In the realm of inspiring women who have dedicated their lives to social change and empowerment, Meena Harris stands as a shining example. Born on October 20, 1984, Meena, a multifaceted individual, has carved her own path as an American lawyer, children’s book author, producer, and the founder of the Phenomenal Woman Action Campaign.
Early Life and Education of Meena Harris
Hailing from a lineage of formidable women, Meena Harris was raised in the illustrious Harris family. Her mother, Maya Harris, a distinguished lawyer and policy expert, and her aunt, Kamala Harris, the Vice President of the United States, have been pivotal figures in shaping her worldview.
Moreover, her grandmother, Shyamala Gopalan, an Indian-American cancer researcher and civil rights activist, imparted invaluable lessons that Meena carries forward.
Meena’s educational journey took her to Stanford University, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in 2006, and later to Harvard Law School, where she received her Juris Doctor in 2012.
Her formative years at Bishop O’Dowd High School in Oakland set the stage for a future marked by academic excellence and a commitment to making a difference.
Phenomenal Impact
In 2017, Meena Harris founded “Phenomenal,” a fashion company inspired by Maya Angelou’s 1978 poem. What began as a small initiative evolved into the Phenomenal Woman Action Campaign, raising awareness on crucial social issues.
The campaign, backed by influential ambassadors like Serena Williams, Jessica Alba, and Viola Davis, addresses topics such as educational excellence, healthcare equity, criminal justice reform, and gender parity in STEM.
Meena’s commitment to social causes extended beyond fashion as she coordinated a powerful ad in The New York Times with Alicia Garza, supporting survivors of sexual assault. The evolution continued with the establishment of Phenomenal Media for written content and Phenomenal Productions for visual content.
Children’s Books and Family Legacy
In June 2020, Meena Harris released her first children’s book, “Kamala and Maya’s Big Idea,” a heartwarming tale inspired by the true story of her mother and aunt. This was followed by “Ambitious Girl” in 2021, reflecting Meena’s dedication to providing diverse narratives for young readers.
For the Harris women, social change is ingrained in their family history. Shyamala Gopalan Harris, Meena’s grandmother, was a trailblazer in her own right— a breast cancer researcher and civil rights activist. Vice President Kamala Harris and Maya Harris continued this legacy, each breaking barriers in their respective fields.
Meena, having Meena Harris share the same birthday as her aunt Kamala, grew up witnessing the resilience of her mother and aunt. Raised by a single mother, Meena experienced firsthand the power of determination and the impact of strong, independent women. She shared her journey, “I had a 17-year-old single mom… I had a front-row seat for all of it.”
Personal Life and Advocacy
Meena’s personal life is a testament to her commitment to meaningful connections. She married Nikolas Ajagu in 2014, and the couple is blessed with two daughters. Her family life mirrors the support and strength she received from her own family.
Meena’s involvement in political advising during Kamala Harris’s 2016 campaign for the U.S. Senate showcased her strategic acumen. Beyond politics, she served as Head of Strategy and leadership at Uber and worked with international law firms and tech giants like Slack Technologies and Facebook.
A Unique Path
While Meena Harris initially followed the legal footsteps of her mother and aunt, her journey took a unique turn. Her realization that traditional law might not align with her aspirations led her to channel her energy into activism. “Don’t sit around and complain about things, do something,” a lesson from her grandmother, became a guiding principle.
The inception of Phenomenal as a small project post-2016 election transformed into a formidable force for change. The Phenomenal Woman Action Campaign, through statement fashion, became a voice for the underrepresented. Meena’s impact reached far beyond fashion, delving into media production with Phenomenal Productions.
Authorship and Representation
Meena’s foray into children’s literature was fueled by a desire for representation. Feeling the need for stories featuring black and brown children, she authored “Kamala and Maya’s Big Idea.” Her second book, “Ambitious Girl,” reflects her dedication to addressing the gap in diverse representation in children’s literature.
In a world grappling with systemic issues, Meena Harris believes in the power of seemingly small actions, like a statement T-shirt, to drive meaningful change. Her books, echoing the stories of real women, aim to inspire and empower the next generation.
Legacy of Resilience
Meena Harris, at just 36, embodies resilience, purpose, and intentionality. Her journey, influenced by the indomitable spirit of the Harris women, serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration. In a world where activism is often seen as daunting, Meena’s story reminds us that impactful change begins with individual actions.
Also Read:Maya Harris: Shaping a Legacy of Justice and Advocacy