November 7, 2024
Kamala Harris lived in Montreal, Canada, for part of her childhood after her mother, Shyamala Gopalan, took a teaching position at McGill University. Harris attended middle school and high school there.
Kamala's first name, pronounced "comma-la," means "lotus" in Sanskrit, a symbol of purity and beauty.
In 2010, Harris became the first female and first Black American to be elected attorney general of California. Her victory margin was so narrow that her Republican opponent initially declared victory, only to concede weeks later after all votes were counted.
Harris is a stepmother to Ella and Cole Emhoff, the children of her husband, Douglas Emhoff. They affectionately call her "Momala."
Harris has written several books, including "The Truths We Hold: An American Journey" (2019) and "Superheroes Are Everywhere" (2019), showcasing her personal and professional experiences.