Meet four Obama Alumni mentors helping the next generation of changemakers

With little to no experience in politics, Pam Coleman signed up for Camp Obama to become a full-time battleground state volunteer “Deputy Field Organizer” in 2008. Through her work on the Obama Campaign in East Orlando, FL, Coleman realized that community organizing was her passion and decided to pursue a career in community building with Organizing for America New Mexico. Coleman then continued her career in the Obama Network, moving to Washington, DC, in January 2013, to work in the White House Presidential Personnel Office and stayed until 2016. Her final position there was as the first Special Assistant to the President, Leadership Development Team Lead. 

Coleman has continued her efforts to build leaders across the country, as a leadership and management coach and as an Obama Foundation alumni mentor. When recounting her decision to sign up as a Foundation mentor, Coleman was immediately reminded of her time on the 2008 campaign: “Young people formed the engine of the 2008 campaign. They were not only hopeful for a better future; they were willing to work for it. I wanted to support their efforts from the get-go in any way I could.”

As a mentor, Coleman has supported two young leaders since 2023 and plans to continue this work in the future. “Their effort and passion made me optimistic. My commitment and optimism have not wavered since,” Coleman reflected. Coleman also found inspiration in the parallels between those who joined the Obama 2008 campaign and the young people fighting to make a difference today.

“ So much has happened since 2008 —so many reasons for young people to turn away from leadership— yet they do not. The Obama Foundation young leaders continue to strive to make a difference, no matter what.”

–Pam Coleman

What’s the best advice you’ve given a Voyager or Scholar? 

“Your authenticity is your secret sauce and your superpower. It doesn't mean that your point of view will always win the day, but no matter what, you are THE expert of your lived experience.”

Like many of the young leaders in our Voyager and Scholars programs, Clarence Fluker was called to a career in public service at a young age. Fluker became a volunteer on the Obama 2012 reelection campaign, canvassing in Northern Virginia, Ohio, and participating in LGBTQIA+ outreach. He subsequently moved on to a position in the Administration, working in the National Parks Service and eventually became the Deputy Associate Director of National Parks and Youth Engagement for the White House Council on Environmental Quality. Through these roles, Clarence gained invaluable experience working with young people and engaging with our next generation of leaders. 

This same passion for youth engagement inspired Fluker to sign up as an Obama Foundation Alumni mentor with our Scholars Program. “I want to see our country continue to move forward, and I know that great task can’t be done by just one person or by one generation. Participating as a volunteer was a great opportunity to do that,” said Fluker.

“ I want to see our country continue to move forward, and I know that great task can’t be done by just one person or by one generation.”

–Clarence Fluker

Through the Scholars programs, Fluker worked with changemakers, giving valuable support, while also learning from our young leaders. When asked about the things he’s discovered from working with our Scholars, Fluker shared, “[I learned that] if we do our part to create the runway, providing the tools, resources, and mentorship they need, our young leaders can soar even further than what we could have imagined. They’ll, in turn, create an even wider runway for those that will come after them.” 

His continued efforts to work with and support our leaders reaffirmed his commitment to public service and sparked new optimism for the future: “Speaking with young leaders and reading about the meaningful and innovative work they are doing here and abroad makes me believe that our best days really are ahead.” 

What’s the best advice you’ve given a Voyager or Scholar? 

“Take good care of yourself. The work we do can be daunting and impact our mental and physical health. It is essential to take care of our mind, body, and spirit. When we can show up as our best selves, we’re better able to show up for other people.”

Becoming a mentor with our Voyager program was a very enriching experience for Jason Rahlan. As a young professional, Rahlan worked for a number of public service organizations, campaigns, and nonprofits where mentorship played a critical role in his success. “I've been very lucky to have had very capable and kind people help mentor me throughout my life and career. I wanted to pay that forward in whatever way I could, and this program seemed like a great way to do just that,”  Rahlan expressed. After serving in the administration from 2011 to 2014 in the U.S. Department of State, Rahlan worked at the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) and now focuses on advancing sustainability and corporate responsibility in the private sector. 

Rahlan’s efforts led him to become an Obama Foundation alumni mentor in 2022. Through his work with our Voyagers, Rahlan has been able to build authentic relationships with our mentees. Despite differences in age and experience, Rahlan found that he and his mentee had similar reservations about the state of our world: “Many of us share very real concerns about the future of our nation and our planet. While these issues can seem intractable and impossible to solve, I'm cautiously optimistic that this generation's passion, determination, and outspokenness will better help us address them.” 

On the opposite side of the spectrum, Rahlan also found that the bold approach many young people today take to leadership has the potential to reenergize progress in the future. When discussing the most rewarding thing he’s gained from being a mentor, Rahlan spoke to the changing perspectives on power and leadership. 

“I worked as a (mostly) unpaid intern during college and went on to very low-paying entry-level jobs,” said Rahlan. “At the time, in addition to keeping your head down and working exceptionally hard, you were also expected to show nearly unflinching deference to your bosses and more senior people in your offices. I think this generation has rightfully taken a fresh look at this. It's more than okay to have and share a strong opinion about a particular topic or project, so long as it's done in a respectful and professional way.” 

What’s the best advice you’ve given a Voyager or Scholar? 

“Keep an open mind about changing your mind. For years as a young person, I really struggled to accept that I could be wrong about issues or positions I was passionate about. It turns out I was wrong frequently, and about a lot. This is a universal experience. We’re all human after all. Being open to new evidence and fresh perspectives is decidedly a strength for us as both people and professionals.”

Ny Whitaker’s time with the Obama’s started in Harlem in 2007. As an organizer with Harlem Mamas, Whitaker focused on mobilizing communities of color, students, and mothers in New York City and Pennsylvania. Through the years, Whitaker continued her work in New York City, championing young and working class people through guidance, support, and resources that help create an equitable future for some of our country’s most overlooked people. Since 2012, Whitaker has continued her work as an advisor and mentor, teaching people how to turn their passion into purpose, effect change in their communities, and connect them with the tools they need to thrive. Whitaker cites the importance of mentorship in her journey as a catalyst for the work she does today. “I am on this journey because people saw my potential and poured into me. I am a product of the public housing projects of East Harlem in a district that was red lined and plagued by drugs,” says Whitaker. “Because of my mentors, most of whom were Catholic nuns, union workers, and farm workers, I had the opportunity to be in the room where it happens: from working to help elect our first Black president, to becoming an Executive Director of Emerge, and now spearheading The W. E. B. Du Bois Center for Freedom and Democracy.”  

In 2023, Whitaker became an alumni mentor with the Obama Foundation, continuing her efforts to empower the next generation of changemakers. Through her work in and outside of the Obama Foundation, Whitaker has been inspired by the take charge attitude of many young people, who are standing up and advocating for the improvements they want to see in society. “They are ready to lead. They are talented, influential, creative, and passionate. They are not waiting for their turn, as I was told in the past.  They are seizing the moment. From gun violence to climate change, young people are ready for us to pass the baton,” said Whitaker.

“ They are seizing the moment. From gun violence to climate change, young people are ready for us to pass the baton.”

–Ny Whitaker

What’s the best advice you’ve given a Voyager or Scholar? 

“We are not defined by our zip codes, but our past experiences can color our future. In this age of social media, it is important to not create a persona for your peers, but to be authentic in your values and purpose. And to not be ashamed of who you are and where you come from. Your wins and wounds are what make you unique. They are your superpowers. Resiliency is a gift, not a flaw.”