By Sheila Matthews
Vice President Kamala Harris hosted a Women’s History Month celebration at her Washington residence in collaboration with the Women’s Sports Foundation. Founded by tennis legend Billie Jean King, the WSF brought together an inspiring group of women to celebrate this year’s theme, trailblazing women in sports.
The reception, which featured a guest list of more than 100 women, gathered barrier-breaking athletes and some of the most influential voices in the sports world. Attendees Las Vegas Aces president Nikki Fargas, Atlanta Dream part owner and retired WNBA player Renee Montgomery, and three-time WNBA MVP and four-time Olympic gold medal winner Lisa Leslie praised the women who’ve made change in their field.
“The work you do every day benefits people regardless of their gender,” Harris said during the event. The vice president’s residence was transformed into a space of celebration, reunion, and a reminder that women’s legacy in sports is an essential part of everyone’s history.
Harris discussed the importance of equitable access to opportunities in sports, which can lead to the creation of strong leaders and an even stronger nation. Harris also shared her mother’s advice about laying the groundwork for others.
“My mother would always say, ‘You may be the first, but make sure you are not the last,’ ” Harris said. “Never let anyone tell you who you are. You tell them who you are. That’s the spirit behind this work.”
When she travels the country, Harris conducts surprise visits to young female athletes. In January, she visited coach Dawn Staley and the University of South Carolina women’s basketball team, and she surprised the St. Paul Central High School softball team on March 14, which was also invited to the Women’s History Month reception.