Kamala Devi Harris was born on Oct. 20, 1964, in Oakland, California to parents Donald Harris and Shyamala Gopalan Harris. When she was seven, her parents divorced, and Kamala Harris went to live with her mother and younger sister, Maya Harris. Growing up in a household of women and having a name referring to Lakshimi, the Hindu symbol of female empowerment, it seemed inevitable that Harris would go on to inspire millions.

After attending Westmount High School, Harris pursued a degree in political science and economics at Howard University and in 1989, received her Juris Doctor from UC Hastings College of Law. Soon after, Harris became a lawyer and then District Attorney for the city and county of San Francisco. After years of working in law, the successful attorney set her eyes out for the political stage; Harris served as the senator of California and in 2019, she made a run for President of the United States. Although she did not receive the Democratic presidential nomination, Joe Biden selected her as his running mate, making her not only the first female vice president, but also the first of African American and Asian American descent. 

Being one of the most powerful women in the world, Harris has been able to influence many movements and laws. However,  this new platform has also brought her a lot of obstacles. Just being the first female and person of color vice president has placed a gigantic spotlight on her, more so than past vice presidents. She has to walk where no one has before and pave the way for women while dealing with constant scrutiny. 

Kamala Harris is an inspiration to women and girls everywhere, especially women of color. Harris may be the first woman to be the vice president, but her goal is to live by these words, “You may be the first, but make sure you’re not the last.”