Harwant brings a deep understanding of ethnic and social diversity, and of multicultural communication issues. Her life has been enriched by living and working on various continents and by her travels to different parts of the world. She spent her early childhood in Tanzania, Africa, and later on moved to India. It is here that she obtained a Master's degree in Psychology from the Punjab University, Chandigarh, Punjab, India. She enjoyed her experience as a Professor of Psychology in one of the State Colleges, and later on moved to Davis, California. She enhanced her career by obtaining a Master's in Education from the California State University, Sacramento, California.

She spent a significant number of years in the Philippines, as a part of the international community at the International Rice Research Institute. She obtained a Ph.D. in Education from the University of the Philippines, Los Banos (UPLB), and worked as an Affiliate Scientist in the Research Management Center. She taught graduate courses in Management and Public Administration in the Colegio De Los Banos, College, Laguna, Philippines.

Her time in the Philippines provided vast opportunities to interact with people of diverse ethnic cultural backgrounds. She has travelled extensively in Asia, South Asia, the Middle East, Australia, New Zealand, and to various European Countries.

She returned to Davis in 2002 and has been involved in various clubs and community activities. She was the lead trainer in developing the Merced River Digital Library Portal for the Wolf and Associates Company. As a member of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) Davis Branch, she served as its Media Relations Chairperson. She is a member and the past President of the Davis Town and Gown Toastmasters Club.

Harwant contributes to research and curriculum development of Tero's premier, proprietary programs with an emphasis on intercultural coursework.