Meena Harris facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Meena Harris
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Harris in 2021
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| Born |
Meenakshi Ashley Harris
October 20, 1984 Oakland, California, U.S.
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| Education | Stanford University (BA) Harvard University (JD) |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse(s) |
Nikolas Ajagu
(m. 2014) |
| Children | 2 |
| Parent(s) |
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| Relatives | Family of Kamala Harris |
Meenakshi Ashley Harris (born October 20, 1984), known as Meena Harris, is an American lawyer, author, and theater producer. A theater producer helps organize and fund plays and musicals. Harris won a famous theater award, called a Tony Award, for producing the musical A Strange Loop.
Harris is also a successful author of children's books. Her first book, Kamala and Maya's Big Idea (2020), tells a story about her mother, Maya Harris, and her aunt, Kamala Harris. Her aunt, Kamala, is the Vice President of the United States.
In 2017, Harris also started a company called the Phenomenal Woman Action Campaign. The company sells clothing with positive messages to raise money and awareness for good causes.
Contents
Early Life and Family
Meena Harris was born in Oakland, California. Her mother, Maya Harris, was a teenager when Meena was born and raised her as a single parent. Her mother later became a successful lawyer and an expert on government policy.
Harris comes from a family of high achievers.
- Her aunt is Kamala Harris, the 49th Vice President of the United States.
- Her grandmother, Shyamala Gopalan, was a scientist from India who studied cancer and was also a civil rights activist.
- Her grandfather, Donald Harris, is a professor of economics from Jamaica who also fought for civil rights.
Harris went to Bishop O'Dowd High School in Oakland. She later earned a degree from Stanford University in 2006. In 2012, she graduated with a law degree from Harvard Law School.
Career Path
The "Phenomenal" Company
In 2017, Harris founded her fashion company, "Phenomenal." She was inspired by a famous poem called Phenomenal Woman by Maya Angelou. The company grew into the Phenomenal Woman Action Campaign, an organization that supports important social issues.
The campaign works on many topics, including:
- Making sure everyone gets a good education and healthcare.
- Improving the justice system.
- Encouraging more women to work in science and technology (STEM).
- Making sure women's voices are heard in politics.
Many famous people have supported her campaign, including Serena Williams, Jessica Alba, Mark Ruffalo, and Lizzo. In 2018, Harris helped place a full-page ad in The New York Times. The ad was to show support for women who bravely share their stories.
Children's Book Author
Harris has written several popular children's books.
- Kamala and Maya's Big Idea (2020) is based on a true story about her mother and aunt when they were children.
- Ambitious Girl (2021) encourages girls to be proud of their ambitions and goals.
- A Is for Ambitious (2023) is an alphabet book that redefines words to empower children.
Politics and Other Work
Harris has also been involved in politics. When her aunt Kamala Harris ran for the U.S. Senate in 2016, Meena was a senior advisor on her team. She helped with communications and policy ideas. She also served as a commissioner for the San Francisco Commission on the Status of Women, working to improve the lives of women in the city.
Before starting her own companies, Harris worked for several major businesses. She was the Head of Strategy & Leadership at Uber. She also worked for the software company Slack Technologies and for Facebook.
Personal Life
In 2014, Meena Harris married Nikolas Ajagu. He is a top executive at Facebook's advertising technology department. They have two daughters together. Harris practices the Hindu faith.
See also
In Spanish: Meena Harris para niños
