Picture a powerhouse storyteller who’s weaving social justice into children’s books and sparking change with every page—meet Meena Harris! As the niece of Vice President Kamala Harris, Meena has carved her own path as a Harvard-trained lawyer, activist, and New York Times bestselling author. With her vibrant children’s books and the Phenomenal Woman Action Campaign, she’s inspiring kids and adults alike to embrace ambition and fight for equality.
Born into a family of trailblazing women, Meena’s story is one of creativity, courage, and commitment to making a difference. From her Oakland roots to her global impact, she’s a beacon for the next generation of changemakers.
The Making of Meena Harris
Meenakshi Ashley Harris was born on October 20, 1984, in Oakland, California, to a teenage single mother, Maya Harris, a lawyer and policy expert. Raised alongside her mother, aunt Kamala Harris, and grandmother Shyamala Gopalan—a biomedical scientist and civil rights activist—Meena grew up surrounded by strong, ambitious women. This unique family dynamic shaped her worldview, instilling a passion for social justice and public service. After earning a degree from Stanford University and a J.D. from Harvard Law School, Meena briefly practiced law before pivoting to entrepreneurship and activism, launching the Phenomenal Woman Action Campaign in 2017 to champion intersectional feminist causes.
Meena Harris’s Unforgettable Stories
Meena’s children’s books are more than just stories—they’re vibrant calls to action. Her debut, Kamala and Maya’s Big Idea (2020), is a heartwarming tale based on the real-life childhood of her mother and aunt, who rallied their community to build a playground. The book celebrates problem-solving, collaboration, and the power of young voices, especially for children of color who rarely see themselves as protagonists. In 2021, Ambitious Girl hit shelves, inspired by criticism of her aunt Kamala’s ambition during her vice-presidential campaign. This empowering story encourages girls to embrace their dreams and redefine words like “bossy” or “too much” as strengths.
Meena’s third book, A Is for Ambitious (2023), continues this mission, using an alphabet format to reclaim terms often weaponized against girls, like “bossy” or “emotional.” Her 2022 release, The Truth About Mrs. Claus, adds a festive twist, reimagining a holiday icon with a nod to inclusivity. Meena’s writing style is accessible yet profound, blending colorful illustrations with themes of diversity, activism, and self-confidence. Her books address systemic inequalities, like the lack of representation in children’s literature, where 50% of characters are white and 27% are anthropomorphic, according to 2018 data.
Through her Phenomenal Media empire, Meena extends her storytelling to apparel, digital content, and even Broadway, co-producing the Tony-winning A Strange Loop. Her work is a masterclass in using creativity to spark dialogue and drive change.
Why Meena Harris Matters
Meena Harris is redefining what it means to be an activist and author. Her books fill a critical gap in children’s literature, offering representation for kids of color and empowering young readers to see themselves as leaders. The Phenomenal Woman Action Campaign amplifies marginalized voices, raising funds for causes like voter rights and gender equity through viral T-shirts and partnerships with stars like Serena Williams and Lizzo. By blending art, activism, and entrepreneurship, Meena inspires a new generation to tackle injustice with boldness and joy. Her legacy is one of possibility—showing that ambition, when rooted in purpose, can change the world.
- Born: October 20, 1984, Oakland, California
- Key Works: Kamala and Maya’s Big Idea, Ambitious Girl, A Is for Ambitious, The Truth About Mrs. Claus
- Awards: Tony Award for co-producing A Strange Loop
Snag Ambitious Girl and dive into Meena Harris’s vibrant world of social justice and empowerment!