HISTORIC TRIANGLE — “Ten Questions with” is a series that allows readers to get to know local business leaders, volunteers and community members in the Historic Triangle.
This week, meet Connie Harshaw.
What is your job title and description?
I am currently a Senior Advisor to President Biden’s Inspector General for the Export-Import Bank of the United States and President of the Let Freedom Ring Foundation, which works to preserve, conserve and protect the First Baptist Church historic buildings, objects, landscapes or other artifacts of historical significance.
Who do you interact/work with regularly?
In Washington, I work with other presidential appointees.
In Williamsburg, I work with the giants in our community (Colonial Williamsburg, William & Mary, city officials, etc.).
How do you/your organization interact with the local community?
We are extremely involved with the community. I have become one of the important voices of the descendant community.
What is something about your job most people wouldn’t know about?
The hourly and daily challenges of building trust in a community with a painful past.
How do you define success?
Success for me is knowing that I have done all that I can do to accomplish a task or many tasks and having others appreciate the work and what it means to them.
What is your most successful accomplishment to date?
In 1999 I successfully negotiated the site parameters for the Martin Luther King Memorial site in Washington, D.C.
How long have you lived/worked in the Historic Triangle?
I moved to Williamsburg in 2006. I have been here for 18 years.
What is your favorite part of being in the Historic Triangle?
The community and the history!
What do you do for downtime/to relax?
Travel to places with beautiful beaches.
What is the next step in your journey?
Travel to the only continent that I have not visited — Antarctica.
Harshaw recently kicked off the Greater Williamsburg Chamber of Commerce Women’s History Month at its Power of Women Luncheon. Learn more about the event here.
Do you want to learn more about your community and the people who live and work in the Historic Triangle? We are looking for people with interesting jobs, super volunteers, or community leaders to showcase. Reach out to let us know if you (or someone you know) would like to be considered for Ten Questions.
