Harris Mojadedi was born in Fremont to Afghan refugee parents who came to the United States seeking safety, dignity, and opportunity. Like many families rebuilding their lives, grew up relying on Alameda County’s social safety-net programs, including Section 8 housing, food assistance, and public health services. Those early experiences shaped his lifelong commitment to public service and to ensuring that government works for the people who need it most. He grew up in a union household with both of his sisters working as In Home Support Services caregivers.

A proud graduate of James Logan High School, Harris attended public schools in Fremont and Union City before earning his bachelor’s degree in Political Science from San José State University and completing graduate work at Saint Mary’s College of California. His path into public service began locally, working for the City of Fremont’s Parks and Recreation Department, an early lesson in how local government can strengthen community and expand opportunity.

Harris has built a career dedicated to education, equity, and civic engagement. He has served in leadership roles at CSU East Bay and currently serves as an Assistant Dean at UC Berkeley, where he works on initiatives that support student success, access, and wellbeing across one of the nation’s leading public universities.

In addition to his work in higher education, Harris is an elected Trustee for the Chabot–Las Positas Community College District, representing Union City and South Hayward. As a trustee, he has championed student success, workforce pathways, and equitable access to higher education, all while helping guide the district through COVID recovery and enrollment stabilization.

Harris has also been deeply involved in civic leadership and human-rights advocacy. He has served as a Planning Commissioner and Human Relations Commissioner, sits on the Board of the San Francisco Bay Area Steering Committee of the Human Rights Campaign, and has been an active volunteer and leader in Afghan refugee resettlement efforts across the East Bay. In response to rising hate and division, Harris helped organize the Union City Stands United Against Hate rallies, bringing together community members, faith leaders, and elected officials in solidarity.

Rooted in the East Bay and shaped by the values of resilience, inclusion, and public service, Harris Mojadedi’s life story reflects the promise of public education, strong community institutions, and a government that invests in people. His work across education, local government, and community advocacy continues to be driven by a simple belief: everyone deserves a fair shot and a voice in shaping our collective future.