Amara Manoogian

2026-2027 Obama Foundation USA Leader

Executive Director, The Next 50

Washington, District of Columbia

Amara Manoogian is the executive director of The Next 50, an advocacy organization building infrastructure to support the next generation of government leaders. Amara has built nationwide early-stage leadership pipelines for emerging leaders, with 70% of the organization’s members obtaining government office in 2024, including work in Alaska, North Carolina, and Iowa. A former elected Michigan state representative, Amara has authored bipartisan policies on affordable housing, supported small businesses, and led a coalition of unlikely partners to modernize Michigan’s distracted driving laws. Amara aims to strengthen civic infrastructure by investing early in principled, pragmatic, and community-rooted leaders.

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Meet the 2026-2027 United States Leaders

Adrian Lipscombe

Austin, Texas

Ahmed Badr

Madison, Connecticut

Alejandro Miranda

Madison, Wisconsin

Allie Utley

Overland Park, Kansas

Amanda Swope

Tulsa, Oklahoma

Angelica Salinas

Oak Creek, Colorado

Berto Aguayo

Chicago, Illinois

Caroline Hutton

Washington, District of Columbia

Chastity Bowick

Columbus, Ohio

Deja Foxx

Tucson, Arizona

Elizabeth "Toba" Pearlman

Chicago, Illinois

Erin Wilson

Alexandria, Virginia

Jade Begay, Diné and Tesuque Pueblo thumbnail

Jade Begay, Diné and Tesuque Pueblo

Santa Fe, New Mexico

Jahnavi Rao

Berwyn, Pennsylvania

Jamila Trimuel

Chicago, Illinois

Jenna Cargile

Clarksville, Tennessee

Joshua “JP” Peters

Chicago, Illinois

Joshua Manske

Algona, Iowa

Juan Diego “JD” Mazuera Arias

Charlotte, North Carolina

Keaton Sunchild

Great Falls, Montana

Kellyn King

Simi Valley, California

Khalil Thompson

Washington, District of Columbia

Landon Mascareñaz

Denver, Colorado

Larissa “Larz” May

San Francisco, California

Laura Grannemann

Detroit, Michigan

Laura Restrepo

Horsham, Pennsylvania

Lauren Click

Phoenix, Arizona

Lonnie Scott

Gainesville, Florida

Lucas Schleusener

Washington, District of Columbia

María José Ramírez Braíz

St. Joseph, Missouri

Mary “Margo” Franz

Seattle, Washington

Matt Hildreth

Key Center, Washington

Nalleli Cobo-Uriarte

Los Angeles, California

Naomi Henigin

Hampton, Virginia

Ora Nitkin-Kaner

New Orleans, Louisiana

Oren Jacobson

Northbrook, Illinois

More about the Leaders Program

Leaders

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

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The Center
Building the Center

Future water terrace to honor Ann Dunham will feature Maya Lin sculpture

Join other Obama alumni in coming together to support the naming of the Water Terrace at the Obama Presidential Center in honor of the life and legacy of President Obama’s mother, Ann Dunham—as a gift for the President’s 61st birthday.

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Defending Democracy
Leaders

Copenhagen Democracy Summit

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President Obama speaks on a panel. In the background is a board that reads, "CHICAGO." It is a bright blue color with the Chicago map on the right side.

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Barack Obama

Watch: President Obama shares the vision of the presidential center

Watch President Obama share his vision for the Obama Presidential Center during a surprise visit with supporters and stakeholders—a vision for a public space that will honor history, help revitalize the South Side, and connect people throughout the communi

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