Two queer women of color made history on Sunday after being named to President-elect Joe Biden’s all-female communications team.
“I’m so proud that our communications team for the Biden-Harris administration is a roster filled w/ rockstar women… ,” she said. “All will bring dignity, professionalism and expertise to their respective roles!”
As the Biden-Harris administration fills out posts in its cabinet and positions throughout the White House, Karine Jean-Pierre and Pili Tobar will be two of the seven women in charge of coordinating its media and press response. Jean-Pierre, former chief public affairs officer for the progressive advocacy group MoveOn.org, has been tapped as White House Principal Deputy Press Secretary, while Tobar, who previously was the deputy director for America’s Voice, will serve as White House Deputy Communications Director.
In a statement, Biden lauded his appointments as “qualified, experienced communicators.” As the only White House in history to have its entire comms department staffed by women, the president-elect said the new press and media corps will “bring diverse perspectives to their work and a shared commitment to building this country back better.”
Harris further praised the administration’s selections as “experienced, talented, and barrier-shattering.”
“Our country is facing unprecedented challenges — from the coronavirus pandemic to the economic crisis, to the climate crisis, and a long-overdue reckoning over racial injustice,” she said in a press release. “To overcome these challenges, we need to communicate clearly, honestly, and transparently with the American people, and this… team will help us do that.”
Jean-Pierre and Tobar aren’t the only LGBTQ+ person to be part of the incoming White House: They will be joined by White House Social Secretary Carlos Elizondo, the first queer Latinx person to serve in the position. His appointment was announced last week, with more LGBTQ+ picks expected to come.
Source: them.us
