Karine’s professional story began in New York City, where she gained valuable experience in local government. She served as Director of Legislative and Budget Affairs for one City Council member and later as Deputy Chief of Staff for another. These roles provided her with a deep understanding of policy and government, as well as the tools to drive meaningful change at the local level. Seeking to broaden her impact, Karine transitioned into national politics by working at the Center for Community and Corporate Ethics, where she advocated for greater corporate accountability. This was her first foray into national politics, where she honed her skills and gained invaluable experience in the political and advocacy fields.

Karine’s national political journey took a significant turn when she joined President Barack Obama’s 2008 campaign, where she contributed to the team’s efforts to elect the first Black President of the United States. After Obama’s election, Karine joined the Obama-Biden White House, where she worked in the Office of Political Affairs, continuing her impactful work in public service. In 2011, Karine 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 abilities 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. This milestone campaign further demonstrated Karine’s dedication to empowering women and communities of color through political leadership.

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 became 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, where she shared her knowledge with the next generation of public servants. She also held the role of Chief Public Affairs Officer at MoveOn, further expanding her impact on national advocacy and political discourse.

Karine has been widely recognized for her contributions to public service and social justice. In 2019, she was named a Pritzker Fellow at the University of Chicago Institute of Politics, where she mentored students and shared insights from her work at the intersection of media, politics, and activism. The following year, she received the MLK Day Visionary Award at the National Action Network’s Martin Luther King Jr. Day Breakfast, presented by Martin Luther King III and Rev. Al Sharpton, 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 is the author of the memoir Moving Forward: A Story of Hope, Hard Work, and the Promise of America. She holds a Master of Public Administration from Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs. Read Less ^