WEB Shyamala Gopalan: A Woman of Resilience and Activism

Vice President Kamala Harris's Inspirational Mother

Shyamala Gopalan Harris, the mother of Vice President Kamala Harris, was a trailblazing woman of color who dedicated her life to science, activism, and raising a family of strong and successful women.

A Pioneering Woman in Science and Activism

Born in Chennai, India, Shyamala came to the United States in 1960 to pursue a doctorate in nutrition and endocrinology. She went on to become a respected breast cancer researcher and an outspoken advocate for social justice.

A Mother of Resilience

As the mother of Senator Kamala Harris and lawyer Maya Harris, Shyamala instilled in her daughters the values of hard work, perseverance, and empathy. Kamala Harris once said her mother was "the greatest source of inspiration in my life. She was strong and courageous, and she always believed in me."

A Lasting Legacy

Shyamala Gopalan Harris passed away in 2009, but her legacy lives on through her daughters and the countless lives she touched as a scientist, activist, and mother. Her unwavering resilience and commitment to making a difference serve as an inspiration to all who knew her and to future generations.