The Inspiring Journey of Kamala Harris
“What I want young women and girls to know is: You are powerful and your voice matters. You’re going to walk into many rooms in your life and career where you may not be the only one who looks like you. But you are not alone.
My mother would look at me and she’d say, 'Kamala, you may be the first to do many things, but make sure you are not the last.' That’s why breaking those barriers is worth it. As much as anything else, it is also to create the path for those who come after us.” – Kamala Harris
The moment she became Joe Biden’s vice-presidential nominee, Kamala Harris made history. Harris is the first black woman and the first Asian American nominated vice president for a major political party. Many people told her it wasn’t her time to run or that they aren’t ready to have a woman of color in office, but Kamala refused to listen. She spent the better part of two decades in public life notching up a long list of things she was the first to achieve: the first black woman to be elected district attorney in California history, the first woman to be California’s attorney general, first Indian American senator, and now the first Black woman and first Asian American elected as vice president! She has been underestimated her entire elected career. Yet, still she rises and wins by choosing to not listen to the naysayers and instead focuses on creating the environment for her elected possibilities to manifest. Kamala is a representation of what it means to fight for your community no matter how strongly people may oppose your efforts.
On Monday, October 26th, One World Girl held a virtual event inspired by the life and career of Kamala Harris, sponsored by Nassau County Women Bar Association. Our workshop was designed to encourage elementary and middle school children and their adults to be positive changemakers in their communities. The program consisted of video screenings, age-appropriate breakout sessions, stimulating discussion by our attorneys, and fun creative activities for our youngest participants. As we gathered to explore the life of Kamala Harris, our girls learned about the characteristics of a true leader and role model. Kamala is an educated, well-spoken, strong, unapologetic, and intelligent woman. She is not afraid to demand justice and show women and girls how to own their power and stand up for themselves.
Throughout her career, Kamala has used her power to change and shake up the patriarchy of the government. She is a woman whose mother’s ideology shaped her life and inspired her to become a better person. Our OWG girls are able to reflect on the role models in their life. We emphasize the importance of a strong support system and having people that teach you and push you to be your best self. We encourage thought-provoking discussions on life challenges and how to overcome them, being confident, recognizing your accomplishments, and ways to create change.
Kamala's ironing board story sets a great example that you don’t have to take big leaps to be a changemaker. When she started her political career, she didn’t have many resources or a family of incredible wealth. Kamala started small and kept working hard, and step by step rose through the ranks. Her story is a story that we hope many girls see themselves in, one that proves no matter where you are from, what you look like, or what your background, you can and should lead!
So to all the girls out there I say: Don’t be afraid to use your voice. Your thoughts, opinions, and ideas are just as important as anyone else’s. There is so much to speak up about in this world. Speak for the good and speak to make things better because your voice matters! One World Girl is there to support you with our educational, informative, and fun programs. We envision a future where every girl, including you, uses her unique abilities to positively transform themselves and the world!