The Obama Foundation has announced the inaugural recipients of its Leaders USA program, a six-month leadership development program.
The first cohort includes 100 emerging leaders with at least three years of demonstrated impact who aim to drive change across geographies, sectors, and issues, and participants hail from 37 states, the District of Columbia, American Samoa, Guam, and five tribal nations. Part of the Obama Foundation leaders program, the Leaders USA program will provide individuals ages 24 to 45 with a values-driven curriculum, action labs focused on strengthening democratic institutions and culture in the United States, and access to community groups and one-on-one support. Participants will have the opportunity to engage with former President Barack Obama, leadership coaches, subject matter experts, and one another; upon successful program completion, they will join the Obama Foundation Leadership Network.
“I’m inspired by this talented group of young leaders from across the United States who are working on the most pressing issues facing our world,” said Obama. “From an oncology resident championing health equity for Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders, to passionate union organizers advocating for the labor rights of educators and first responders nationwide, to the first Black woman executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Alabama—their ideas and leadership will help strengthen democracy now and in the future. These leaders give me hope, and they deserve our support.”
For a complete list of the inaugural cohort, see the Obama Foundation website.
(Photo credit: Getty Images/Violeta Stoimenova)