Programs stories
![Elpida Kokkota, a woman with a light skin tone, holds a closed lip smile. She has long black hair and is wearing red lipstick, bracelets on both arms, a white shirt, and floral skirt.](http://images.ctfassets.net/l7h59hfnlxjx/3iRpeagzhjufY6DO3KgpnO/c1f741473deafbfd1c7fa0a9ab0d6b96/ACS_0030.png?q=75&w=1014&fm=)
- Leaders
- Changemakers
More than 140,000 women across 155 countries have educational and entrepreneurial opportunities, thanks to the 2023 Obama Leaders.
Learn more![Liza Zaruba, a woman with a light skin tone and long blonde hair, stands in between country flags outside of the United Nations. She rests her hands on her hips and is wearing a white blouse and yellow pants.](http://images.ctfassets.net/l7h59hfnlxjx/6eSWjbw1dUDiCiDUhrofh/7ef0c207b5253c1835caf7b6b3db0b35/liza-zaruba.png?q=75&w=1014&fm=)
- Voyagers
- Global Reach
Explore Liza Zaruba's Summer Voyage, and learn how she plans to apply her new health care skills back in Chicago.
Learn more![placeholder](http://images.ctfassets.net/l7h59hfnlxjx/55nZDuGhhQH2NkbmEfVAsW/2fe897bc777252dfcb824247dae2d6e9/mbk-tulsa-hero.png?q=75&w=1014&fm=)
- MBK Alliance
- Stories
ImpactTulsa has fostered a network of partners in Tulsa, Oklahoma, who are specifically focused on impacting the systems that affect BYMOC.
Learn more![MBK NEWARK: “NEWARK YOUTH OPPORTUNITY NETWORK, THE JOURNEY TO IMPACT”](http://images.ctfassets.net/l7h59hfnlxjx/7uhR4NCXdkl8GUnzhzKqO0/c117f94e38aa146736601bb4dcc26dda/Paste_image_here.png?q=75&w=1014&fm=)
![placeholder](http://images.ctfassets.net/l7h59hfnlxjx/4LA9uOfJC4hn2dabFHRDuJ/da5b68a6db3899dfa47e839dac4c55be/mbk-yonkers-impact-hero.png?q=75&w=1014&fm=)
- MBK Alliance
- Stories
MBK Yonkers received recognition as an MBK Model Community in 2023 for demonstrating population-level impact in Milestone 3, achieving a graduation rate of 91% by 2021.
Learn more![missing](http://images.ctfassets.net/l7h59hfnlxjx/2GJtFyMhxpLEoiRoxz1xRF/f80d2d86c26c5c42fa782be7de1ca2fb/Paste_image_here.png?q=75&w=1014&fm=)
- MBK Alliance
- Youth
MBK Omaha has become a Model Community for showing a population-level impact on Milestone 6, all youth remain safe from violent crimes by demonstrating a 30 percent decrease in homicides from 2011 to 2022.
Learn more![A group of Black women and girls pose with a van wrapped with M.E.A.N. Girls Empowerment branding and images of adolescent Black girls. The group is holding a copy of Governor Prizker’s state proclamation recognizing Girls Health Matters Day.](http://images.ctfassets.net/l7h59hfnlxjx/13BQEm8zoC9euZjBgzqRGq/5cac27f424e39be14f4da571e6c9f6b0/MGE1.jpg?q=75&w=1014&fm=webp)
- Girls Opportunity Alliance
- Chicago
The Girls Opportunity Alliance supports M.E.A.N. Girls Empowerment's new Resource Van and the state of Illinois declares first Girls Health Matters Day.
Learn more![Dr. Edwin Quezada, a man with a medium skin tone points as he speaks to an audience. He is wearing glasses and a powder blue suit.](http://images.ctfassets.net/l7h59hfnlxjx/3f9c0j4HI2fbrAjn2jn613/25153ad04a41b94e1d4d3840a0e2a267/52888169973_dd42eb051b_o.jpg?q=75&w=1014&fm=webp)
- MBK Alliance
- Youth
Hear directly from one of the My Brother’s Keeper Model Communities on how they achieved a 91 percent graduation rate for students of color.
