The Harris Family Legacy: From Economics to the White House

Donald J. Harris is also known as the father of Kamala Harris, the 49th Vice President of the United States. He is a Jamaican-American economist and professor emeritus at Stanford University. He is best known for his academic contributions to economic development, with a focus on the economies of developing nations. Born in Jamaica, Harris pursued higher education in the United States, earning a Ph.D. in economics from the University of California, Berkeley. Throughout his career, Harris has focused on economic theory and policy regarding growth and development, especially in countries of the Global South.

Shyamala Gopalan was an Indian-American cancer researcher and civil rights activist, born in Chennai, India, in 1938. She earned her Ph.D. in nutrition and endocrinology from the University of California, Berkeley, focusing on groundbreaking breast cancer research. A passionate advocate for justice, she was active in the civil rights movement during the 1960s. As the mother of Kamala Harris and Maya Harris, Shyamala instilled in her daughters strong values of activism, education, and public service. Her work in science and her commitment to social justice profoundly shaped her daughters' lives and their rise in American politics. Beyond her scientific contributions, Shyamala Gopalan was a loving and inspiring mother to her two daughters, Kamala Harris and Maya Harris. Her unwavering support and guidance instilled in them a deep sense of social justice and a passion for public service. Kamala Harris, the current Vice President of the United States, and Maya Harris, a lawyer and political commentator, both attribute their success and commitment to their mother's profound influence. Shyamala Gopalan's legacy extends far beyond her scientific achievements, encompassing her dedication to her family and her unwavering belief in the power of education and social change.

Kamala Harris is the 49th Vice President of the United States, making history as the first woman, the first Black woman, and the first South Asian American to hold the position. Born on October 20, 1964, in Oakland, California, to immigrant parents—Jamaican economist Donald J. Harris and Indian cancer researcher Shyamala Gopalan—Harris was raised in a multicultural environment that shaped her worldview. She earned her law degree from the University of California, Hastings, and started her career as a prosecutor.
Harris became the District Attorney of San Francisco in 2003, followed by her election as California's Attorney General in 2011, the first woman and African American to hold that office. Elected to the U.S. Senate in 2016, she gained attention for her sharp questioning in high-profile hearings. In 2020, Harris was selected as Joe Biden’s running mate, making history upon their victory and playing a key role in advancing issues like voting rights and immigration.

Doug Emhoff is an American lawyer and the first Second Gentleman of the United States, married to Vice President Kamala Harris. Born in 1964, Emhoff built a successful legal career specializing in entertainment and intellectual property law, becoming a partner at DLA Piper. Throughout Harris’s political career, he has been a supportive and active partner, campaigning alongside her during the 2020 election. As Second Gentleman, Emhoff focuses on issues like combating antisemitism and promoting access to justice. His role marks a historic shift, as he is the first man to hold the position, challenging traditional gender roles in politics.

Tony West is an American lawyer and corporate executive, currently serving as the Chief Legal Officer of Uber. Born in 1965, he has had a distinguished legal career in both the public and private sectors. West previously served as the Associate Attorney General of the United States during the Obama administration, where he focused on civil rights, financial fraud, and legal reforms. He is also known for being married to Maya Harris, the sister of Vice President Kamala Harris. At Uber, West oversees legal, security, and compliance matters, playing a key role in shaping the company’s legal strategy.

Maya Harris is an American lawyer, civil rights advocate, and political strategist, recognized for her work in social justice. Born on January 30, 1967, she is the younger sister of Vice President Kamala Harris. A Stanford Law graduate, Maya has held leadership roles at the ACLU and the Ford Foundation and was a senior advisor to Hillary Clinton’s 2016 campaign. Her expertise in policy and strategy has had a significant impact on Kamala Harris's political career, providing guidance and shaping key aspects of her sister's Senate and vice-presidential campaigns, contributing to Kamala's rise on the national stage.

Kerstin Emhoff is an American film producer and the co-founder and CEO of Prettybird, a production company known for its work in commercials, music videos, and film. Born on March 18, 1967, Kerstin has had a successful career in the entertainment industry, earning accolades for her work, including Emmy Awards. She is also the ex-wife of Doug Emhoff, the Second Gentleman of the United States, and the mother of Cole and Ella Emhoff. Despite her former marriage, Kerstin has maintained a positive relationship with Doug and Vice President Kamala Harris, supporting them throughout their public roles.

Meena Harris is an American lawyer, author, and entrepreneur, and the niece of Vice President Kamala Harris. A Harvard Law graduate, she founded the Phenomenal Woman campaign, a social impact initiative that raises awareness for women’s rights and social justice issues. Meena is also a bestselling author of children’s books, including Kamala and Maya’s Big Idea and Ambitious Girl, which reflect her family's values of activism and empowerment. Through her work, Meena advocates for gender equality and uses her platform to inspire future generations, continuing the legacy of social justice and activism in her family.

Cole Emhoff is the son of Doug Emhoff and the stepson of Vice President Kamala Harris. Born in 1994 to Doug and his first wife, Kerstin Emhoff, Cole has largely stayed out of the public spotlight. He is known for his close relationship with his stepmother Kamala, affectionately referring to her as "Momala." Cole works in the entertainment industry and maintains a low profile, while supporting his family’s high-profile public service careers.

Ella Emhoff is an American fashion model, designer, and the stepdaughter of Vice President Kamala Harris. Born in 1999 to Doug Emhoff, she gained attention for her style at the 2021 inauguration, leading to a modeling contract with IMG Models. A Parsons School of Design graduate, Ella is also a knitwear designer, known for her quirky, handcrafted pieces. Her distinct fashion sense and creativity have made her a rising star in the fashion and design world.