Over the past four years, an extraordinary group of Black women worked at the highest levels of government, shaping policy, driving meaningful change and serving the nation in pivotal roles. Captured through the lens of Polly Irungu, who served as the Official Photo Editor for Vice President Kamala Harris and White House Photographer during the Biden-Harris administration, ESSENCE is sharing this collection of photos by Irungu to honor their invaluable contributions.
Among them is Karine Jean-Pierre, who made history as the first Black and openly LGBTQ+ White House Press Secretary, breaking barriers with grace and determination. Andrea O’Neal, who served as Special Assistant to the President for Racial and Economic Justice, Nagela Nukuna, Senior Advisor for Technology and Delivery for the White House Domestic Policy Council and, of course, Vice President Kamala Harris—the first Black and South Asian woman to hold the office—has served as a beacon of inspiration for women and girls everywhere.
Together, these women and their peers have worked across diverse policy areas, including international relations, technology, public engagement, national security and more, leaving an indelible mark on the administration’s legacy.
Each photograph tells a story beyond a job title. They represent strength, resilience and leadership. We honor these trailblazing women and celebrate the Black excellence they brought to the White House.
Learn more about them below.
01
01
Kamala D. Harris
Vice President of the United States and Members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorrority Inc
Official White House Photos by Polly Irungu
02
02
Karine Jean Pierre
Assistant to the President and White House Press Secretary
Official White House Photos by Polly Irungu
03
03
Wintta Woldemariam
Associate Director of the Office of Management and Budget
Official White House Photos by Polly Irungu
04
04
Wellesley Michael
Deputy Digital Coordinator to the Vice President
Official White House Photos by Polly Irungu
05
05
Venus Johnson
Receptionist of the United States
Official White House Photos by Polly Irungu
06
06
TC Mitchell
Executive Studios Broadcasting Production
Official White House Photos by Polly Irungu
07
07
Shelby Talton
Confidential Assistant to the Chief of Staff for OMB
Official White House Photos by Polly Irungu
08
08
Raheema Abdulaleem
Special Assistant to the President and General Counsel for OA
Official White House Photos by Polly Irungu
09
09
Polly Irungu
Official Photo Editor for Vice President Kamala Harris and White House Photographer
Official White House Photos by Polly Irungu
10
10
Nancy Makale
Special Assistant for NSC
Official White House Photos by Polly Irungu
11
11
Nagela Nukuna
Senior Advisor for Technology and Delivery for the White House Domestic Policy Council
Official White House Photos by Polly Irungu
12
12
Myra Caesar
Special Assistant to the President and Director of White House Personnel
Official White House Photos by Polly Irungu
13
13
Melanie Mpanju
Advisor to the Deputy White House Counsel
Official White House Photos by Polly Irungu
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14
Mahlet N. Mesfin
Deputy Assistant Secretary for OceanFisheries and Polar Affairs in the Department of State’s Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs
Official White House Photos by Polly Irungu
15
15
Lydia Grizzell
Associate Director of Office Management
Official White House Photos by Polly Irungu
16
16
Lanre Faderin
Senior Director of West Wing Operations for Vice President Kamala Harris
Official White House Photos by Polly Irungu
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17
Kirsten Allen
Deputy Assistant to the President and Communications Director for Vice President Kamala Harris
Official White House Photos by Polly Irungu
18
18
Erica Loewe
Special Assistant to the President and White House Chief of Staff for Engagement (with Misty Copeland Prima Ballerina)
Official White House Photos by Polly Irungu
19
19
Dr. Lesley Anne Warner
Deputy Assistant Administrator in the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Governance at USAID
Official White House Photos by Polly Irungu
20
20
Desirée Cormier Smith
Special Representative for Racial Equity and Justice for the United States State Department
Official White House Photos by Polly Irungu
21
21
Charmion N. Kinder
Senior Advisor for Public Engagement and Intergovernmental Affairs for Vice President Kamala Harris
Official White House Photos by Polly Irungu
22
22
Camille Stewart
Deputy National Cyber Director, Technology and Ecosystem Security
Official White House Photos by Polly Irungu
23
23
Bintou Njie
Special Advisor to the Vice President for Africa
Official White House Photos by Polly Irungu
24
24
Ashley Williams
Deputy Assistant to the President and Director of Strategic Outreach And Senior Advisor to President Joe Biden
Official White House Photos by Polly Irungu
25
25
Arielle Andrews
Chief of Staff for the Office of Speechwriting and Presidential Speechwriter
Official White House Photos by Polly Irungu
26
26
Andrea O’Neal
Special Assistant to the President for Racial and Economic Justice
Official White House Photos by Polly Irungu
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27
Alexia Lewis
Associate Director for Advance for Vice President Kamala Harris