Maya Harris Wikipedia and Biography
Maya Harris is an American lawyer, public policy advocate, and political analyst known for her work in civil rights, social justice, and policy development. She is also the younger sister of U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris. Throughout her career, Maya has advocated for police reform, health equity, and women’s rights, establishing herself as a respected leader in law and public policy.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Maya Lakshmi Harris |
| Date of Birth | January 30, 1967 |
| Age | 56 years old (as of 2023) |
| Profession | Lawyer, Public Policy Advocate, Political Analyst |
| Nationality | American |
| Known For | Civil rights advocacy, Policy analysis |
| Notable Family | Kamala Harris (sister) |
Early Life and Education
Maya Harris was born on January 30, 1967, in Champaign-Urbana, Illinois, to Shyamala Gopalan, a cancer researcher and civil rights activist, and Donald Harris, an economist. She grew up primarily in the San Francisco Bay Area, where her family was deeply involved in the civil rights movement, which had a significant impact on her values and career aspirations.
Maya attended Stanford University for her undergraduate studies. She later graduated from the University of California, Berkeley, School of Law, where she was a standout student and served as editor of the California Law Review.
Legal and Advocacy Career
Maya began her legal career at the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Northern California, focusing on issues such as civil liberties and rights protection. Her passion for justice led her to become the Executive Director of the Northern California ACLU, where she advocated for policies on education equity, criminal justice reform, and women’s rights.
She later joined the Ford Foundation as a senior fellow, where her work focused on advancing social justice and empowering marginalized communities. Maya’s extensive background in law and policy made her a well-regarded voice in civil rights and social reform.
Political and Public Service
In 2015, Maya Harris was appointed as a senior policy advisor for Hillary Clinton’s 2016 presidential campaign, where she played a key role in shaping policies on health care, education, criminal justice reform, and economic opportunity. Her work with the Clinton campaign brought her national recognition and underscored her expertise in public policy.
Family and Personal Life
Maya is close to her sister, Kamala Harris, and has been a key supporter throughout Kamala’s political career. Maya’s daughter, Meena Harris, is also a prominent figure, known as an author, lawyer, and entrepreneur who founded the brand “Phenomenal.” The Harris family remains tightly knit and supportive of each other’s professional and personal accomplishments.
Influence on Kamala Harris
Maya’s deep commitment to civil rights and justice has had a lasting influence on Kamala. The sisters often exchange ideas and insights, and Maya has been an instrumental advisor and strategist for Kamala’s campaigns, including her bid for the presidency in 2020 and her vice-presidential campaign with Joe Biden.
Legacy and Ongoing Impact
Maya Harris continues to be a respected figure in law and policy advocacy. Her career reflects a dedication to addressing complex social issues, from criminal justice reform to women’s rights and racial equality. As a role model and advocate, Maya has made significant contributions to advancing social justice in the United States.
FAQs About Maya Harris
- Who is Maya Harris?
Maya Harris is a lawyer, public policy advocate, and political analyst known for her work in civil rights and social justice. - How old is Maya Harris?
Maya Harris is 56 years old, born on January 30, 1967. - Who are Maya Harris’ parents?
Her parents are Shyamala Gopalan, a cancer researcher, and Donald Harris, an economist. - Where did Maya Harris go to law school?
She attended the University of California, Berkeley, School of Law. - What is Maya Harris known for?
Maya is known for her advocacy work in civil rights, policy development, and social justice. - What was Maya’s role in Hillary Clinton’s campaign?
She served as a senior policy advisor, focusing on issues like health care, education, and criminal justice reform. - How is Maya Harris related to Kamala Harris?
Maya Harris is Kamala Harris’s younger sister. - Who is Maya Harris’ daughter?
Her daughter is Meena Harris, an author and entrepreneur. - What organizations has Maya Harris worked for?
She has worked for the ACLU, the Ford Foundation, and Hillary Clinton’s campaign team, among others. - What is Maya Harris’ area of expertise?
Her expertise includes civil rights law, public policy, and social justice advocacy. - What issues has Maya Harris focused on?
She has focused on education equity, criminal justice reform, health equity, and women’s rights. - Is Maya Harris active in politics?
While not currently holding a political office, Maya remains active as a political analyst and policy advocate. - What influence has Maya had on Kamala Harris?
Maya’s passion for justice and equality has influenced Kamala’s approach to public service and policy-making. - What kind of advocacy does Maya Harris support?
Maya supports advocacy for social justice, particularly in areas affecting marginalized communities. - How did Maya start her career in advocacy?
Maya began her career with the ACLU, where she focused on defending civil liberties and advancing rights.
