

Dr. Shannon Owens Harden is a dynamic leader, a dedicated servant, and a trailblazer in both her faith and civic life. A lifelong member of the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church, she was raised in the nurturing community of Second A.M.E. Zion Church in Inglewood, CA, where her passion for service and leadership first took root. From
Dr. Shannon Owens Harden is a dynamic leader, a dedicated servant, and a trailblazer in both her faith and civic life. A lifelong member of the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church, she was raised in the nurturing community of Second A.M.E. Zion Church in Inglewood, CA, where her passion for service and leadership first took root. From her youth, Dr. Harden embraced opportunities to serve, holding roles such as Local YAMS Coordinator and Secretary of the Los Angeles District YAMS, before her journey led her to the Mid-Atlantic Episcopal District.
Today, Dr. Harden is a beacon of leadership within the church and her community. She serves as the Parent Body President for the Women’s Home and Overseas Missionary Society (WH&OMS) at Clinton A.M.E. Zion Church, the Baltimore District Coordinator of YAMS, and the President of the Baltimore District Minister’s Spouses, Widows, and Widowers Fellowship. Her unwavering commitment to service reflects a life devoted to faith, family, and empowering others.
A scholar and achiever, Dr. Harden earned a Bachelor of Science in Sociology from California State University, Northridge, and a Juris Doctor from John Marshall Law School in Atlanta, Georgia completing her degree in just two years and graduating with Distinction of Excellence in Pro Bono Legal Service. Her exceptional academic accomplishments earned her a Presidential Acknowledgment from President Barack Obama, a testament to her dedication and excellence.
Professionally, Dr. Harden is a distinguished civil servant who has faithfully served at every level of government city, county, state, and federal. Her civic engagement and passion for community advancement earned her an appointment to the Montgomery County Commission for Women, where she proudly serves as Commissioner, championing issues that uplift and empower women.
Beyond her professional and spiritual commitments, Dr. Harden is a proud and active member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., initiated into the Omega Kappa Chapter at California State University, Northridge. She has contributed to her sorority through key committees including Bi-Laws, Pearls in the Wild, and Membership, and now serves as the Reclamation and Retention Coordinator for the District of Columbia.
At the heart of her life is her family. Dr. Harden is joyfully married to her partner in life, love, and ministry, the Rev. Dr. Maurice Alexander Harden. She is a devoted dog mom to her beloved Olde English Bulldog, Lovie BellaNova, and Yellow Labrador, Slater Tobias, and a proud and loving bonus mom to Sean Alexander Harden and Phylissa Alexandra Harden.
Dr. Shannon Owens Harden’s life is a living testament to faith, perseverance, and the transformative power of service. She continues to inspire all who encounter her to pursue excellence, lead with purpose, and serve with heart.

Campaign Leadership Team
Mrs. Rhonda L. Means, Campaign Manager
Ms. Pamela Valentine, Treasurer
Miss. Rachel L. Means, Social Media Coordinator
Ms. Erica Frazier, Logistics Coordinator
Miss. Samara Means, Chaplain
Campaign Episcopal District Surrogates
Western Episcopal District: Mrs. Rachel Arrington & Miss Ivoire Arrington
MidWest Episcopal Dis
Campaign Leadership Team
Mrs. Rhonda L. Means, Campaign Manager
Ms. Pamela Valentine, Treasurer
Miss. Rachel L. Means, Social Media Coordinator
Ms. Erica Frazier, Logistics Coordinator
Miss. Samara Means, Chaplain
Campaign Episcopal District Surrogates
Western Episcopal District: Mrs. Rachel Arrington & Miss Ivoire Arrington
MidWest Episcopal District: Mrs. Patricia Petersen
Southwestern Delta Episcopal District:
Ms. Brittney Pope
South Atlantic: Episcopal District:
Rev. ShaCarolyn Stephens
Piedmont Episcopal District: Ms. Erica Frazier & Ms. Vincia Benjamin Miller
Eastern North Carolina Episcopal District: Ms. Almira Tootle
Mid-Atlantic Episcopal District: Dr. Barbara Shaw, Mrs. LaVon "Vicki" Moore, Mrs. Emma Smith, Ms. Pamela Valentine, Mrs. Debra Valentine Gray, Mrs. Francine Jefferson, Mrs. Rhonda Means, Miss Rachel Means, Miss Samara Means, Mrs. Torrie Winder
North Eastern Episcopal District: Mrs. Ashley Newton
Alabama & Florida Episcopal District: The Honorable Stefany Gant, Rev. Tina Betts, Mrs. Lourdes "Lori" Thorn
**If you are interested in joining The R.I.S.E. Dream Team, please reach out via email, as we are still seeking surrogates**

Philippians 2:3
"Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility, value others above yourselves."
Prayer, Written by Miss Samara Means, Campaign Chaplin
Heavenly Father,
Thank you for Your goodness and grace. We give You praise for guiding us as we keep our eyes on You in this season. We are grateful for the privilege
Philippians 2:3
"Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility, value others above yourselves."
Prayer, Written by Miss Samara Means, Campaign Chaplin
Heavenly Father,
Thank you for Your goodness and grace. We give You praise for guiding us as we keep our eyes on You in this season. We are grateful for the privilege of serving Your people in the work of missions. Our hearts are filled with gratitude in being the hands and feet of our Savior at a time we need Your love so desperately. Help us to remember the purpose we have in reaching the masses by meeting Your children where they are. May we lead with compassion in every effort we make in winning the world for Christ.
Our hope is the people we serve can see Your hand at work. Let our actions demonstrate the commitment we have in spreading the gospel by being a light in the midst of darkness. Use us to encourage as we work together in moving forward together as a family of believers. In everything we do, let us remember our desire is to advance the Kingdom of God and uplift the Body of Christ. We ask that You continue to keep us in the center of Your will and the palm of Your hands as we pour ourselves out in service for the valuable cause of missions. Lord, we give Your name glory for the all things You have done and the future miracles You have yet to perform. We pray this in the beautiful and powerful name of Jesus
Amen.

Our candidate is poised to reach the masses through collaboration and creative programming while inspiring growth through service programs that empower this present age toward embracing the future of the A.M.E. Zion Church. We are committed to conducting a campaign characterized by Christian love, sisterly behavior, integrity, financial
Our candidate is poised to reach the masses through collaboration and creative programming while inspiring growth through service programs that empower this present age toward embracing the future of the A.M.E. Zion Church. We are committed to conducting a campaign characterized by Christian love, sisterly behavior, integrity, financial responsibility, professionalism, zeal, and JOY. Zion deserves and should expect the very best from our campaign committee and our candidate; we are committed to showcasing that dedication by rising to the occasion.
You are invited to join the movement, and R.I.S.E. with Harden!


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