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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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Leaders

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

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  • Defending Democracy
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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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