Shyamala Gopalan HarrisShyamala Gopalan Harris was Kamala Harris’s mother. Born in Chennai, India, Shyamala was a pioneering cancer researcher.
Shyamala’s EducationShyamala earned her bachelor’s degree in nutrition and dietetics from the University of Delhi and later pursued a Ph.D. in Endocrinology at the University of California, Berkeley.
Shyamala’s CareerShe worked as a research scientist at the University of California, San Francisco, where she made significant contributions to cancer research.
Donald HarrisDonald Harris, Kamala Harris’s father, is an economist originally from Jamaica. He moved to the U.S. for higher education.
Donald’s EducationDonald received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Denver and earned a Ph.D. in Economics from Stanford University.
Donald’s CareerHe was a professor at Stanford University, specializing in African and Caribbean economic development.
Meeting and MarriageShyamala and Donald met at UC Berkeley and married in 1963. Their marriage was a blend of their diverse backgrounds and values.
Family LifeThe couple had two daughters, Kamala and Maya. They raised them with strong values of education, justice, and public service.
Family LifeThe couple had two daughters, Kamala and Maya. They raised them with strong values of education, justice, and public service.