Emily Edenshaw

2024-2025 Obama Foundation USA Leader

Headshot of Emily Edenshaw, 2024-2025 Obama Foundation USA Leader

President and CEO, Alaska Native Heritage Center

Anchorage, Alaska

Emily Edenshaw is the president and CEO of the Alaska Native Heritage Center, the only statewide cultural and educational center dedicated to celebrating all cultures and heritages across Alaska. In this role, Emily redefines what a cultural institution can be and do, recently focusing on homelessness in the Alaska Native community and extending center programming into new physical spaces to meet members of their community where they are. Outside of work and public service, Emily is a Ph.D. student in Indigenous Studies at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, researching Alaska Native boarding school experiences as a rare Indigenous researcher shaping the discourse on this topic.

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Meet the 2024-2025 United States Leaders

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Leaders

For emerging leaders who have demonstrated a commitment to advancing the common good.

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  • The Center
  • Building the Center
Future water garden to honor Ann Dunham, be graced by Maya Lin sculpture

Join other Obama alumni in coming together to support the naming of the Water Garden at the Obama Presidential Center in honor of the life and legacy of President Obama’s mother, Ann Dunham—as a gift for the President’s 61st birthday.

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  • Defending Democracy
  • Leaders
Copenhagen Democracy Summit
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  • Barack Obama
Watch: President Obama shares the vision of the presidential center

Watch President Obama share his vision for the Obama Presidential Center during a surprise visit with supporters and stakeholders—a vision for a public space that will honor history, help revitalize the South Side, and connect people throughout the communi

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