Joshua Manske

2026-2027 Obama Foundation USA Leader

Headshot of Joshua Manske, 2026-2027 Obama Foundation USA Leader

Board Member, Iowa Farmers Union

Algona, Iowa

Joshua Manske is a fifth-generation farmer from Iowa and a board member of the Iowa Farmers Union, where he advocates for family farm agriculture and the economic vitality of rural communities. He works directly with congressional policymakers and federal agencies to address issues including corporate consolidation, trade policy, and the right to repair, serving as a trusted advisor on the challenges facing independent farmers. Joshua has helped elevate rural perspectives in national policy conversations while building relationships across ideological and geographic divides. He also created an agricultural newsletter and podcast, bringing rural issues into broader public discourse and connecting farmers with national economic and policy trends.

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Meet the 2026-2027 United States Leaders

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Adrian Lipscombe

Austin, Texas
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Ahmed Badr

Madison, Connecticut
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Alejandro Miranda

Madison, Wisconsin
Allie Utley thumbnail

Allie Utley

Overland Park, Kansas
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Amanda Swope

Tulsa, Oklahoma
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Amara Manoogian

Washington, District of Columbia
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Angelica Salinas

Oak Creek, Colorado
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Berto Aguayo

Chicago, Illinois
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Caroline Hutton

Washington, District of Columbia
Chastity Bowick thumbnail

Chastity Bowick

Columbus, Ohio
Deja Foxx thumbnail

Deja Foxx

Tucson, Arizona
Elizabeth Toba Pearlman thumbnail

Elizabeth "Toba" Pearlman

Chicago, Illinois
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Erin Wilson

Alexandria, Virginia
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Jade Begay, Diné and Tesuque Pueblo

Santa Fe, New Mexico
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Jahnavi Rao

Berwyn, Pennsylvania
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Jamila Trimuel

Chicago, Illinois
Jenna Cargile thumbnail

Jenna Cargile

Clarksville, Tennessee
Joshua JP Peters thumbnail

Joshua “JP” Peters

Chicago, Illinois
Juan Diego JD Mazuera Arias thumbnail

Juan Diego “JD” Mazuera Arias

Charlotte, North Carolina
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Keaton Sunchild

Great Falls, Montana
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Kellyn King

Simi Valley, California
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Khalil Thompson

Washington, District of Columbia
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Landon Mascareñaz

Denver, Colorado
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Larissa “Larz” May

San Francisco, California
Laura Grannemann thumbnail

Laura Grannemann

Detroit, Michigan
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Laura Restrepo

Horsham, Pennsylvania
Lauren Click thumbnail

Lauren Click

Phoenix, Arizona
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Lonnie Scott

Gainesville, Florida
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Lucas Schleusener

Washington, District of Columbia
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María José Ramírez Braíz

St. Joseph, Missouri
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Mary “Margo” Franz

Seattle, Washington
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Matt Hildreth

Key Center, Washington
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Nalleli Cobo-Uriarte

Los Angeles, California
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Naomi Henigin

Hampton, Virginia
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Ora Nitkin-Kaner

New Orleans, Louisiana
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Oren Jacobson

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More about the Leaders Program

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Leaders

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

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Future water terrace to honor Ann Dunham will feature Maya Lin sculpture
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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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