Entrepreneur Emma Grede Joins Board of The Obama Foundation

CHICAGO — The Obama Foundation is pleased to announce that Emma Grede has joined its Board of Directors. Grede, a celebrated entrepreneur and business leader, brings a wealth of experience and a strong commitment to community empowerment to the Foundation.

“I’m thrilled to welcome Emma to the Board of the Obama Foundation,” said President Obama. “Emma brings a remarkable blend of entrepreneurial leadership, deep commitment to expanding opportunity, and a proven ability to build strong community partnerships. Her talent for unlocking the potential of individuals and communities that have historically been overlooked will strengthen our Board and advance the Foundation’s mission to inspire, empower, and connect people to change their world.”

“Emma’s entrepreneurial success and dedication to expanding opportunity reflect the spirit of The Obama Foundation’s mission," said Valerie Jarrett, Chief Executive Officer. "Her experience building partnerships and supporting emerging leaders will bring valuable perspective to our Board as we continue to support those working to turn hope into action.”

“Emma Grede adds a powerful and unique voice to The Obama Foundation Board,” said Board Chair Marty Nesbitt. “I’m looking forward to working together to build on our shared commitment to support emerging leaders, empower individuals - no matter their background - and achieve meaningful change.” 

Emma Grede is a powerhouse entrepreneur behind some of today’s most influential consumer brands, best known as the co-Founder & CEO of Good American, founding partner of SKIMS, co-Founder of Safely, and most recently, Co-Founder of the sports apparel brand Off Season. Her work has not only disrupted the retail landscape but has also emphasized inclusivity and empowerment, values that resonate deeply with The Obama Foundation’s goals. Equally passionate about giving back, Emma Grede has also demonstrated a strong commitment to social responsibility through her involvement with the 15 Percent Pledge, advocating for retailers to dedicate 15% of their shelf space to Black-owned businesses, and her support of Baby2Baby, an organization providing children living in poverty with diapers, clothing, and basic necessities. 

Emma Grede has also worked closely with The Obama Foundation over the past several years, including joining the 2023 Democracy Forum about innovation and inclusion in business. She also went to South Africa with a group led by Michelle Obama and has informally advised Foundation leaders. 

"I am honored to join The Obama Foundation Board and support its vital work to empower young leaders," said Emma Grede. "I have long admired the Obamas’ commitment to fostering leadership and driving positive change around the world, and The Foundation is the next phase in that commitment to all of us. I am excited to contribute to its mission and help empower communities both locally and globally."

About The Obama Foundation

The Obama Foundation is a nonpartisan501(c)(3) organization with a mission to inspire, empower, and connect people to change their world. That mission begins on the South Side of Chicago, where the Foundation is building the Obama Presidential Center. The Obama Presidential Center represents a historic opportunity for Chicago: a chance to build a world-class museum and public gathering space that celebrates our nation’s first African American President and First Lady, steps away from where he began his career, where she was raised, and where—together—they made their home. Not only will the Center generate billions of dollars of economic opportunity and help reconnect and revitalize Jackson Park, but it will also serve as a reminder to young visitors—from around the city and from around the world—that their potential is limitless.

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Contact: Emily Bittner, [email protected]

Emma Grede | JONESWORKS, [email protected]