Karine Jean-Pierre’s mother worried about her career choice until she landed a job in the White House. Reflecting on the concerns of Haitian parents about their kids having a “good job” was just one of the highlights of Jean-Pierre’s delightful conversation with CBS correspondent Vladimir Duthiers on Nov. 6.

The evening discussion and book signing was sponsored by NYU’s McSilver Institute and the Haitian Roundtable. Jean-Pierre and Duthiers both shared experiences of growing up as Haitians in the U.S. that had heads nodding in agreement in the capacity crowd. She detailed how her experiences as an immigrant led her to a decision to work in politics—despite her family’s misgivings.

Jean-Pierre, a political analyst for NBC and MSNBC, is the Chief Public Affairs Officer for MoveOn.org. She served as Regional Political Director for the White House Office of Political Affairs before becoming Deputy Battleground States Director for President Obama’s 2012 re-election campaign.

The book, Moving Forward: A Story of Hope, Hard Work, and the Promise of America (Hanover Square Press), is s an inspiring memoir and call to action which chronicles her experiences—from growing up in New York’s Haitian community to working in the Obama White House and charting a path for others to help change the face of politics. She was inducted into the 1804 List of Haitian-American Changemakers by The Haitian Roundtable in 2015.

A Harvard University dean, a union vice-president, an advocate for midwives, a world champion boxer, a science reporter, a sportscaster and an award-winning playwright. These are just a few of the outstanding Haitian-Americans selected for The Haitian Roundtable’s 1804 List for 2019. The 1804 List, named for Haiti's year of independence, recognizes 25 Haitian-American Changemakers and 5 Ones to Watch who are thought leaders, trailblazers, rising stars or unsung heroes who, through their deeds and accomplishments, have helped to create a better understanding of Haiti and the Haitian community.   The list, now in its 11th year, has cast a well-deserved spotlight on the rich contributions Haitian-Americans have made to the United States. Click here for the complete list.

An Induction Ceremony and Dinner Reception will be held on November 9, 2019 at the New York Academy of Medicine. Masters of Ceremony will be Mona Scott-Young, CEO of Monami Entertainment and Dr. Jeff Gardere, “America's psychologist” and frequent TV commentator. Our 2019 Honorary Event Co-Chairs are all 1804 List Inductees: Karen Andre, attorney and political strategist (2016), Pascal Desroches, executive vice president and CFO at Warner Media (2015) and Joel Vilmenay, president and general manager of WDSU-TV in New Orleans (2017).