PRIYA DAVID CLEMENS
Hi! I'm Priya David Clemens, a longtime broadcast news journalist.
I first met and covered Vice President Kamala Harris when she was District Attorney in San Francisco. Over the years, I've had the chance to talk to many people who have been part of her personal and professional life, gaining insights into her journey and impact. With 100 days left until Election Day, I launched this series to share their stories with you.
In this series, you'll hear from people who have seen Harris’s journey up close. From her early days in San Francisco to her rise onto the national stage, these personal accounts will help you get a deeper understanding of who she is and what she stands for.
This is an independent, unaffiliated reporting project, and I am not currently associated with a news organization. This work is driven by a desire to offer an honest portrayal of Vice President Kamala Harris through the stories of those who have been part of her journey.
The Team
Samantha Wright
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER
Samantha Wright uses storytelling to mobilize environmental and social action, at scale. With a background in the film industry, she previously served as Senior Vice President at Participant, crafting campaigns for films like Dark Waters, American Factory, and Judas and the Black Messiah. Samantha's pioneering work at Exposure Labs, including projects like Chasing Coral and the Social Dilemma, showcases her dedication to merging art with activism globally. She also spearheaded Girl Rising's expansion into India, collaborating closely with Bollywood stars on campaigns for girls' education. Samantha has an MPhil in International Relations from the University of Oxford, and lives in Berkeley, CA raising two tiny humans.
Jesse Pleinnikul
DIRECTER OF MARKETING AND MEDIA
Jesse Pleinnikul leverages strategic marketing to drive human rights initiatives and empower young entrepreneurs. With extensive experience working for brands like Airbnb, Jesse has a proven track record of creating impactful campaigns. During the pandemic, Jesse founded and led a nonprofit organization that provided a platform for over 150 online-based businesses, helping struggling young entrepreneurs thrive across multiple sites. His dedication to social advocacy and entrepreneurial support reflects a deep commitment to making a difference in both local and national communities.
Christopher Beale
Senior Producer
Award-winning journalist - podcaster - producer. My whole life I have been sort of a ‘jack of all trades,’ and my current portfolio of work reflects that. Whether it’s my latest interview, a theatre review, a podcast or something else, this is where I will keep my latest work up to date.
Raphaël Timmons
Producer
Raphaël Paul Timmons has a diverse range of experiences in education, journalism, and digital content creation. He is currently working as a Producer and Photographer for KQED, the PBS/NPR affiliate in San Francisco. Raphaël is passionate about understanding how equity and social justice can be advanced through emerging technologies.