January 2020 Ambassador of the Month: Quenasha "Queenie" Harris
The Downtown Raleigh Ambassadors serve to ensure a memorable and welcoming experience for those in our capital city. Each month, one of our Ambassadors is awarded Ambassador of the Month for exemplary service in community engagement and/or safety assistance. For January, the award went to Quenasha "Queenie" Harris, and we sat down to talk to her about why she became an Ambassador and some of her favorite parts of Downtown Raleigh.
DRA: How long have you been an Ambassador?
QH: One year and four months.
DRA: Why did you decide to become one?
QH: It was something new. My friend said we should go to a job fair downtown, and I honestly didn't think I would get hired because I didn't have any security experience. But they hired me, and I've loved it ever since.
DRA: What drew you to it initially?
QH: It's really cool to work downtown and know about everything that goes on here while also passing out information about it. I get to learn information and help people at the same time.
DRA: What are some of your favorite parts?
QH: So, I'm a community ambassador, and I have a lot of personal relationships with business owners. I like to go into their shops and talk to them, check in on them, which is pretty cool.
DRA: Have there been any specific moments that you remember loving being part of?
QH: I remember I jumped Maggie Kane's car right after she had come in to talk to all of us about A Place At The Table and its mission. And she was like, "Oh my gosh, you're so badass! Let's take a selfie!" And I thought that was really cool. That was the best day ever. And before this job I had never jumped a car before but I got it the first time.
DRA: What are your top three favorite spots in downtown to grab coffee or lunch?
QH: 42 & Lawrence for coffee. I love it. They are so sweet in there. And for lunch, it's between Raleigh Times and Chuck's - especially the pickle fries with buttermilk ranch. They are so good.
DRA: Are there any cool hidden spots you think people are missing from not walking as much as you do?
QH: I really like Nash Square. All the trees make it a great place to take a moment and appreciate nature. And I really like the new Moore Square. It's so beautiful there, and I love just walking around and watching everyone enjoying the space.
DRA: What are you most excited about in the future of downtown?
QH: I'm excited about new food and new food trucks to try at events. I feel like there's always something new to try, and I love finding them.
DRA: What do you wish people knew about the Ambassadors?
QH: I wish people knew we're like a family unit, you know? And that's really cool because I never had that working anywhere. We're all really close, and I like that. We eat meals together and hang out outside of work together, and that's really cool.