Etienne has worked in political communications since 2001. For two years starting in 2001, she worked as a staff assistant and then communications director for
Ken Bentsen, a Texas Congressman. In 2004, she was communications director for
Chris Bell, followed by a stint at the
Democratic National Committee as deputy director of the southern region. Etienne worked for
Al Green from 2006 until 2008 as communications director. She briefly worked for
Dewey Square Group in 2008 before joining
Barack Obama's 2008 presidential campaign as a spokesperson. She also ran her own communications firm briefly in 2009. From 2011 to 2013, she was director of communications for the United States House Committee on Oversight and Reform, working closely with
Elijah Cummings.In 2013, she became deputy director of communications for
Nancy Pelosi focusing on freshman congress-members and their messaging. Nancy Pelosi offered Etienne a job as communications director and senior advisor. Etienne discussed the opportunity with Cummings, who told her that she should return to Washington and take the job. Upon acceptance, Etienne became the first woman and first person of color to hold the position. During her tenure, she oversaw Democratic messaging for the
Impeachment of Donald Trump. In August 2020, she was recruited by
Anita Dunn to serve as senior adviser for strategic planning for the
Joe Biden 2020 presidential campaign. It was announced on November 18, 2021, that she would resign to pursue other opportunities. She left office in December 2021. ==Personal life==