Feature Spotlight #71 - Dee Harrison

A Legacy Built on Integrity, hard work, and Mastery.

Our Her.Collective Friday Feature this week honors a woman who leads with integrity, perseveres with courage, and sets the standard for excellence.

Meet Dee Harrison, President and Senior Escrow Officer of Alpha Reliable Title, whose 36+ year journey through the title industry is nothing short of remarkable.

Based in Orlando and Maitland, Florida, Dee has built—and rebuilt—her career through decades of change, challenges, and triumph. Her story is one of resilience and the quiet confidence that comes from mastering your craft.

From Starting at the Front Desk to Building Companies.

Before title insurance ever entered her life, Dee worked at two major South Florida television stations—simultaneously. Neither knew about the other, and the stress of that secret weighed heavily on her. When her cousin, a realtor, suggested she explore title insurance, Dee took a leap of faith and accepted a receptionist position at Ensure Title Corp in Hollywood, Florida.

She started with no knowledge of the industry, but with an unmatched work ethic. In her downtime, Dee watered plants, cleaned the office, and restocked supplies. But behind the scenes, she was watching, listening, and learning. When a colleague discovered her background in banking and shared it with management, Dee was given her first opportunity to become a processor.

That moment changed everything.

Once given the chance, Dee moved quickly, learning every role in the office: pre-processor, processor, closer, post-closer, office manager. She ran title searches, examined her own files, and absorbed the business from the inside out. She didn’t skim the surface—she mastered the foundation.

When the company closed, Dee didn’t retreat. She launched her first business, Trinity Title & Escrow, followed years later by Alpha Title Insurance, and eventually Alpha Reliable Title, now thriving for more than a decade.

The Woman Who Believed First.

One woman made a lasting impact early in Dee’s career—Joan Lake, the owner of her first title company. Joan didn’t just teach Dee the business; she challenged her to grow. She pushed Dee to earn her license, encouraged her to learn the next role before she was “ready,” and saw the hunger that others sometimes overlook.

“Because she believed in me,” Dee says, “I learned to believe in myself.”

Facing Bias—and Rising Anyway.

Like many women in leadership, Dee faced gender bias head-on. She had to work harder to earn trust, to prove competence, and to command respect—especially in rooms dominated by men. And rather than retreat, she doubled down.

Dee built a client-first service model rooted in thorough due diligence, accuracy, and compliance. She went above and beyond—not to impress, but to set a standard. Over time, results spoke louder than doubt.

“Efficiency doesn’t have a gender,” she says. “Excellence always speaks for itself.”

Advice for the Next Generation: Mastery Builds Confidence.

Dee’s advice to younger women entering title is direct—and powerful:

“Know your craft. Study it deeply. Confidence comes from mastery.”

She reminds new professionals that passing a state exam is only the beginning. Title is complex, regulated, and unforgiving to shortcuts. Success belongs to those who understand compliance, respect the responsibility of the role, and commit to learning beyond the surface.

Her Why: Integrity, Vision, and Mentorship.

Dee’s confidence is built daily, by turning challenges into clarity, confusion into resolution, and transactions into peace of mind.

Her “why” runs deep: ensuring every property rests on a rock-solid title, mentoring the next generation, and proving that integrity and collaboration still matter in a high-stakes industry.

“Leading a woman-owned firm isn’t easy,” she says. “But when the vision, purpose, and mission are clear, the path becomes steady.”

Strength Rooted in Faith.

Dee’s inner strength comes from her faith. Reading the Bible provides wisdom, grounding, and calm. Especially when challenges arise. Scripture reminds her that storms pass and that leadership rooted in peace is powerful.

Family and the Village That Grounds Her.

Recently celebrating her 60th birthday, Dee is the proud mother of three children—Mike, James, and D’Andra—and a mentor to her siblings, nieces, and nephews.

Born in Jamaica, Dee earned her Accounting Diploma there before migrating more than 40 years ago. Her heritage, discipline, and sense of responsibility shape how she leads, mentors, and gives back.

Life Beyond the Office.

Outside of title, Dee finds joy in Latin and ballroom dance and staying active on the tennis court. These passions keep her balanced, energized, and connected to joy beyond the closing table.

Her first concert? Bob Marley.

Her favorite artist? Whitney Houston—voices that echo strength, soul, and authenticity.

A Philosophy That Guides Everything.

Dee lives by one word: Integrity.

“Do the right thing—even when no one is watching.”

Her guiding philosophy is equally powerful:

Less ego. More service.

The Legacy She Is Building.

Dee hopes her legacy reflects a life lived with purpose and principle—one that inspires others to think long-term, act wisely, and choose integrity over convenience.

“Seek wisdom first,” she says. “Understanding will follow.”

Final Words to the Women of Her.Collective.

Dee leaves our community with a reminder we all need:

“You belong here—in every room and at every table. Your voice matters. Speak up. Advocate for inclusive practices. Being a woman is already powerful… so let’s own it.”

Dee Harrison is more than a title professional—she is a builder of people, a keeper of standards, and a woman whose legacy is written in integrity, faith, and fearless leadership.

We are honored to celebrate her as an incredible Woman of Title!

*To Connect with Dee: dee@alphareliabletitle.com I LinkedIn I Instagram I Facebook