Karine Jean-Pierre
Karine Jean-Pierre (born 1977) is a Martinican-born American political campaign organizer, activist, political commentator, and lecturer in international and public affairs at Columbia University. She is the senior advisor and national spokeswoman for MoveOn.org and a political analyst for NBC News and MSNBC. In August 2020, she was selected to serve as the chief of staff for Democratic presumptive vice presidential nominee Kamala Harris.[1]
Karine Jean-Pierre | |
---|---|
Born | 1977 (age 42–43) |
Education | Columbia University (MPA) |
Political party | Democratic |
Website | Official website |
Early life and education
Jean-Pierre was born in Martinique to Haitian immigrant parents.[2] She was raised in Queens, New York.[3] Jean-Pierre received her MPA from the School of International and Public Affairs, Columbia University in 2003.[4] Jean-Pierre later joined the Columbia University faculty in 2014, where she is a lecturer in international and public affairs.[5][6]
Career
Political campaigns
Jean-Pierre was the southeast regional political director for John Edwards' presidential campaign.[1]
She was the southeast regional political director for Obama for America campaign.[1] During the first Obama term, Jean-Pierre served as the regional political director for the White House Office of Political Affairs.[7][8]
In 2011, Jean-Pierre served as National Deputy Battleground States Director for President Obama's 2012 re-election campaign.[8] She led the delegate selection and ballot access process, while managing the political engagement in key states.[1] She provided resources to help states determine "the best way for them to get the word out for the campaign."[7]
Jean-Pierre served as the deputy campaign manager for Martin O'Malley 2016 presidential campaign.[1]
During the Kamala Harris 2020 presidential campaign at a MoveOn discussion forum on 1 July 2019 in San Francisco an animal rights activist jumped the stage and rushed at Harris and grabbed her microphone while she was trying to speak about equal rights. Jean-Pierre was a moderator and intervened physically until security rushed the man off the stage.[9][10][11][12]
2020 presidential campaign
Jean-Pierre serves as a senior advisor to the Joe Biden 2020 presidential campaign.
In December 2018, the Haitian Times named her one of six "Haitian Newsmakers Of The Year".[6] In January 2019, Jean-Pierre became a political analyst for NBC News and MSNBC.[13]
In August 2020, it was announced that Jean-Pierre would serve as the chief of staff for Joe Biden's running mate, Kamala Harris.[14]
Media
In April 2016, MoveOn.org named her a senior advisor and national spokesperson for the 2016 presidential election. In a press release announcing the hire, MoveOn said Jean-Pierre would "advise on and serve as a spokesperson around MoveOn's electoral work, including a major effort to stand up to Donald Trump."[15] She has also appeared on Fox News, Fox Business, MSNBC, CNN, CSPAN, PBS NewsHour.[1]
Activism
Jean-Pierre has often demonstrated concern for human rights. She has worked at the Center for Community and Corporate Ethics and pushed major companies like Walmart to change their business practices.[16]
Personal life
Jean-Pierre identifies as lesbian.
In an interview regarding her tenure working for the Obama Administration as an openly gay staffer, she said: "What’s been wonderful is that I was not the only; I was one of many. President Obama didn’t hire LGBT staffers, he hired experienced individuals who happen to be LGBT," she says. "Serving and working for President Obama where you can be openly gay has been an amazing honor. It felt incredible to be a part of an administration that prioritizes LGBT issues."[17]
See also
References
- "Karine Jean-Pierre: Biography". School of International and Public Affairs, Columbia University. Retrieved May 14, 2019.
- https://thehaitianroundtable.org/portfolio/karine-jean-pierre/
- Watson, Jessica (October 30, 2012). "A conversation with former Obama aide, Karine Jean-Pierre". SheKnows Media. Retrieved March 16, 2017.
- "FEMALE RISING – 7 Caribbean American Women Making Waves". News America Now. March 15, 2018. Retrieved May 14, 2019.
- Norris, Molly (January 15, 2018). "Political activist Karine Jean-Pierre encourages action, proactivity in speech". The Michigan Daily. Retrieved May 14, 2019.
- "Haitian Newsmakers Of The Year". Haitian Times. December 27, 2018. Retrieved May 14, 2019.
- Johnson, Chris (September 8, 2011). "Behind the scenes of the Obama campaign". Washington Blade. Retrieved March 16, 2017.
- Allen, Mike (August 25, 2011). "Obama 2012 launches Project Vote". Politico. Retrieved March 16, 2017.
- https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/446792-moderator-describes-defending-kamala-harris-from-mic-grabber-here-comes
- https://www.losangelesblade.com/2019/06/02/karine-jean-pierre-protects-kamala-harris-like-a-wakanda-warrior/
- https://www.politico.com/story/2019/06/01/protestor-grabs-microphone-kamala-harris-moveon-1349553
- https://www.msnbc.com/deadline-white-house/watch/-it-was-a-scary-moment-karine-jean-pierre-reacts-to-protestor-rushing-stage-at-kamala-harris-event-61189701649
- Concha, Joe (January 8, 2019). "MoveOn.org senior adviser joins NBC, MSNBC as political analyst". The Hill. Retrieved May 14, 2019.
- Wilkie, Christina (August 11, 2020). "Biden campaign prepares for VP pick announcement". CNBC. Retrieved August 11, 2020.
- "MoveOn.com Names Karine Jean-Pierre As Senior Advisor & National Spokesperson for 2016 Elections". Politico. April 27, 2016. Retrieved March 16, 2017.
- "Karine Jean-Pierre: The Child of Haitian Immigrants Who Became the Forefront of U.S. Politics". L'Union Suite. August 16, 2017. Retrieved August 13, 2018.
- "Women on the Verge Part Two". The Advocate. June 9, 2011. Retrieved August 13, 2018.