Kamala Harris Biography – Explore the life and career of Kamala Harris, the first female Vice President of the United States. Learn about her early life, education, family background, career milestones, personal life, and achievements.
Kamala Harris made history as the first female, first Black, and first South Asian Vice President of the United States. Born on October 20, 1964, in Oakland, California, Harris has had a distinguished career in public service, serving as a prosecutor, California’s Attorney General, U.S. Senator, and now as Vice President. Her journey reflects a commitment to justice, equality, and public service.
Kamala Harris Biography: Profile Summary
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Kamala Devi Harris |
| Profession | Politician, Attorney |
| Nationality | American |
| Date of Birth | October 20, 1964 |
| Age | 60 years (as of 2025) |
| Net Worth | Approximately $7 million (as of 2021) |
| Education | B.A. in Political Science and Economics from Howard University; J.D. from UC Hastings College of the Law |
| Parents | Shyamala Gopalan (mother), Donald J. Harris (father) |
| Spouse | Douglas Emhoff (married in 2014) |
| Stepchildren | Cole Emhoff, Ella Emhoff |
| Religion | Baptist |
| Notable Positions | Vice President of the United States, U.S. Senator, California Attorney General |
| Awards | Numerous accolades for public service and leadership |
Key Takeaways
- Kamala Harris is the first female, first Black, and first South Asian Vice President of the United States.
- She has a rich multicultural background, with a Jamaican father and an Indian mother.
- Harris has held significant positions, including California Attorney General and U.S. Senator.
- Her career is marked by a strong commitment to justice, civil rights, and public service.
- She is married to Douglas Emhoff and is a stepmother to his two children.
Early Life and Education
Kamala Harris was born to Shyamala Gopalan, an Indian-born breast cancer researcher, and Donald J. Harris, a Jamaican-born economist and professor emeritus at Stanford University.
Growing up in a household that valued education and activism, Harris was exposed to civil rights movements from an early age.
Her education includes:
- High School: Attended a French-speaking primary school in Montreal, Canada, and later Westmount High School.
- Undergraduate: Earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Economics from Howard University in Washington, D.C.
- Law School: Obtained a Juris Doctor (J.D.) from the University of California, Hastings College of the Law.
Career Achievements
Kamala Harris’s career trajectory showcases her dedication to public service:
- Deputy District Attorney: Began her career in Alameda County, California, focusing on prosecuting cases of robbery, murder, and child rape.
- District Attorney of San Francisco: Elected in 2003, implementing innovative programs to reduce recidivism.
- Attorney General of California: Elected in 2010, becoming the first woman and first African American to hold the position in California. She focused on issues like foreclosure crisis, environmental protection, and criminal justice reform.
- U.S. Senator: Elected in 2016, representing California. Served on several committees, including Judiciary, Intelligence, and Homeland Security.
- Vice President of the United States: Elected in 2020, making history as the first woman, first Black person, and first South Asian person to hold the office.
Personal Life
In 2014, Harris married Douglas Emhoff, an entertainment lawyer. Through this marriage, she became a stepmother to Emhoff’s two children from his previous marriage:
- Cole Emhoff: Born in 1994.
- Ella Emhoff: Born in 1999, an artist and fashion designer.
Harris is a practicing Baptist, reflecting her commitment to faith and community.
Awards and Recognitions
Throughout her career, Kamala Harris has received numerous accolades, including:
- Thurgood Marshall Award from the National Black Prosecutors Association.
- Recognition as one of Time Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People.
- ECOS Environmental Award for her environmental leadership as California’s Attorney General.
Conclusion
Kamala Harris’s journey from a young activist to the Vice Presidency embodies her unwavering commitment to justice, equality, and public service. Her multifaceted career and personal story continue to inspire many, reflecting the diverse fabric of American society.
FAQs About Kamala Harris
1. What is Kamala Harris’s net worth?
As of 2021, Kamala Harris’s net worth is estimated to be approximately $7 million.
2. Who are Kamala Harris’s parents?
Her mother, Shyamala Gopalan, was a breast cancer researcher from India, and her father, Donald J. Harris, is an economist from Jamaica.
3. Does Kamala Harris have children?
Kamala Harris does not have biological children but is a stepmother to her husband’s two children, Cole and Ella Emhoff.
4. What are some of Kamala Harris’s notable accomplishments?
Her notable accomplishments include serving as California’s Attorney General, U.S. Senator, and becoming the first female Vice President of the United States.
5. What is Kamala Harris’s religious affiliation?
Kamala Harris is a practicing Baptist.
