In this opening session, hear from speakers like Janelle Monáe, Olympic fencer Ibtihaj Muhammad, Cubs President Theo Epstein, and Obama Foundation program participants who are bound together by a shared hope that our best days are ahead of us, as long as we put in the work.
Inside the 2018 Obama Foundation Summit
Hear from Obama Foundation Scholar Juan Carlos Monterrey Gómez and Community Leadership Corps members Emily Nordquist and Yaiza Van Horn on their experience at the Summit and how the Foundation is empowering them to take on the biggest challenges in their
Obama Foundation 2018 Summit Highlights
This year’s Summit was a tribute to President Obama's longstanding belief that, no matter our backgrounds, we all share a desire to build a better future. Across three sessions, we were joined by incredible speakers including Advocate & Actress Janelle Mo
Common Hope. Uncommon Stories.
Though we may come from different backgrounds and hold different beliefs, we are all bound by a shared desire to build a better future for our communities.
Singer and actress Janelle Monáe in conversation with Community Leadership Corps members
Janelle Monae interviews Community Leadership Corps members Anna Dong and Danny Flores on how their communities have helped them find their voices.
Obama Foundation Scholar Ana Maria Gonzalez-Forero
Ana, Obama Scholar at Columbia University, speaks on the importance of community ownership in her home country of Colombia and beyond.
MBK Alliance Executive Director Michael Smith in conversation with winners of the MBK Alliance Community Challenge Competition
A conversation exploring how local communities have taken up the mantle of change to support boys and men of color.
Community Leadership Corps Member Chanelle Bell
To kick off the Summit, Chanelle Bell offers a brief reflection on the Community Leadership Corps Capstone and introduces the common hope that has brought all attendees to our community of Chicago.
Obama Foundation Fellow Ashley Hanson
Obama Fellow Ashley Hanson reflects on her work to reweave the fabric of civic life in rural communities through art.
American Olympic fencer Ibtihaj Muhammad and Chicago Cubs’ President of Baseball Operations Theo Epstein in conversation with ESPN’s J.A. Adande
Olympian Ibtihaj Muhammad, Chicago Cubs’ Theo Epstein, and ESPN’s J.A. Adande sit down for a conversation about sports and society, and how they represent their communities on the piste and the field.
Obama Foundation CEO David Simas
David Simas welcomes attendees to the Summit and speaks on the impact of Foundation programming, the future Obama Presidential Center, and the power of building community over conversation. After the session, Summit attendees dined at restaurants across t
Performance by songwriter and jazz vocalist Queen Esther and guitarist Jeff McLaughlin
Janelle Monáe and Community Leadership Corps members Danny Flores and Anna Dong share their stories and how their communities have helped them find their voices.
“ Make sure that everyone who should has a place at your table. Find out who is missing and make it comfortable for them to join.”
–Obama Scholar, Ana Maria Gonzalez-Forrero
MBK Alliance Executive Director Michael Smith speaks with winners of the MBK Alliance Community Competition.
“ You are somewhere that is someone’s home.”
–Obama Fellow Ashley Hanson
“ I’ve always had that feeling inside that I was fighting for anyone who has been told no.”
–Olympic fencer Ibtihaj Muhammad
Songwriter and jazz vocalist Queen Esther and guitarist Jeff McLaughlin closed out the first session of the Obama Foundation Summit with a powerful performance.
A day in the life: Harry Grammer
Obama Fellow Harry Grammer is working to reduce recidivism rates for justice-involved youth in LA.
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Africa Leader King Gyan is developing the future generation through sport.
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