Sheila Raha Sarhangi

2024-2025 Obama Foundation USA Leader

Headshot of Sheila Raha Sarhangi, 2024-2025 Obama Foundation USA Leader

Community Organizer, Storyteller, and Facilitator

Honolulu, Hawai’i

Sheila Raha Sarhangi has spent 20 years working in partnership with communities across Oceania to protect cultural heritage and the planet’s most biodiverse hotspots. She led the campaigns for the expansions of Papahānaumokuākea and Pacific Remote Islands Marine National Monuments, two of the world’s largest marine protected areas. A journalist and author, Sheila uses storytelling to shift mindsets and drive action. As the former vice president of strategic communications at the Hawaii Community Foundation, she advanced disaster recovery efforts, raising over $195M in one year.

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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
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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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