Kamala Harris is one lady whose biography is full of firsts: she is the first Black woman to be elected district attorney in California history, the first woman to be California's attorney general, first Indian American senator, and now, the first Black woman and first Asian American US vice-president. Joe Biden picked Kamala as his running mate, believing that she is the person he needed in his White House bid, and judging from her impressive biography, Biden made the right choice.
In March 2020, Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden pledged to pick a woman as his running mate. His decision followed a months-long search for a candidate who could lift the Democratic Party ticket in a wild and unpredictable election, and it makes Harris the first black woman and the first Asian American to run on a major party ticket in the U.S.
But who is Kamala Harris? Here is Kamala Harris bio that will educate you on everything you need to know about the US vice president.
Table of Contents
Biography
Kamala Harris has made history at every step of her career. From her early beginnings in Oakland, California, she has risen through the ranks to become a prominent figure in American politics. Her journey is marked by numerous milestones that make her a role model for many aspiring leaders.
Personal Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Birth Name | Kamala Devi Harris |
| Date of Birth | October 20, 1964 |
| Age | 56 years old (as of 2021) |
| Place of Birth | Oakland, California |
| Parents | Donald J. and Shyamala Gopalan Harris |
| Sibling | Maya Harris |
| Height | 1.57m |
Early Life
Kamala Harris was born to immigrant parents, an Indian mother and a Jamaican father. Growing up in a diverse environment, she embraced her heritage while being deeply influenced by her mother's civil rights activism. These early experiences shaped her worldview and commitment to social justice.
Her family life took a turn when her parents divorced when she was just seven years old. Raised primarily by her mother, who worked as a cancer researcher, Kamala learned the values of hard work and perseverance at a young age.
Education
Kamala Harris's educational journey began at Thousand Oaks Elementary School. After moving to Canada at the age of 12, she attended several schools, culminating in her graduation from Westmount High School in 1981. She later pursued higher education at Howard University, where she earned her degree in Political Science and Economics.
Kamala's time at Howard was transformative, providing her with a strong foundation in public service and leadership. She continued her education by obtaining a law degree from the University of California, Hastings, in 1989.
Career
Kamala Harris began her professional journey in the Alameda County District Attorney's office, where she focused on child sexual assault cases. Her career quickly gained momentum when she became the District Attorney for San Francisco in 2003. She later made history again by becoming California's first female and first Black attorney general, serving from 2011 to 2017.
Throughout her career, Harris has been known for her progressive policies, including advocating for criminal justice reform and social justice. Her visibility in these roles paved the way for her election to the U.S. Senate in 2017, where she became the second African-American woman to serve in this capacity.
Political Impact
As a U.S. senator, Kamala Harris has taken a strong stance on various issues, including immigration, healthcare, and racial equity. She has been a vocal advocate for the marginalized and often highlights the importance of representation in politics.
Her influence extends beyond legislation, as she has become a key figure in the Democratic Party, helping to shape the party's future direction and policies.
Personal Life
In her personal life, Kamala Harris married Douglas Emhoff in 2014. Emhoff is a prominent lawyer and has two children from a previous marriage. Harris has embraced her role as a stepmother, affectionately referred to as "Momala" by her stepchildren.
Despite her busy political career, Harris emphasizes the importance of family and often shares insights about balancing her personal and professional life.
Net Worth
As of 2021, Kamala Harris and her husband have an estimated net worth of $6.3 million. This wealth primarily comes from Emhoff's legal career and Harris's earnings from her books and public service. Harris's financial success reflects her dedication and hard work throughout her career.
In summary, Kamala Harris's journey is one of resilience, determination, and breaking barriers. Her story inspires many and demonstrates the impact of strong leadership in shaping society.
