Former San Francisco District Attorney Kamala Harris has left an indelible mark on many lives, including that of Lateefah Simon, who reflects on their time working together prior to Harris’s ascent to the national stage. Simon, now a congressional candidate, shares her insights into Harris’s impactful leadership and mentorship.
More than 20 years ago, Lateefah Simon was running a San Francisco nonprofit focused on assisting young women in the criminal justice system when she met Kamala Harris, a trailblazing prosecutor. Together, they worked on a task force aiming to reform policies that unfairly charged young victims of sex trafficking with crimes.
Simon describes Harris as a figure of belief and inspiration for the young women she worked with, but she never envisioned becoming a part of Harris’s team. Harris reached out to Simon multiple times, urging her to bring her advocacy work into the district attorney’s office. After resisting several invitations, Simon eventually agreed to join Harris’s team, recognizing the unique opportunity to affect change from within the system.
Upon starting her role, Simon was surprised by Harris’s professionalism and high expectations, recalling her first day when Harris sent her home to change out of casual attire. Harris insisted that someone working on behalf of the community should always present their best self. This lesson underscored a fundamental approach Harris took toward public service: elevating the standards for those in government to ensure they represent and serve the communities effectively.
Simon emphasized the importance of addressing systemic inequities, recalling how Harris recognized the flaws within the criminal justice system. During her tenure as district attorney, she initiated a groundbreaking program, Back on Track, which aimed to redirect nonviolent offenders toward education and workforce development instead of incarceration. This initiative represented a paradigm shift, focusing on rehabilitation rather than punishment.
Simon recounted the challenges they faced while organizing the first graduation ceremony for the program, emphasizing Harris’s commitment to making the event dignified and memorable for the young participants. The program provided not just education, but also job training, healthcare, and childcare support, aiming to break the cycle of recidivism.
As Harris campaigns for the presidency, Simon hopes to highlight her legacy and the positive changes Harris championed in the justice system. She acknowledges the criticisms raised about Harris’s past decisions but argues that understanding the context of her initiatives is essential for recognizing the breadth of her impact on justice reform.
Simon’s admiration for Harris is evident, viewing her as a mentor who understands the balance necessary for advocating both from inside and outside the system. Simon reflects fondly on their relationship and expresses deep enthusiasm for Harris’s presidential campaign, recognizing the potential for renewed energy within the Democratic Party as they engage with communities across the nation.
As the political landscape shifts, Simon’s connection to Harris continues to inspire her congressional campaign, motivating her to advocate for similar reforms that uplift and empower those often overlooked by traditional systems.
