Our global impact

Download 2023 Annual Report

A woman with a light skin tone walks up the stairs with another woman with a medium skin tone and by her side is a man with a light-medium skin tone and glasses. They all smile while wearing business attire

Creating opportunities globally

The Obama Leaders Program in Africa, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the USA connects cohorts of changemakers to accelerate positive and lasting change in their communities and throughout their region. These Leaders are tackling a wide range of issues, but no matter their work or approach, they have found connection, support, and inspiration from their fellow Leaders. Participants reflect on values, skills for connection, and systems change in a regionalized 25-week program, including 15 weeks dedicated to Hope to Action programming.

We were particularly excited to launch the first cohort of the Leaders USA program, expanding on the Foundation’s five-year effort to support changemakers driven by values. Additionally, we launched the second cohort of the inaugural Voyager Scholarship for Public Service Program, which supports U.S. college juniors and seniors pursuing public service careers. The program offers up to $50,000 in financial aid over two years, a $10,000 stipend for a self-designed Summer Voyage, and a 10-year Airbnb credit totaling $20,000, empowering recipients with financial relief, enriching travel opportunities, and a supportive network of mentors and leaders.

Hope to Action

The Hope to Action curriculum is a core component of the Obama Foundation Leaders Program. It equips emerging leaders with essential skills for effective, values-based leadership. This curriculum, introduced in 2023, is structured into four modules and includes sessions focused on articulating personal values, connecting with others through shared values, and creating sustainable change. It aims to foster hope, courage, and community among participants by offering practical tools, peer learning, and opportunities for deep reflection. The curriculum supports leaders in activating their values, enhancing their impact, and connecting with a global network of changemakers.

Elpida Kokkota smiles as she stands next to Jame Kalekye Mutambya, a Black woman with a deep skin tone and short hair, and Mercy Musomi, a Black woman with a deep skin tone and short curly hair. Jame holds a peace sign as they stand in front of a booth at a Naroibi cultural market. In the background is art and handmade bags.

Meet Elpida Kokkota

She is a 2023 Obama Foundation Europe Leader. Elpida empowers women through economic education with her nonprofit, Mexoxo, which develops social impact plans for corporations and small to medium businesses to support community socioeconomic growth.

Mexoxo has directly served over 31,000 women worldwide.

“We connect women with our network of over 250 global stakeholders from corporations, academia, government, and local NGOs. I founded Mexoxo to create pathways of change for women, their families, and their communities,” Elpida said.

Driven by the hope for a better future for women and girls, she shared, “My hope is that women and girls live in more balanced societies where humans respect each other for who they are. I want all women to find their place in the world.”

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Leaders convening in Athens

More than 100 changemakers from across Africa, Asia-Pacific, and Europe joined President Obama in Greece for a weeklong leadership and cultural experience. We were thrilled to bring together our network to equip them with the tools and support they need to keep tackling some of the biggest challenges of our time. During the week, Leaders exchanged ideas, workshopped solutions, and built meaningful connections.

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President Obama joins over 100 Obama Leaders in Athens, Greece

The Obama Leadership Network

The Obama Leadership Network launched in 2023 with support from existing Obama program alumni from 2018. The community now includes 1,081 Obama Leaders, Fellows, and Scholars from nearly 150 countries. This expansion underscores the Foundation's commitment to activating more people to participate in democracy, connecting them with the resources to succeed, and building trust in institutions and communities worldwide.

The Obama Leadership Network engages leaders across various key areas: 30% in democracy, rights, and inclusion; 22% in climate issues; 18% in economic growth and community development; 14% in education; 10% in social entrepreneurship and technology; and 5% in health-related issues.