Karine Jean-Pierre is the former White House Press Secretary and Senior Advisor to President Joseph R. Biden Jr. Born in Martinique and raised in New York by Haitian immigrant parents, Karine was instilled with the belief that hard work and perseverance could help create a better life for her family. As the first Black person and the first openly queer person to serve as White House Press Secretary, Karine’s achievements offer a powerful reminder of what is possible—while highlighting the ongoing work required to make such opportunities more accessible to all.
Prior to her leadership role at The White House, Karine had a notably extensive career in public service. She began by serving as Legislative and Budget Affairs for one City Council member and later as Deputy Chief of Staff for another. She transitioned into national politics by working at the Center for Community and Corporate Ethics, where she advocated for greater corporate accountability. In 2008, Karine joined President Barack Obama’s 2008 campaign and after the election, she joined the Obama-Biden White House, where she worked in the Office of Political Affairs. In 2011, she transitioned to the 2012 re-election campaign, where she served as Deputy Battleground States Director, playing a key role in mobilizing key states for Obama’s second term.
Her leadership and commitment to breaking barriers were on full display when she became Campaign Manager for Tish James’s successful run for New York City Public Advocate, making James the first woman to hold that office.
As a senior advisor to President Biden’s 2020 campaign, Karine played a critical role in advancing the vision of a more inclusive and equitable America. She made history once again when she served as Chief of Staff to then–running mate Senator Kamala Harris, who would go on to make history as the first woman, the first Black American, and the first South Asian American elected Vice President of the United States. Karine’s ability to navigate complex political landscapes and bring diverse voices to the forefront made her a key figure in shaping the future of American leadership.
Beyond her work in government, Karine has been a well-respected political analyst for NBC and MSNBC, bringing her expertise on democracy, social justice, and public policy to millions of viewers. At the same time, she served as an adjunct professor at Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs. She also held the role of Chief Public Affairs Officer at MoveOn, further expanding her impact on national advocacy and political discourse.
She received the MLK Day Visionary Award at the National Action Network’s Martin Luther King Jr. Day Breakfast honoring her commitment to civil rights and equity. In 2023, she was awarded the Phoenix Award, the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s highest honor, recognizing her trailblazing leadership and dedication to uplifting marginalized communities.
Karine, a proud honorary AKA, is the author of the memoir Moving Forward: A Story of Hope, Hard Work, and the Promise of America and Independent, publishing in October 2025.
She holds a Master of Public Administration from Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs.
