Karine Jean-Pierre, New Biden Press Secretary, Got Her Start In Queens

QUEENS, NY — Karine Jean-Pierre will soon become President Joe Biden's press secretary, but she got her start in Democratic communications in Queens.

Jean-Pierre, who was selected last week to succeed Jen Psaki as the White House press secretary, started her career as a City Council staffer in Queens after earning a Masters of Public Affairs from Columbia University.

"I saw great potential in her when she held a leadership role on my staff and I see great potential in her now," said Queens State Senator James Sanders Jr., who Jean-Pierre worked for in the early aughts.

"This is such a momentous step forward for so many groups who have been marginalized in the past and creates a more diverse team in the presidential administration," he added, alluding to the fact that Jean-Pierre is the first Black woman and openly gay person to serve as the top White House spokesperson.

Jean Pierre's ties to Queens, though, pre-date her career. Born in Martinique, she moved to Queens Village at the age of 5, where her mother worked as a home health aide and her father was a taxi driver.

The family eventually moved to Long Island, Patch reported.

Jean-Pierre, who is currently the White House's principal deputy press secretary, will begin her new job on May 13 — a promotion which isn't lost on her in terms of its significance.

"I understand how important it is for so many people out there, so many different communities," she said last week during the media briefing when her new title was announced. "I stand on their shoulders, and I have been throughout my career."

She also noted the importance of representation and shared a message for young Black children.

"Follow your passion. Follow what you believe in," she said. "I think if you are passionate about what you want to be or where you want to go and you work very hard to that goal, it will happen."