Harrell has held various management positions at InfoSpace, US West Communications and Microsoft, where she currently serves as Chief of Staff, OEM Division. She has a commitment to continued learning that has led her to study management and marketing at Harvard, Stanford, Columbia and the Brookings Institution. While executive director of the United Way of King County from 1997 to 2000, Harrell led the chapter to successive national fundraising records and wide recognition for excellence in marketing communications and brand management. She grew the non-profit from the 14th to the largest United Way program in the country. She serves and has served on a host of boards, including REI, Seattle Urban League, YWCA, the Salvation Army, the Seattle Art Museum, UW’s Evans School of Public Affairs, and the International Women’s Forum. Harrell is the 1997 recipient of the African American Achievement Award, Omaha, NE. and the 1992 recipient of the “Women of Achievement Award,” Seattle.