If you’re feeling indecisive about career and life decisions you have to make, look further than New York Assembly member Kimberly Jean-Pierre for some solid advice and inspiration. A graduate of Brooklyn College, the now-state official also attended Stony Brook College, where she earned a Master’s Degree in Public Policy. As the daughter of Haitian immigrants, she could not stand sitting with her legs crossed when an earthquake hit Haiti in the early 2010s. She got on the staff of the Haiti Relief Project, helping oversee the relief effort. But long before that catastrophic event, she had sought out Haiti-related causes, having served as Vice President of an organization called Haitian Americans United for Change.
“Sadly, I have never visited the country,” says the state official. “Many people find it very hard to believe because I love the culture and speak Creole fluently. My mom hasn’t been back since 1992 and my father never felt it was safe for me to travel.” The earthquake would have been a vital time to travel there, but she knew she’d be more helpful by staying in New York raising money, gathering medical supplies, apparel and food. “I planned to travel [last] summer, but the campaign came along. The plan is to travel [this] year.”
Meanwhile, she’s going places in life and in her career, and, boy, can we learn a thing or two from her.
Don’t be afraid to do a 180.
“After graduating undergraduate school, I knew I wanted to somehow get involved in education,” she recalls. “I applied for the Fellows Program to become a teacher, but I wasn’t sure about being a teacher. My brother encouraged me to apply for a Master’s Program at Stony Brook University and Public Policy was a new program and I figure I can use this degree to get involved in educational policies. Through the graduate program, I fell in love with local Politics and local government and never left.”
Being in proximity to parents and loved ones is cool, but it’s even better to get out of your comfort zone.
“Long Island was never a thought for me,” contends the native Brooklynite, “but graduate school brought me here. Internships created an entire new definition of what I can do with my degree and the opportunity for a new environment. It’s important to look at your options and the network you have built. Putting yourself in a challenging situation like I did helps you overcome so many factors that not only help you professionally—but personally.”
Above: Kimberly Jean-Pierre has a light conversation with some women in her community.
If you’re torn between degrees, there’s only one thing to do…
“Study what you love,” advises Kimberly Jean-Pierre. “I went into Creative Writing because—[from] childhood to my young adult [years], I kept a journal documenting my daily life. I was always a big storyteller and enjoyed playing pretend. More importantly, I battled with my writing and knew it was a necessary tool.”
If your parents had humble beginnings, let that be a driving force of sorts for you.
“I think both of my parents did what they had to do based on the time they came to the United States,” she explains to Kreyolicious. “My mom was a home health aide for over 25 years—and as a single mom she carried out her responsibilities to ensure all four of her children were educated and taken care of. I knew if the opportunities available to me were available to both my parents, their lives would be different.”
Let others do them, and do you.
Now that Kimberly Jean-Pierre is a big-shot in the state of New York, does she ever come across people who used to be mean in high school, and who try to act like they’re her best friends now? “Oh, New York Assembly Woman, Kimberly Jean-Pierre! Girl, what’s up”, and they try to high-five her or dap her and everything. “I am grateful that I can’t relate to that,” she tells Kreyolicious of that scenario. And even if there had been meanies, she probably was oblivious to them. “I have always been a kind and friendly individual. My friends always ask me, “Why are you always smiling or laughing?” Life is too short, there’s no reason for enemies, and effective communication eliminates all this mean behavior.”
Work for free, work for free—also known as interning.
Kimberly’s internship with the New York Public Interest Research Group led to a lot of great opportunities afterwards. To those out there who are thinking about interning, she has plenty of advice in terms of what internships to apply for, and how to make the best of an internship. “Internships are an opportunity for one to build his or her network in the industry they seek interest in, so use it wisely,” she advises. “Ask to be a part of projects, meetings, bring forth ideas, etc. Interns are like staff, employers like to hire within so be known and always be professional. My career on Long Island started with internships and the relationships I built which promoted me from one level of government to another, starting in 2008.”
Above: Kimberly Jean-Pierre (in pink blouse) speaks to blue collar workers in her community.
It’s possible for introverts to become leaders.
Is it really? “Yes,” she replies, “when you break out of it. Pride doesn’t exist on the journey to success.” She continues: “You have to be comfortable to ask questions and make mistakes. Learning from your mistakes is imperative because it changes you professionally and personally. A leader requires work and my pastor would say Leadership is decisiveness, consistency and strength. Change is the essence of maturation.”
Books can change one’s whole outlook on life.
And Kimberly has read such a book. “That book would be my life, my childhood,” she contends. “My mom was a single mom, and as her second oldest but the oldest in the house, the responsibilities of my siblings was mine while she worked long hours. I raised my sister and brother once I graduated graduate school—bringing them to Long Island. The early adult decisions I had to make have shaped me today.
Some gut feelings may turn out to be wrong.
“Nothing comes to mind right now, but I am sure it has happened,” she says of the go-by-your-instincts rule. “You learn to look at the pros and cons of the decision you have to make.”
Remember the basics.
The Assembly Woman says that if she could break down her life into three lessons, they’d simply be summarized in three words: Faith, partnerships and confidence. “Faith–know that God loves you puts your through journeys in preparation for the future. Keep him alive within you,” she explains. “Partnerships—leadership doesn’t occur without building a network and foundation. Confidence- believe in yourself, as a young woman I battled with this but every day I get stronger. Confidence helps you in so many areas of your life.”
Take matters one at a time.
When Kreyolicious inquired about her plans for the future, Kimberly replies, “I am not quite sure, but I know it will be good. I have stopped planning for the future, instead I am focused on the now.”
And speaking of now, Kreyolicious cheries, it’s time for you to put some of these principles to use! Meanwhile…
[Photos furnished by subject.]
KIMBERLY JEAN-PIERRE ON TWITTER| VISIT KIMBERLY JEAN-PIERRE’S WEBSITE
