蜜芽传媒

Karine Jean-Pierre is making history in the United States. President Biden has named her to become the next White House Press Secretary, succeeding Jen Psaki. Her journey is an extraordinary one. The eldest daughter of Haitian immigrants who worked multiple jobs and 15-hour days in New York City just to make ends meet, she was expected to become a doctor. After she failed to get the science grades she needed, she had to shoulder the disappointment of her family and even attempted suicide.

Subsequently she rethought her life, got involved in politics and eventually ended up working in the White House for the first black US President Barack Obama. On her journey there, she exploded stereotypes, came out as gay, and spoke up for people whose voice wasn't being heard.

Newsday鈥檚 James Copnall spoke to Karine Jean-Pierre a few years ago, when she explained her attitude to politics. He asked an ex-colleague of hers, Deesha Dyer - the former White House Social Secretary and founder of Hook & Fasten, a social impact firm 鈥� about the significance of President Biden鈥檚 announcement.

鈥淚t鈥檚 about time and it鈥檚 long overdue. It鈥檚 a very tough job and you are on the spot 鈥� you have to make sure you are concise... you are representing the Administration... speaking to the American people and globally.鈥�

(Pic: White House Deputy Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre smiles after being introduced by current White House Press Secretary Jennifer Psaki as her successor; Credit: Reuters)

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