20 Facts About Maya Harris

Early Life and Education

Maya Lakshmi Harris has a fascinating background that has shaped her into the influential figure she is today. Her upbringing and education laid the foundation for her career in law and advocacy.

1. Born on January 30, 1967: Maya Harris was born in Champaign–Urbana, Illinois, to Shyamala Gopalan Harris, a breast cancer researcher from India, and Donald Harris, a Jamaican-born economics professor.

2. Cultural Heritage: Raised with beliefs from both Baptist and Hindu faiths, Maya's diverse cultural background has deeply influenced her worldview.

3. Bachelor's Degree: She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of California, Berkeley in 1989.

4. Law School: Maya attended Stanford Law School, where she was an editor of the Stanford Law Review and active with the East Palo Alto Community Law Project. She graduated with a J.D. degree in 1992 "with distinction".

Personal Life and Family

Maya's personal experiences have significantly impacted her advocacy work, especially in women's rights and social justice.

5. Teen Mother: At 17, Maya gave birth to her only child, Meena Harris. This experience has fueled her passion for advocating for women's rights.

6. Influential Family: Her mother, Shyamala, was a breast cancer researcher, and her father, Donald, is a Stanford University economics professor. Their careers in academia and research have inspired Maya's commitment to public policy.

Professional Career

Maya Harris has held various senior positions in prominent organizations, contributing significantly to law and policy.

7. PolicyLink: She was a Senior Associate at PolicyLink, focusing on community-centered solutions.

8. Ford Foundation: From 2008 to 2013, Maya served as the vice president for Democracy, Rights, and Justice at the Ford Foundation.

9. ACLU: Before joining the Ford Foundation, she was the executive director of the ACLU of Northern California, the largest ACLU affiliate in the country.

10. Center for American Progress: Maya was a senior fellow at the Center for American Progress and a visiting scholar at Harvard Law School, focusing on community-centered policing and economic security for women.

Media Presence and Political Involvement

Maya Harris has also made her mark in media and politics, using her platform to advocate for social justice.

11. MSNBC Analyst: From 2017 to 2018, Maya was a political and legal analyst for MSNBC, sharing her expertise on various issues.

12. Hillary Clinton's Campaign: In 2016, she was one of three senior policy advisors for Hillary Clinton's presidential campaign, helping draft the Democratic Party platform.

13. Kamala Harris's Campaign: Maya served as the campaign chairwoman for her sister Kamala's 2020 presidential campaign until its suspension.

Writing Contributions and Publications

Maya Harris has authored several essays and reports, highlighting important social issues.

14. Community-Centered Policing: Her work includes "Fostering Accountable Community-Centered Policing," which appeared in The Covenant with Black America in 2006.

15. Gender Wage Gap: She contributed to The Shriver Report: A Woman's Nation Pushes Back from the Brink with an essay on the gender wage gap.

16. Publications: Maya has authored several publications, including Community-Centered Policing: A Force for Change, Organized for Change: The Activist's Guide to Police Reform, and Making Every Vote Count: Reforming Felony Disenfranchisement Policies and Practices in California.

Advocacy and Personal Challenges

Maya's advocacy work is deeply personal, driven by her own experiences and challenges.

17. Women's Rights: Her writings often highlight the importance of economic security for women, particularly women of color.

18. Lupus Awareness: In 2020, Maya wrote about living with chronic illness lupus in The Atlantic and Women's Health Magazine, further underscoring her advocacy for healthcare and social justice.

Public Image and Future Directions

Maya Harris continues to be a significant figure in American public life, with a strong public image and a commitment to social justice.

19. Public Image: Known as a dedicated advocate for social justice and women's rights, Maya's media appearances and writings have made her a recognizable figure.

20. Future Directions: With her extensive experience in policy, law, and advocacy, Maya Harris is likely to continue her work in advocating for women's rights, community-centered policing, and economic security for vulnerable populations.

Maya Harris: A Force for Change

Maya Harris stands out as a dedicated advocate for social justice, women's rights, and community-centered policing. Her journey from a young mother to a prominent lawyer and policy expert showcases her resilience and commitment. With a strong educational background from UC Berkeley and Stanford Law School, she has held influential roles at the ACLU, Ford Foundation, and Center for American Progress. Her work on Hillary Clinton's 2016 campaign and Kamala Harris's 2020 campaign highlights her political influence. Maya's writings on economic security for women and community policing have made significant impacts. Living with lupus, she continues to champion healthcare and social justice. Maya Harris's blend of personal experience, professional expertise, and unwavering dedication makes her a powerful voice in American public life. Her future endeavors will undoubtedly continue to inspire and drive meaningful change.