What I Admire About Kamala Harris: Authenticity and the Mother Who Raised Her

Since Kamala Harris announced she was running for president of the United States, I’ve been watching her closely. As a Black woman myself, I appreciate how Kamala Harris embraces and expresses her Blackness.

The first thing I noticed is that she’s deeply authentic. Authentic people bring joy into the world. They have a strong sense of confidence because they know who they are. They can laugh at themselves, they don’t shy away from vulnerability, and they speak with assurance. People respect them. What stands out most to me about Kamala is the way her energy radiates joy, and how people respond with joy when they’re in her presence or talking about her.

I have to admit, when I heard her acceptance speech for the presidential nomination, I felt a little envious. I compared the stories she told to my own life, and to the lives of countless women I know who, like Kamala, are deeply committed to making positive change in the world. Many of us feel that way, but often struggle to overcome the obstacles that keep us from fully expressing our beliefs in ways that truly make a difference.

Kamala Harris stands out as someone who can make a real difference, and I believe much of that stem from the mother who raised her. From what I’ve learned, Kamala’s mother was highly educated, dedicated, and actively used her gifts to make the world a better place. Her commitment was a powerful role model for Kamala and her sister—and Kamala has clearly followed in her mother’s footsteps.

As I reflect on her journey, I see how committed she has been to creating change. In my own career, I’ve observed many people over the years, and those with a true commitment to a better world leave a visible trail of impact. Kamala is no different—you can see the footprints of her work as you review her career.