2024 Year in Review


As we look back on 2024, we are proud to celebrate a year of impact powered by our mission to inspire, empower, and connect our global network of changemakers. Across continents and communities, they are addressing the world’s most pressing challenges.
This year, we deepened our reach through programs like the Obama-Chesky Scholarship for Public Service, Girls Opportunity Alliance, My Brother’s Keeper Alliance, and our expanding Leaders programs across Africa, Asia-Pacific, Europe, and the United States. We celebrated milestones at the Obama Presidential Center on Chicago's South Side, broadened our impact with the Futures Series, and hosted the third annual Democracy Forum.
Thanks to your support, these moments were possible. Take a look at what we've done together and join us in shaping an even brighter future.
Connecting Global Leaders

For six years, we’ve had the privilege of inspiring, empowering, and connecting leaders worldwide. Each embodies our mission to create positive change within their communities and beyond. This year, we kicked off our 2024-2025 Obama Leaders program and welcomed 203 Obama Leaders across four cohorts: Africa, Asia-Pacific, Europe, and the United States. These Leaders meet weekly to learn from one another and from experts in the field to discuss turning hope into action, strengthen democracy, practice pluralism, and enact change around the globe.

The Obama Foundation Scholars program empowers emerging global leaders to advance their community initiatives. In May, the nine-month program culminated with the Graduation Convening, where 30 Obama Scholars from the University of Chicago and Columbia University gathered to strengthen their collaborative networks for future impact. The event highlighted the power of collective action and the transformative change that comes from working together.
Supporting Boys and Young Men of Color

In 2024, the My Brother’s Keeper Alliance launched the inaugural MBK-Obama Leadership Academy in partnership with Chicago Public Schools, bringing together incoming high school freshmen for a six-week program that allowed them to build leadership skills, foster community, and inspire action toward positive change. Learn more.
This spring, the My Brother’s Keeper Alliance gave three young men the opportunity to work behind the scenes with TNT Sports at the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Final Four in Phoenix. There, they gained an up-close, hands-on experience of the tournament and learned what it takes to plan and execute one of the biggest events in collegiate sports. Learn more.

Justin Harris and Calen Redic, participants of the My Brother’s Keeper Alliance and Girls Opportunity Alliance, respectively, had the opportunity to intern for NBC during the Paris Olympics. Their roles included supporting media operations, managing game feeds, and assisting the athlete logistics team. Their experiences highlight the power of mentorship and exposure to transformative career opportunities.
Yonkers, New York, one of four MBK Model Communities, raised its high school graduation rate to 91% from 70% after partnering with the My Brother’s Keeper Alliance. Through data-driven strategies, enhanced parental engagement, and increased academic support, Yonkers Public Schools successfully transformed educational outcomes for young men of color, creating a model for other districts to replicate. Learn more.
Empowering Girls Worldwide

Earlier this year, Mrs. Obama engaged with grassroots leaders from Botswana, Tanzania, Costa Rica, Barbados, and Nepal, who are part of the Girls Opportunity Alliance Network. These leaders work tirelessly to advance girls' education and empowerment, transforming lives every day.

The Girls Opportunity Alliance convened grassroots leaders from its Network across Latin America and the Caribbean in Lima, Peru, providing an opportunity for these leaders to connect, share best practices, and learn from experts to strengthen and advance their organizations’ work to empower and educate adolescent girls.

In December, the Alliance brought together more than 80 girl-serving leaders and stakeholders from its work across Chicago for a convening focused on the power of connection and community. Leaders engaged in sessions with experts on girls’ health and safety, organizational legacy and planning, and mindful leadership. The Alliance also welcomed Chicago Public Schools leadership and various city and state office representatives to explore collaborative opportunities to better support adolescent girls across Chicago.

To celebrate International Day of the Girl, the Girls Opportunity Alliance announced more than $1 million in support of 26 organizations empowering adolescent girls in Chicago and around the world. Learn more.
Bring Change Home

The Obama Foundation Futures Series exposes Hyde Park Academy High School students to a variety of career pathways through conversations with inspiring leaders from many different industries. In March, students traveled to Halas Hall, also known as the Chicago Bears headquarters, to hear from President and CEO of the Bears Kevin Warren and his team. They learned all about the great careers behind—and beyond—being on the field.

The Obama Youth Jobs Corps, in partnership with Urban Alliance, a national youth development nonprofit, supports high school students preparing for career development opportunities, including placing interns at the Obama Presidential Center once it opens. The program typically supports six interns in Chicago for a 10-month period, running from late fall through mid-summer. Learn more.

In 2024, we marked a major milestone at the Obama Presidential Center, the Museum Building has reached its final height of 225 feet. President Obama joined construction workers to sign a beam that will become part of the Sky Room ceiling. Located on the top floor, the Sky Room will offer a space for reflection and panoramic views of the city. Learn more.

An 83 ft. x 25 ft. painted-glass window, titled “Uprising of the Sun,” by world-renowned Ethiopian-American artist Julie Mehretu is now featured on the north facade of the future Obama Presidential Center’s Museum Building. The piece reflects on the historical context of President Obama’s legacy, and will inspire viewers and draw visitors to the Center on the South Side of Chicago. Learn more.

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The Obama Foundation hosted its third annual Democracy Forum in early December, welcoming thousands of people virtually and over 600 participants to Chicago and virtually exploring the themes of pluralism. The event featured inspiring conversations that deepened understanding of diverse perspectives and reinforced a shared commitment to strengthening democracy. Learn more.
Let’s Bring Change Home.

- Defending Democracy
- Virtual Event
A 5-step guide to embracing pluralism, fostering connection, and engaging inclusively this holiday season.
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Find out what global leaders, changemakers, and President Obama had to say about pluralism and bringing change home.
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- Scholars
- Changemakers
Hear from Joséphine Goube on how her nonprofit, Sistech, helps foster connections between refugee women and professionals, breaking stereotypes and building mutual understanding
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