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Meet the next generation of changemakers

For the first time, three of the Obama Foundation's global programs will launch new cohorts in 2024. Discover more about these programs and how you can support their journey.

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A new wave of innovative leaders

The Obama Foundation offers programs aimed at inspiring, empowering, and connecting leaders from around the world. Participants in these programs are typically emerging leaders who demonstrate a commitment to positive change in their communities. This year’s class comprises 34 Leaders from Africa, 35 from the Asia-Pacific, 36 from Europe, and 100 from the United States, 30 Scholars at the University of Chicago and Columbia University, and 100 new Voyagers. 

These Obama Leaders, Scholars, and Voyagers represent over 70 nations and territories, spanning a broad range of sectors—including public, private, and civil. They are committed to addressing some of the world’s most urgent challenges. Whether it's strengthening democracy, promoting civic engagement, combating the climate crisis, or advancing education, these leaders are prepared to collaborate and drive change in their communities and beyond.

A blue graphic reads, “336 participants” and “3” programs.” The text is white and light blue.
A woman with a light skin tone and long brown hair holds a closed lip smile. She is to the right of the graphic. Above her is text that reads, “Hanah Lahe” and “Leaders Europe.” On the left is text that reads, “Youngest member of Parliament in Estonian history at age 23.”
A Black woman with a medium dark skin tone crosses and curly hair crosses her arms. She is to the left of the graphic. Above her is text that reads, “Miriam Loivotoki-Elisha” and “Leaders Africa.” On the right is text that reads, ‘80 Founders & CEOs.”
A green and light blue graphic reads, “78 countries represented” and “27 participants from Chicago.” The text is navy blue.

Meet the cohorts

Sheila Raha Sarhangi

Leaders USA 2024-2025

Meet the new Leaders USA.

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Jibreel Jalloh

Scholars 2024-2025

Meet the new University of Chicago and Columbia University Scholars.

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William Navarrete Moreno

Voyagers 2024-2026

Meet the new Voyagers.

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Philile Linda Shongwe

Leaders Africa 2024-2025

Meet the new Leaders Africa.

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Nicole Dyson

Leaders Asia-Pacific 2024-2025

Meet the new Leaders Africa.

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Mete Coban

Leaders Europe 2024-2025

Meet previous years' changemakers and learn more about their work.

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Hear their stories

In a room, a woman with a light skin tone and curly hair rests her hands on her hips. She is surrounded by six other women with a range of ages and light to dark skin tones. There are poster boards and pink sticky notes on the table. All are looking away from the camera.

Scholar Enrica Duncan is the director of Mapa do Acolhimento, an organization that leverages technology to provide direct response resources for survivors of gender-based violence. The organization started in response to urgent requests for psychological and legal support, using technology to make one-to-one matches based on needs. Since then, Mapa has transformed into a network of over 10,000 volunteers in 1,000 cities across Brazil to connect survivors to robust mental health support, access to justice, and interventions to break the cycle of violence.

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Lela Tolajian, a woman with a light skin tone and short brown hair, poses in front of a sign that reads, “Nations Unies United Nations.” A globe symbol is on the left.

Voyager Lela Tolajian is the founder of the International Coalition Against Modern Slavery, a grassroots organization dedicated to eradicating forced labor, human trafficking, and the systemic inequalities that fuel exploitation. She hopes to expand the organization globally, collaborating with local communities to advocate for survivors' rights, strengthen labor laws, and provide educational resources.

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Tolulope Olukokun, a Black man with a dark skin tone and no hair, stands in front of an orange and white ThinkBikes. He is smiling. It is a sunny day.

Africa Leader Tolulope Olukokun is the chief executive officer of ThinkBikes, an organization committed to providing affordable and sustainable means of last-mile transportation using electric cargo bikes for goods in urban and rural areas. He is a renowned social entrepreneur and innovator in the micro-mobility sector. As a visionary in sustainable mobility, Tolulope is driving positive change and positioning ThinkBikes as a leader in creating a greener future in Nigeria.

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Scholar Nikki Gillan, a woman with a medium skin tone and dark brown hair sits behind a table that reads, “Action Now” and “Community Schools Illinois Statewide Coalition.” Next to her is a man with a light skin tone and blonde hair. Behind her is a woman with light skin tone, brown hair, and glasses.

Scholar Nikki Gillani advocates for policies that connect schools and community-based organizations that serve youth during out-of-school time, collaborating with communities across the state of Illinois. In the future, she seeks to professionalize and expand the youth development field by creating clear and robust educational pathways for aspiring professionals, ensuring that every child has access to high-quality afterschool environments.

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Jonathan Jean Charles, a Black man with a medium dark skin tone squats as he prepares produce bags that read, “Fridge of Plenty Miami.” He is surrounded by three others with medium skin tones who are out of frame putting together bags. Vegetables are on the tables.

Voyager Jonathan Jean Charles is focused on finding methods to decrease noncommunicable disease occurrence among low-income communities with hopes of better understanding the intersection between health literacy, health equity, and the social determinants of health. His community service involvements continue to inform him of the role one’s environment plays in shaping their health outcomes. In the future, he aspires to become a culturally competent physician dedicated to health policy and patient-centered health care.

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SUPPORT OUR PROGRAM PARTICIPANTS

Every young person's dream matters, no matter where they're from or what they look like. Donate today to inspire, empower, and connect the next generation to change their world.

The Barack Obama Foundation is registered as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (EIN 46-4950751).

See all programs

Leaders

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

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Scholars

For leaders ready to take their work to the next level through academic, skills-based, and hands-on learning.

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Voyager Scholarship

For undergraduate students in the 
US committed to pursuing careers in 
public service.

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Futures Series

Connecting high school students
looking to explore career pathways with accomplished leaders.

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Obama Youth Jobs Corps

For Chicago high school students interested in skills training, paid professional internships and more.

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Obama Leadership Network

Meet previous years' changemakers and learn more about their work.

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