Speaker Profile Thumbnail for Valerie Jarrett

Chief Executive Officer, The Barack Obama Foundation

Valerie Jarrett Speaking Fee: $30,000 to $50,000

Chief Executive Officer, The Barack Obama Foundation

Speaker Profile Thumbnail for Valerie Jarrett
Speaking Fee:
$30,000 to $50,000

Travels From:
NYC - New York City

Primary Topic Category:
African American & Black

Secondary Topic Category:
Leadership and Management

 

Valerie Jarrett Speaker Profile: At A Glance

Valerie Jarrett is CEO and Board Member for the Obama Foundation and a Senior Distinguished Fellow at The University of Chicago Law School. She is the author of the New York Times bestselling book Finding My Voice: My Journey to the West Wing and the Path Forward, published in April 2019. She serves as Board Chairman of Civic Nation, Co-Chair of The United State of Women, senior advisor to Attn, and is a One Million Black Women Advisory Board member.

Valerie Jarrett serves as the Chief Executive Officer of The Barack Obama Foundation, an organization dedicated to fostering the values of public service and civic engagement exemplified by the 44th President of the United States. Jarrett's influence extends far beyond her current role, as she brings with her a wealth of experience from her distinguished career in both the public and private sectors. Her commitment to social betterment and her strategic vision have made her a pivotal figure in American political and social realms. Born in Shiraz, Iran, to American parents, Jarrett's early years were infused with a global perspective. Her father, a pathologist and geneticist, was working in Iran on a hospital project. This international exposure ingrained in her a sense of adaptability and openness to diverse cultures and ideas. Returning to the United States, she pursued her education fervently, graduating from Stanford University followed by the University of Michigan Law School. Her scholarly background laid a solid foundation for her subsequent achievements. Jarrett began her career in Chicago politics, holding key positions in the administration of Mayor Harold Washington, the city's first African-American mayor. Her ability to navigate complex political landscapes soon led her to greater responsibilities, including overseeing the city’s departments of planning and development. Her knack for facilitating meaningful dialogue and driving urban development initiatives became hallmarks of her tenure. She worked under three Chicago mayors, demonstrating a rare blend of political acumen and steadfast dedication. In the broader national arena, Valerie Jarrett became a critical advisor to President Barack Obama, serving as a Senior Advisor and Assistant to the President for Public Engagement and Intergovernmental Affairs during his administration. In this capacity, she was instrumental in shaping policies on urban development, women's rights, and economic growth. Her insights helped craft initiatives that aimed to lift communities and support underrepresented groups. Her tenure at the White House underscored her leadership in promoting equality and opportunity for all Americans. Today, as CEO of The Barack Obama Foundation, Jarrett harnesses her extensive experience to guide the organization in its mission to inspire, empower, and connect people to change their world. Her leadership is instrumental in advancing projects like the Obama Presidential Center and various global programs aimed at cultivating the next generation of leaders. Through her work, Valerie Jarrett continues to leave an indelible mark on society, driven by a belief in the power of communities to effect profound and lasting change.
Gotham Artists