January 21, 2021

EWNJ Statement on Vice President Kamala Harris’s Inauguration

Exactly 2 weeks ago, our nation faced an unprecedented assault on its democracy and values. Today, we begin a new chapter that opens with the historic ascension of Kamala Harris to Vice President of the United States of America. A woman, a Black American, a South Asian American, and the daughter of immigrants, will be sworn in by U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor, our nation’s first Latina Justice. The story of Vice President Kamala Harris is a testament to what is possible even in our darkest moments. 

In an interview quoting her mother, Shyamala, Vice President Harris said, “You may be the first to do many things, but make sure you are not the last.” This is a sentiment that is central to the mission and work of Executive Women of New Jersey: to ensure that the trails we blaze serve as paths to more diverse, representative, and just leadership. 

While today we celebrate the historic achievement of a woman assuming the Vice Presidency, tomorrow we must continue our work to ensure that more women are serving in leadership roles in the public and private sectors.