Learn more![placeholder](http://images.ctfassets.net/l7h59hfnlxjx/4baDPkGcvsG34K1kmQZHHi/74657028bbb3c85863d26a5b06a06b99/Ladies_of_Virtue.jpeg?q=75&w=1014&fm=webp)
- Girls Opportunity Alliance
- Michelle Obama
Find out how 14 organizations will expand their programing and impact
Learn more![A group of high school students with a range of light to deep skin tones pose around Gallerist Easy Otabo and artist Michael C. Thorpe. In the background, a monitor displays the Obama Foundation rising sun logo and reads, “Obama Foundation.”](http://images.ctfassets.net/l7h59hfnlxjx/bCRuxCkCfkkORqbJPllr5/e4340114ca90b5d97881df8bd08060c6/dyett.png?q=75&w=1014&fm=)
- Youth
- The Arts
See how the students explored expression and possibilities at EXPO Chicago.
Learn more![Michelle Obama addresses the Global Summit on Women's Empowerment in Dubai. Michelle Obama is sitting at a long table surrounded by three other women. The women are speaking to one and other and smiling.](http://images.ctfassets.net/l7h59hfnlxjx/5oRdkUQwdODr8HF14a6wbK/8b2dfa12c8c89c80ae66f94b299455fd/Single_Image.png?q=75&w=1014&fm=)
- Girls Opportunity Alliance
- Stories
Learn more about how the Girls Opportunity Alliance is working to empower and educate girls around the world
Learn more![Two women and one man pose for a photo. One woman has medium-deep skin tone, and the other two people have deep skin. Two of them wear shirts with the words "Afroclimate.com." They sit on a rock wall in front of dirt and greenery.](http://images.ctfassets.net/l7h59hfnlxjx/MDWhvIBSgbmWMbgkenr68/22575f1d9bfb69ab41f9471cd7f74ba5/Afroclimate.png?q=75&w=1014&fm=)
- Changemakers
- Sustainability
Find out how the 2023 cohort created a non-profit committed to a sustainable future for Africa, one entrepreneur at a time.
Learn more![There are three women on the right side of the image and three women on the left side of the image. In the center of the image, Michelle Obama is hugging a woman and facing the camera. Michelle Obama has curly hair and is wearing several rings. The woman she is hugging is facing opposite the camera – we cannot see her face – she has short curly hair and is wearing a beige sweater and black pants. In the background, several women with a range of light to deep skin tones and ages speak to one another. On the wall of the room is a poster that reads, “Girls Opportunity Alliance.” The poster has a border with short perpendicular lines in pink and light blue with a dark blue background.](http://images.ctfassets.net/l7h59hfnlxjx/1yZnEeejCJgnpabsjz7iYb/09b215705ec55322a1d01fef39f4ea6a/Michelle_Obama_greets_leaders_at_Obama_Summit_in_Chicago__fall_2019.jpg?q=75&w=1014&fm=webp)
- Girls Opportunity Alliance
- Equality
Meet five women making a difference with the help of the Girls Opportunity Alliance
Learn more![Kori Coleman, a Black woman with a deep skin tone, stands in the middle of a four person string quartet. They are a range of medium to deep skin tones and are holding a viola, violin, and cello. All are wearing shades of brown. Credit: Seed Lynn](http://images.ctfassets.net/l7h59hfnlxjx/69JoHVI5azZwd2NGdULXHi/32dec10d05fbb1972dca4b829778c8c0/Chicagoleaderamplifiesblackvoices.png?q=75&w=1014&fm=)
- The Arts
- Leaders
Ahead of her debut with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, hear how one Obama Leader leverages the power of music to educate, entertain, and heal her community.
Learn more![On the South Lawn, President Obama walks in the middle of a group of young men. All have a range of light to deep skin tones. They are wearing a mix of casual and professional attire.](http://images.ctfassets.net/l7h59hfnlxjx/1fvSJVYHF4WWF06OvvPbXi/2e229ce9676396c70183a5fd234462ff/01_Mentees_White_House__1_.jpg?q=75&w=1014&fm=webp)
- Watch
- MBK Alliance
Get to know two young men carrying forward the legacy of MBK
Learn more![President Obama stands in the middle of young leaders at MBK Rising! All men are dressed professionally and have a range of light to deep skin tones.](http://images.ctfassets.net/l7h59hfnlxjx/1RYygGM2hZq736Rhy2HJrc/d0adb5d36b58a974df7f14e1e44e592b/043_OF021919CO_0792.jpg?q=75&w=1014&fm=webp)
- Youth
- MBK Alliance
Take a look back at some of the program's most inspiring moments.
Learn more![Michelle Obama sits in a circle with women with a range of light to deep skin tones and Michael Strautmanis. Mrs. Obama is wearing a multicolored dress and sits with her legs crossed. A sign in the background reads, “Obama Leadership Network.”](http://images.ctfassets.net/l7h59hfnlxjx/6kSesCpazDDZVIFQX3E7Pt/7c0c35fd5da3d3b0830844e2ca919493/53345428228_1bb25420a3_o.jpg?q=75&w=1014&fm=webp)
- Leaders
- Michelle Obama
We marked the fifth anniversary of the Leaders program where it all began.
