Meet the Rising 25 Class of 2018: Jarrel Harris

1. Tell Us About Yourself and Your Current Role

I was born and raised in the Lower East Side of Manhattan. I am currently an associate NBA producer at Sports Illustrated. Some of my main duties include editing, web producing, writing and managing our social media channels. I also lead our sneaker and lifestyle content—I have worked on editorial/video projects with brands such as Nike, Jordan Brand, Under Armour, Adidas, Gatorade, Pizza Hut, Buick and plenty more.

2. Where do you see yourself in 15 years/dream job?

It is hard to see what I will be doing in 15 years. This industry changes constantly. Things could be different by tomorrow. While I do have ambitious plans for the future, I love to take things day-by-day and focus on what is currently at hand. I am extremely blessed to say I have worked at Sports Illustrated for three years. Growing up, my mother used to take me to the library every day after school to complete my homework and SI was the magazine that I grabbed first every time I finished. It is surreal to be in a place this legendary. 15 years from now—if I am healthy, doing something that I love and living everyday with a positive mind then I will be fine.

3. Who is your mentor at this point?

I feel like I am the luckiest guy in the world. I have come across so many people who have made an impact on my life in some way. I am constantly learning from my parents, my siblings, my fiancée, my professors, and my co-workers.

There is one particular figure that stands out and he might not even know how much he influenced my life, and that is Christian Grant-Fields. I first met him as a sophomore in high school. He was the lifestyle editor at Dime Magazine at the time and eventually landed at Nike until joining Under Armour. It was awesome seeing someone of African-American descent in these successful roles that I dreamed about.

4. What’s one thing you’ve learned early in your career that you didn’t know until you started working in the industry?

How fast this industry changes. You have to be sharp just about 100 percent of the time in your work and your craft because things could be gone tomorrow. I have been at SI for three years and it is fascinating how media has changed just in this short span alone. You really have to be well versed in so many areas that include social media, video, podcasts, and all of these different verticals.

5. What does winning the Rising 25 Award mean to you?

Winning the Rising 25 Award is one of my greatest accomplishments. To be acknowledged for my work and my potential is an amazing feeling. It is also something that is bigger than me. I am hoping kids who look up to me will see this and learn that anything is possible. I know I am not the greatest writer/editor in the world. I am still learning and making mistakes every day. I did not attend a huge journalism school. I do know that working hard and being humble takes you to amazing places. I am so grateful to be a part of the 2018 Rising 25 class.