The diamond of this season is an extraordinary talent by the name of Gia-Rayne Harris, C’14. Rayne is a writer and director whose journey through the arts reflects both courage and deep commitment to creative development. Raised in Mississippi and shaped by a plethora of experiences at Penn, Rayne’s path has never followed a single, linear route. From taking center stage on campus to directing professional sets on television, Rayne’s story reminds us that artistry is something that grows with you through experience.

Rayne’s career path diverged from more typical professions pursued by her family. Although she once imagined a future in medicine, she began asking herself: “What if I could do the thing I love and still touch hearts in the same way?” As a young adult, she began to understand that creativity and rigor were not mutually exclusive pathways and that one could meld them together, as long as they felt truly fulfilled. Rayne encourages those discovering their pathways to sustain creative practices alongside professional ones. “You might be a doctor or lawyer and still take dance classes, even if it has nothing to do with what you’re doing, but it keeps your body and spirit alive.”

During her time at Penn, Rayne immersed herself in artistic spaces that helped “keep alive the artist that was always there.” She performed with Penn Singers and 4A, participated in Penn Mock Trial, dipped her toe into analog photography, and participated in several campus shows including The Vagina Monologues, which was how she got bitten by the directing bug. She fondly remembers quieter moments as well, including sitting on couches, waiting to audition, and walking in to begin vocal lessons with Vocal Instructor Courtney Ames. Some of Rayne’s most meaningful Penn memories are inseparable from the people she shared those spaces with. Her two favorite arts-related memories were playing Muzzy in Penn Singers’ production of Thoroughly Modern Millie and playing the titular role in 4A’s production of Aida, music directed by her late friend Marcus Mundy, C’14. His passion for his work left a lasting impression: “His dedication to the show illuminated that experience for all. I still remember looking over throughout the whole show at him waving his arms and winking back at me for encouragement. He was a light, and we were all better off for having lived in it.” Today, as a writer and director who intentionally showcases the realities of women and BIPOC figures, Rayne works to bring light to every set she lands on, incorporating lessons from all the incredible artists she has met along her journey. “Honestly so much of my time as a performer at Penn made me into the creator I am now. Although I am now behind the camera instead of center stage – I still lead with my heart and believe that art is the answer to the world getting better for us all. “

Following graduation, Rayne moved to New York, and her gifts took her beyond performance and into the storytelling seat. While working a day job, she was asked to produce a project, and after signing on, she was asked to direct. It was her first time directing film, and she learned as she went. Thinking back to directing The Vagina Monologues in her senior year, she researched what directors and producers do and landed the gig. After time spent working day jobs and developing shorts, Rayne was accepted into the American Film Institute. It was a transformative experience, as she entered the program with two short films and exited with thirteen! During her time at AFI, the Covid-19 pandemic struck. Rather than slowing her down, she found within herself the drive to create. This momentum led to Rayne directing episodes of NBC’s Chicago PD and season 4 of the Netflix Original Series: Bridgerton. Just like Lady Whistledown, Rayne “do(es) not fear change. (She) embraces it.”

Reflecting on her journey in television, Rayne speaks candidly about the inequities she encountered along the way: “Black women work ten times as hard to get just as far. I don’t like that reality.” So, she works to change it. Today, Rayne continues to build her career upon the foundations of compassionate leadership, mutual collaboration, and a strong vision for future projects. Even when navigating difficult spaces, Rayne leads her teams with intention, thoughtfulness, and care. “If this doesn’t feel great, how can I walk in and change the atmosphere of the space? We can do what we love and not be terrible to each other.” Next on her list? Rayne is hoping to direct her first feature in the near future, and she will apply all she has learned along the way.

Rayne says that many of her accomplishments were made possible with the help of mentors she had. She emphasizes the importance of both being mentored and mentoring in return. For students hoping to pursue the arts beyond college, her advice centers on grounding oneself internally while remaining open to guidance. She believes that among many pathways to success is “Finding your own voice, then learning through mentorship among like-minded communities.” She wants to emphasize to those seeking mentorship that it is very important not to lose yourself while trying to advance your career: “You have to have your own meter and compass.” She also shared grounding advice passed down from her own mentor: “Your career is just a small fraction in your cup; your community, community service, family fills the rest.”

Faith is another incredibly important part of Rayne’s experiences in the creative world. “The arts are the closest version to helping people see some sort of hope, and that was instilled in me by God.” For her, “Art is about connection. Without art, we’d look like the grey scene from Halloween.” She is also concerned about the consequences of underfunding art programs, leading to a collective suppression of our imaginations: “They want us to be robotic and not explore. The real rebellion that could exist in all of us is keeping that artist alive. We all deserve a life, and a thing that makes us live.”

Whether or not she holds the title of “Director” in a given room, Rayne shows up as a team player, a leader, and someone whose presence elevates everyone around her. Rayne’s journey from the stage to the director’s chair is emblematic of what it means to build a life that honors both your creative imagination and your intent to thrive. Through her work in the arts, she continues to remind us that creativity is not some frivolous indulgence, but a necessity for all.

This interview was conducted by Mariama Njie, C’27.