Editorial: Kamala Harris has changed the face of U.S. politics

“While I may be the first woman in this office, I will not be the last. Because every little girl watching tonight sees that this is a country of possibilities.”

Even as I type those words, I get chills. That inspiring quote was part of Vice President Kamala Harris’ victory speech on Nov. 7, a day many of us will never forget. That was the day that Joe Biden officially defeated Donald Trump in the 2020 U.S. Presidential Election. 

That was the day Kamala Harris made history. 

A senator from California and the daughter of immigrants—her mother from India and her father from Jamaica—Harris is the first woman, first African-American, first Asian-American and the first woman of color to serve as Vice President of the United States of America.

Kamala Harris is a trailblazer. She has risen higher in our country’s leadership than any other woman in history. She is a symbol of hope and success. 

With this appointment, Harris is changing the face of U.S. politics and teaching women in this country that we all deserve a seat at the table. Our voices matter and our strength is unwavering. Harris has shattered the glass ceiling — something she has been doing her entire professional career — and paved the way for girls and women in this country to follow their dreams. 

She didn’t do it alone. She stands on the shoulders of many mighty women who helped lay the groundwork—from Susan B. Anthony to Ruth Bader Ginsburg to Nancy Pelosi, and countless incredible women in between—creating an unofficial sisterhood of American history.

So, here we are. Watching Vice President Kamala Harris take the oath of office today was something I will remember for the rest of my life. With the world watching, America has elected a historic duo to help lead our country on a path to peace, unity and good will. 

It is the fresh start that we all need to help heal and return to an America we can be proud of—one of strength, integrity and as the vice president said herself, “A country of possibilities.”