Katie Harman

Inspired, accomplished and a woman of tremendous faith, Katie Harman’s sights are set on enriching lives through service and song. Her efforts as an advocate and a performer reflect a tremendous sense of hope in the human spirit and reaffirm the power of a passionate voice.Named Miss America 2002 just days after tragedy rocked the nation on September 11, 2001, Harman encountered both a heart-wrenching and heart-warming firsthand look at the nation in its rise from the ashes. She chose to serve as an ambassador of hope—aiming the Miss America spotlight at those touched by breast cancer, in addition to those serving the nation in the wake of terrorism. Crossing the nation at an astounding pace of 20,000 miles each month, Harman connected with countless numbers of individuals—rescue workers at Ground Zero and the Pentagon, the President and First Lady, military officials, medical professionals, healthcare advocacy groups, legislators, patients, cancer survivors, executives, students and media entities. Harman’s experiences provided priceless tools to building a lifetime of compassionate advocacy. Together with her 2001 Miss America Competition sisters, Harman also co-authored, Under the Crown: 51 Stories of Courage, Determination and the American Spirit, the first book of its kind, expressing the thoughts and experiences of each young woman during her year of service as touched by the tragic events of September 11th.

Today, she remains a strong and effective voice for those touched by breast cancer, continuing to tour nationally communicating the importance of comprehensive cancer care with a focus on quality of life, as well as strategies for active community involvement and mobilization. She also serves on the Board of Directors of the Y-Me National Breast Cancer Organization, and represents TranScan Medical Inc., in an effort to bring attention to new screening modalities for women. In addition, Harman is the national spokesperson for the Touched by Cancer Foundation. Katie’s work as an advocate has been featured by numerous media outlets, including Good Morning America, CNN with Paula Zahn, Late Night with David Letterman, People magazine and The Washington Post, and has been honored by Fox Chase Cancer Center, University of Pennsylvania Cancer Center, Metcalf Institute of Radiation Oncology, Walter Reed Army Medical Center, and the Cancer Research Foundation of America, among others.

After her sincere, heartfelt rendition of Puccini’s “O mio babbino caro” on the Miss America stage in September 2001, Miss Harman was not only awarded an avenue to advocacy, but the keys to a burgeoning career as a classical vocalist. As an accomplished soprano, Harman’s performance career gained rapid momentum after the conclusion of her official duties. She has since made her debut as Kathie in Romberg’s The Student Prince with the Gold Coast Opera in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, and has also appeared as Barbarina in Astoria Music Festival’s production of Le Nozze di Figaro. Featured in concert several times with the Oregon Symphony, Harman has additionally performed alongside acclaimed pianist André Watts with the Shreveport Symphony, as well as with the famed Boston Pops Orchestra under the direction of Keith Lockhart. Harman has also served as a guest artist with the Eugene Opera, and will appear with the Obsidian Opera in May 2004. A passionate advocate for the arts as well, Harman serves on the Board of Directors of the newly formed Oregon Lyric Opera, and will join company members as a guest artist in the gala opening of Oregon Lyric Opera’s first season in October 2004. Harman also released her first solo recording in partnership with The Singing Christmas Tree in 2002, featuring contemporary and classic Christmas favorites, and continues to be featured in The Singing Christmas Tree’s annual Christmas recordings.

In addition to her advocacy and performance work, Harman continues to pursue her undergraduate education in Communications and Vocal Performance at Portland State University—thanks to the more than $75,000 in scholarships received throughout her participation in the Miss America program.

A native of Gresham, Oregon, Harman resides in her hometown with her adored husband Captain Tim Ebner, an F-15 pilot in the Oregon Air National Guard. Together, they enjoy camping, fishing, traveling, and spending time with family.

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