President Obama Introduces New Class of Over 200 Obama Foundation Leaders
Changemakers were chosen from a competitive pool of more than 6,000 applicants across Africa, Asia-Pacific, Europe, and the United States
CHICAGO – Today, President Obama proudly introduced a new class of 205 emerging changemakers from Africa, Asia-Pacific, Europe, and the United States as part of The Obama Foundation’s Leaders program. Chosen from a highly competitive pool of over 6,000 applicants, these Leaders will join regional cohorts that reflect the global impact of the Foundation’s leadership network.
This year’s class comprises 34 Leaders from Africa, 35 from the Asia-Pacific region, 36 from Europe, and 100 from the United States. These “Obama Leaders” come from 70 different nations and territories and represent a wide spectrum of sectors—including public, private, and civil—and they are dedicated to tackling some of the world’s most pressing issues. From democracy and civic engagement to addressing the climate crisis and advancing education, these Leaders are ready to work together and in their communities to solve the greatest challenges of our time.
"Our Leaders program connects and empowers changemakers from around the world who are advancing inclusive and effective solutions to the biggest challenges we face," said President Obama. "I'm incredibly proud of the Leaders we've worked with over the years, and excited to welcome this new class. Together, they bring different perspectives, ideas, and experiences to the table, and our hope is that they’ll be able to learn from each other and develop a deep network of support. I'm inspired by their dedication, and look forward to seeing them grow and create lasting, meaningful change in their communities."
The Obama Foundation Leaders Program was inspired by the leadership values and approach of President and Mrs. Obama. The program draws on the Foundation’s ‘Hope to Action’ curriculum to support Leaders in engaging diverse perspectives, building collective power, and making tangible, sustainable progress towards a better world.
The Leaders program was first launched in Africa in 2018, followed by its expansion to the Asia-Pacific region in 2019, and then to Europe in 2020. The Leaders USA program began in 2023, and this is the first year that all four Leaders programs will run concurrently, allowing for more opportunities for cross-regional collaboration. Upon completion of the program, Obama Leaders will continue to gain a broader continental and global perspective, joining the Obama Leadership Network, a growing global alumni community of over 1,000 active changemakers.
To learn more about the program, visit obama.org/programs/leaders (Opens in a new tab).
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Contact: Gloria Nlewedim Eichar, press@obama.org