Meet the Staff: Director of Programming Charlotte Harper

Have you ever wondered who puts together the programs at Hill Center? Who is the mastermind who carefully crafts the cooking classes, concerts, conversations, or really any of the programs you may enjoy at Hill Center? The woman behind the proverbial curtain – or in our case, desk and large computer screen – is Director of Programming Charlotte Harper. A Capitol Hill native, Charlotte works with a variety of staff, volunteers, partner organizations and community members to deliver the goods to you week after week. Above, you see Charlotte (right) in her element – our kitchen – with Chef Chericia Easton.

Q: What excites you about coming to work each day?
A: It gives me a thrill just to explore the campus everyday. Getting a latté at Little Pearl, walking around the gorgeous gardens. Watching the little babies play soccer, catching snippets of the high school students’ conversations. Hill Center is a community gathering space, and it’s exciting to be part of fostering that sense of belonging.

Q: What’s your favorite part of the building?
A: The E Street Portico. It reminds me of Gone with the Wind, and I am a big fan of wisteria.

Q: Favorite memory or story about Hill Center?
A: I still think about the young woman who traveled to DC from New Jersey to meet Justice Sonia Sotomayor. It was truly touching to watch them engage each other.

Q: What’s the one thing you want people to know about Hill Center, if they only could know one thing?
A: Stop by anytime! We love to talk about our classes and events!