Meet Our Founder:
Dr. Ellen Harris

As the founder of Three Blessings Yoga Farm and Wellness Center, Dr. Ellen Harris is dedicated to creating a sanctuary for women seeking to nurture their physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. She is a breast cancer survivor who grows fruits and vegetables. Dr. Harris is a registered yoga teacher with over 500 hours of training. She received her yoga teacher training and certification at Spiritual Essence Yoga & Wellness Center in Upper Marlboro, Maryland. She is also a certified Thai Yoga Bodywork practitioner.

Born and raised in Houston, Texas, Dr. Harris’ passion for food and nutrition was shaped by her mother’s culinary skills and a household that appreciated diverse, flavorful foods. Her mother, who cooked for some of the city’s wealthiest families, served her children many of the same vibrant meals, sparking a lifelong appreciation for healthy eating. Growing up in the Cuney Homes housing project, Dr. Harris’ family discussions about balanced meals and the colors of food on the plate created a unique and positive relationship with nutrition, regardless of income.

Dr. Harris’ academic journey began with a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Antioch College, followed by a Master’s in Nutrition Sciences from Texas Woman's University at Houston, and culminating with a Doctorate in Public Health Nutrition from the University of Texas School of Public Health at Houston. Prior to starting Three Blessings, her career trajectory embodied a remarkable blend of academic expertise, federal government service, and nonprofit leadership:

  • Teaching Community Nutrition at Drexel University

  • Serving as a Congressional Fellow with the Select Committee on Hunger, U.S. House of Representatives through the Congressional Black Caucus

  • Holding several leadership roles at the USDA, where she advanced food consumption research, nutrition monitoring, and agricultural research

  • Serving as a Fulbright Senior Scholar in Zimbabwe and Colombia, teaching and advancing global nutrition

  • Creating and coordinating the USDA Food and Nutrition Summer Institute, supporting nutrition students and faculty at Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Tribal Colleges

  • Managing international nutrition projects as a Senior Nutrition Advisor for USAID in Uganda and Nepal

  • Serving as the Executive Director for Food First, advocating for sustainable food policies, justice, and sovereignty

Dr. Harris is also the Founder and Director of Third Ward Zen, a nonprofit organization committed to enhancing community well-being in the Mississippi Delta and beyond through holistic wellness practices, nutrition, and mindfulness. Emphasizing the rich cultural traditions of the African Diaspora, Third Ward Zen aims to foster peace, gratitude, and wisdom among individuals and communities. Its key projects include the Delta Roots Festival, Cookbook Club Sunday Dinner, the Table & Plate Project Delta Podcast, and publications.