Maya Harris, born on January 30, 1967, has carved an indelible mark at the intersection of politics, public policy, and civil rights. From her early days in Champaign-Urbana, Illinois, to her influential role as a Senior Policy Advisor for Hillary Clinton’s 2016 campaign and as the Campaign Chair for her sister Kamala Harris in 2020, Maya’s journey is nothing short of extraordinary.
Early Life and Education of Maya Harris
Maya’s roots trace back to an eclectic blend of cultures. Born to Shyamala Gopalan Harris, a breast cancer researcher from Chennai, India, and Donald Harris, a Jamaican-born Stanford economics professor, Maya grew up steeped in the rich tapestry of Baptist and Hindu faiths.
Her formative years, split between the San Francisco Bay Area and Montreal, Quebec, laid the foundation for her multicultural perspective.
Her educational odyssey began at Bishop O’Dowd High School, followed by the University of California, Berkeley, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in 1989.
Undeterred by the challenges of early motherhood, Maya Harris enrolled in Stanford Law School, distinguishing herself as an editor of the Stanford Law Review and actively participating in community service through the East Palo Alto Community Law Project.
Legal Career
Post her J.D. degree, Maya Harris embarked on a legal career that showcased her commitment to justice. Serving as a law clerk for U.S. District Court Judge James Ware, she delved into civil and criminal litigation at the San Francisco law firm of Jackson Tufts Cole & Black, LLP.
At just 29, she shattered barriers by becoming the youngest law school dean in the U.S. at Lincoln Law School of San Jose.
Advocacy and Philanthropy
Maya Harris’s advocacy journey took flight at PolicyLink, the ACLU, and later as the executive director of the Northern California ACLU. Her impactful work included leading campaigns against Proposition 54 and spearheading the restoration of voting rights in League of Women Voters of California v. McPherson.
Her foray into philanthropy began in 2008 when Maya Harris assumed the role of Vice President for Democracy, Rights, and Justice at the Ford Foundation. Managing a global team, she directed over $150 million annually toward promoting governance, democratic participation, and human rights worldwide.
Political Stature
A political luminary, Maya Harris was a Senior Associate at PolicyLink, a senior fellow at the Center for American Progress, and a visiting scholar at Harvard Law School. As Clinton’s campaign representative to the Democratic Party Platform Committee, she played a pivotal role in shaping the progressive 2016 platform.
Writing and Recognition
Maya’s literary contributions include essays on community-centred policing and the gender wage gap. Her accolades, from the Junius W. Williams Young Lawyer of the Year Award to The Root 100 recognition, underscore her impactful presence in the legal and advocacy realms.
Maya Harris: A Living Legacy
Maya’s journey is one of resilience, breaking barriers, and contributing significantly to the narrative of justice and equality. From her trailblazing legal career to her pivotal roles in presidential campaigns, Maya Lakshmi Harris stands as a testament to the power of passion and commitment in shaping a better world.
In 2020, Maya Harris bravely shared her battle with lupus, further highlighting her resilience in the face of personal challenges. Today, she continues to inspire through her advocacy, writing, and unwavering commitment to a more just and inclusive society.
Maya lives between California and New York with her husband, Tony West, and revels in the joys of being a mother and grandmother. Her indomitable spirit and commitment to justice echo in the corridors of power, making Maya Lakshmi Harris a beacon of hope for generations to come.
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