Vice President Kamala Harris' historic candidacy ended in defeat last week. But for some Americans,

her four-month bid for the presidency left a big mark. Just seeing that she was able to

be in a position like that is really inspiring for me and other young black women.

That's Charmanda Jean-Franc. She's a senior at Howard University, Harris's alma mater.

She really painted a portrait that no matter what our voices are heard, our voices matter,

and we're worthy to be in positions like that. It just is ingrained in me to keep pushing

forward for things that I want to pursue in my life, in my career.

For Jean-Francois, Harris's racial identity contributed to her appeal as a candidate,

that and her stance on reproductive rights.

It's a sentiment echoed by many women of color who cast their ballots for Harris,

that they felt represented by her.

Among them is Jolika Ali, a 65-year-old in New York City.

I really saw myself in her because I am Black and Asian, South Asian. And it was time for the

change. And I really thought she could be the person to get the votes, to get in, to unseat Trump, but

apparently not. Ali says she gravitated toward Harris because of her identity. She also

believes Harris's identity cost her the election. Sexism and racism. That's really what it comes down to. And I don't know that this country's

ready to elect a woman president of any race, to tell you the truth.

Ali and Jean-François say they're disappointed by the outcome of the presidential race.

And yet, looking back on the campaign, both women say they're ultimately walking away hopeful.

She should hold her head up high.

She was the first, and she would take the brunt of this loss.

But history will serve her.

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