Karine Jean-Pierre, chief of staff for Democratic vice presidential nominee Kamala Harris

Karine Jean-Pierre


Karine Jean-Pierre (born August 13, 1977) is a French-born Haitian-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 vice presidential nominee Kamala Harris.[1]

Karine Jean-Pierre

Born August 13, 1977 (age 43)

Martinique, France
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
Personal life

Jean-Pierre is a lesbian.[17]

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."[18]

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