Kate Moennig is a critically acclaimed actor and executive producer whose work spans film, television, and theater. She is most known for her iconic role as Shane McCutcheon in the Showtime series The L Word and the reboot, The L Word: Generation Q. Moennig has also starred in Showtime’s hit series Ray Donovan and in Freeform’s breakout series Grown-ish. Moennig’s film credits include the neo-noir legal thriller The Lincoln Lawyer, Lane 1974, and Terry Zwigoff’s Art School Confidential. Most recently she can be seen in Liz Feldman’s series No Good Deed on Netflix. She currently cohosts the podcast PANTS with Kate and Leisha.

Leisha Hailey is an actor, director, executive producer, musician, and podcaster. Hailey is best known for her beloved breakout character Alice Pieszecki in the revolutionary Showtime series The L Word and the reboot, The L Word: Generation Q. Before making her mark on-screen, Hailey co-founded the band The Murmurs in the 1990s, recording three albums for MCA/Universal Records and touring worldwide, including with Lilith Fair. More than a decade later, in 2007, Hailey cofounded the indie pop band, Uh Huh Her, which toured internationally and sold albums worldwide. Hailey currently cohosts the podcast PANTS with Kate and Leisha.

Karine Jean-Pierre’s journey to becoming White House Press Secretary and Senior Advisor to President Joseph R. Biden Jr. is a story of resilience, hope, and the power of representation. Born in Martinique and raised in New York by Haitian immigrant parents, Karine was instilled with the belief that hard work and perseverance could help create a better life for her family. Her rise to one of the most senior roles in the U.S. government speaks to both the possibilities and the persistent inequities in American society. As the first Black person, the first openly queer person, and the longest-serving woman to hold the position of White House Press Secretary, Karine’s achievements offer a powerful reminder of what is possible—while highlighting the ongoing work required to make such opportunities more accessible to all.

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.