BUSINESS
Leading By Example: Kamala Harris’s Impact on Young Women
By: Mayeya Dominguez Edited by: Rezi Ubogu
Role models provide inspiration, guidance, and a blueprint for success, offering the opportunity to learn from their mistakes and triumphs. They show us the way forward, lighting a path for others to follow while motivating us to become the best version of ourselves.
For a long time, I wondered why people spoke so highly of having a role model. It was a concept that did not quite resonate with me. As a young woman aspiring to break into the corporate world, I struggled to find role models who looked like me. The only character with whom I could identify some commonality was Shiv Roy from the TV show Succession. Shiv Roy is a female character who embodies the experience of being underestimated and dismissed simply because of her gender. There is an undeniable lack of positive representation for women in positions of power, and when they are depicted, it is often in a way that misrepresents their true capabilities.
I never felt the kind of inspiration others referenced—the kind that comes from seeing someone who looks like you succeed in a field you aspire to enter and thinking, "If they can do it, so can I." While I admired certain traits in people I respected, I never quite felt that spark. That is, until one Wednesday afternoon when I, from my college living room couch, watched Vice President Kamala Harris deliver her concession speech following the 2024 Presidential Election. At that moment, something shifted. Watching Harris’s campaign and seeing a woman run for President of the United States, I finally understood peoples’ fascination. It was more than just her accomplishments—it was a powerful reminder that I, too, am capable of anything, no matter how impossible it may seem at the moment.
Kamala Harris has further opened a door for young women to see themselves in positions of power. But it was not just her groundbreaking run for office that inspired me—it was the unity I saw from women rallying to support her. Prominent figures like Beyoncé, Jennifer Aniston, Julia Roberts, Rihanna, Lady Gaga, and countless others offered their public endorsements and stood beside her. Women uniting to support a female candidate for President of the United States was a deeply moving and unforgettable moment of solidarity.
Kamala Harris has become a symbol of empowerment for women everywhere, inspiring us to aim higher, face challenges head-on, and relentlessly pursue our goals.
The true power of role models lies in the fact that they do not need to be running for president or winning countless accolades to make an impact. Their influence comes from their actions, their values, and the way they inspire others to reach their potential. In fact, I often overlook the role models I have in my life, failing to see the profound impact they have on me. It’s easy to take for granted the people closest to us—the ones who set an example of hard work, resilience, and determination. These individuals often have the greatest influence and inspire us the most. When I asked the women around me about their role models, most of them pointed to their mothers, citing their mothers’ unwavering hard work and perseverance as their main source of motivation. Others mentioned famous figures, particularly women in the fields they hoped to enter, or those who shared similar life experiences.
In an age where we have constant access to celebrities and well-known personalities, I found myself curious about the role models for women from older generations when they were my age. When I asked my mother, a self-made business owner, who her role models were, she spoke of the strength and courage of Frida Kahlo, the wisdom of her college professor, and the work ethic and patience of her uncle. These figures shaped her understanding of resilience, success, and the power of perseverance.
Role models inspire us by showing us what is possible, and their ability to overcome obstacles and remain resilient motivates us to pursue our own goals.
In the past, I struggled to find that spark of inspiration. But Kamala Harris changed that. She made me realize that sometimes, all it takes is seeing someone who embodies everything a person like me can achieve. That is the power of role models: they show us that our goals are not just possible—they are achievable. They pave the way for others to follow, leaving behind a trail of inspiration for the next generation to follow.
