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Being an Advocate

A Conversation with Valerie Jarrett
Video

Valerie Jarrett was the longest-serving senior advisor to President Barack Obama. Her new book, “Finding My Voice,” illustrates how she went from being a painfully shy kid to one of the top leaders in the White House. Chanda sat down with Valerie to talk about her book, the importance of listening to people’s stories, and how she advocates for herself and others.

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About Our Guest

Valerie Jarrett

Valerie Jarrett is a senior advisor to the Obama Foundation and Attn, a Senior Distinguished Fellow at the University of Chicago Law School, and President of the Board of When We All Vote. Her New York Times bestselling book, “Finding My Voice: My Journey to the West Wing and the Path Forward,” was released in April 2019.

The longest-serving Senior Advisor to President Barack Obama, Valerie oversaw the Offices of Public Engagement and Intergovernmental Affairs and chaired the White House Council on Women and Girls. She worked throughout her tenure at the White House to mobilize elected officials, business and community leaders, and diverse groups of advocates. She led the Obama Administration’s efforts to expand access to the middle class, boost American businesses and our economy, enact workplace policies that empower working families, reform our criminal justice system, end sexual assault, and reduce gun violence.

Valerie has also served as CEO of The Habitat Company in Chicago, Chairman of the Chicago Transit Board, Commissioner of Planning and Development, and Deputy Chief of Staff for Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley.