensure that the organization’s curriculum content, delivery methods, and educational approach are informed by the lived experiences of formerly incarcerated individuals.

A visionary in business development, Rissa continually seeks innovative opportunities to expand BeRe Stewardship’s reach and enhance its offerings, fostering sustainable growth and greater impact. Prior to co-founding BeRe Stewardship, she worked in international trade and humanitarian aid within the federal government, experiences that strengthened her passion for creating meaningful opportunities for underserved communities.

Rissa earned a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology with a minor in International Business from Eastern Kentucky University and a Master of Public Administration from the University of Kansas. She also serves on the Cleveland Council on World Affairs Young Professionals Advisory Committee. Above all, Rissa is dedicated to expanding opportunities for justice-impacted individuals and strengthening the organizations that support their success.

Ethan Harris, MBA, CFHC

Co-Founder & President

As BeRe Stewardship’s President, Ethan leads the organization’s efforts to develop and deliver justice-informed financial literacy education for justice-impacted communities. Holding a certification as a Financial Health Counselor, Ethan brings specialized expertise that directly informs the comprehensive educational materials he develops for BeRe Stewardship’s programs. His work ensures that every lesson is tailored to the unique needs of justice-impacted individuals, supporting learners across the continuum from youth diversion and prevention programs to reentry, workforce development, and community-based services for formerly incarcerated individuals.

In addition to overseeing curriculum development, Ethan serves as BeRe Stewardship’s lead teacher trainer, providing virtual training to educators and practitioners across the country on how to effectively implement BeRe’s curriculum within their organizations. Through these trainings, he helps partners deliver impactful, relevant, and engaging financial literacy education that best serves their students and participants.

Prior to co-founding BeRe Stewardship, Ethan worked in community development at a regional bank, where he taught financial literacy classes and administered a first-time homebuyer program serving low-to-moderate-income communities.

Ethan earned a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology with a minor in Business from Berea College and a Master of Business Administration from Youngstown State University. He also serves on the Junior Board of EDWINS Leadership & Restaurant Institute. Through both his professional and volunteer service, Ethan remains committed to expanding access to financial education and economic opportunity.

Cooper Harris, BARK

Director of Affection, Wags, and Greetings (D.A.W.G.)

As BeRe Stewardship’s Director of Affection, Wags, and Greetings (D.A.W.G.), Cooper plays a vital role in maintaining team morale, boosting paw-sitivity, and ensuring every workday begins with enthusiasm (and occasionally a demand for treats). Through strategic tail wags, timely greetings, and unwavering emotional support, he helps create an uplifting environment where the team can remain energized and focused on its mission.

Cooper works diligently behind the scenes to support BeRe Stewardship’s efforts to serve justice-involved individuals through justice-informed financial literacy and reentry education. Whether he is offering encouragement during a busy workday or reminding team members to take a well-deserved break, Cooper approaches every responsibility with dedication and heart.

Outside of his professional duties, Cooper enjoys conducting quality assurance on snacks, monitoring neighborhood activity, and preparing for his next morale-boosting visit. While his credentials may be unconventional, his commitment to the BeRe Stewardship team is unquestionable.