Learn more![missing](http://images.ctfassets.net/l7h59hfnlxjx/3YLKFG1FkoYruGv2lFNFf4/03e685646e6b4d6cfa30b18b6d5a7a08/20181107_4484-2_cropped.jpg?q=75&w=1014&fm=webp)
- Youth
- MBK Alliance
The My Brother’s Keeper Alliance released a Black History Month reading list for young leaders
Learn more![placeholder](http://images.ctfassets.net/l7h59hfnlxjx/5wlGpTrSvngbSJi3HzumKr/f320cb7f3076b1b0fdc4e335593eea85/voyager.jpg?q=75&w=1014&fm=webp)
- Youth
- Voyagers
Meet recipients of the Obama-Chesky Voyager Scholarship for Public Service or learn how you can apply to be in the next cohort!
Learn more![Daniel Fairley II, a Black man with a light skin tone smiles at the camera. He has short black hair and glasses. He is wearing a light purple blazer and a dark purple hoodie.](http://images.ctfassets.net/l7h59hfnlxjx/JYbzko7rO2GbvSrs2bkAw/eba0cde8507d227c1df5ea394ef404e9/daniel.jpeg?q=75&w=1014&fm=webp)
- Alumni
- Leaders
Meet an Obama Leader supporting Virginians in need.
Learn more![44 Alumni, Tess Hetzel (on the left) and Paul Montiero Jr. (on the right) are smiling into the camera. They are located in an office in the Maryland Capitol. In the room is a white fireplace with a black firepit, a black lace couch, and a beige wall with a larger painting – person unseen – with a gold frame. Tess Hetzel has a pale complexion, long reddish blonde hair, and blue eyes. She is wearing a yellow cardigan and a black v-neck t-shirt. Paul Montiero Jr. has a brown complexion, dark brown curly hair, and brown eyes. He is wearing a black and white pinstriped suit, with a white button-down, and a gray tie.](http://images.ctfassets.net/l7h59hfnlxjx/791lKXjM8hOK4IG2Vh4fEb/40c494a91e6ff80584841f363ac2ec32/OPC_Feature_Image_2.jpeg?q=75&w=1014&fm=webp)
- Alumni
- The Obama Administration
Meet five people whose time campaigning for President Obama inspired them to continue serving their communities
Learn more![Ryan Pavel, a man with light skin tone, stands smiling in front of a sign that reads "Warrior-Scholar Project."](http://images.ctfassets.net/l7h59hfnlxjx/7oKMONenAyAIS4sQUOwwCE/a4810433db5b6c4f54eddbe705ad9e59/Ryan-Link_Preview.png?q=75&w=1014&fm=)
- Education
- Leaders
Meet 2023 United States Obama Leader Ryan Pavel, veteran, and CEO of Warrior-Scholar Project.
Learn more![Ziad Ahmed, a man with a medium skin tone, smiles at the camera. He has black hair and is wearing a red patterned jacket. He is sitting on an apple box. The background is brown.](http://images.ctfassets.net/l7h59hfnlxjx/FcpeGrKObwtVbzPSrgYUs/0f3ca868ae4e6207aa96b12e48369729/Goldhouse15366.png?q=75&w=1014&fm=)
- Youth
- Leaders
Learn how Ziad Ahmed built a successful company by listening to the next generation.
Learn more![Nick Kennedy, a college-age Native American young man, stands in between a Canadian and American flag on flag poles. He is wearing a brown suit and a white name tag around his neck.](http://images.ctfassets.net/l7h59hfnlxjx/6SIMBRvjAo11fXS0a4GCbO/55e019a4bb29935775347af26c8f0f7b/Nick-Provided.jpg?q=75&w=1014&fm=webp)
- Equality
- Voyagers
Nick Kennedy, an Obama-Chesky Voyager, is advocating for the preservation of Indigenous culture.
Learn more![Bethany Rivera Molinar, presents a workshop in front of eight others. Their backs are to the camera as they sit around a table. Bethany stands in front of a wall easel pad. She is wearing a Ciudad Nueva shirt and glasses.](http://images.ctfassets.net/l7h59hfnlxjx/7bk94lNxloxANXsklFveG3/191441dc48ced4f19f9afc9bcf00e1c6/IMG-2316.jpg?q=75&w=1014&fm=webp)
- Leaders
- USA
Learn how Bethany Rivera Molinar is transforming her Texas neighborhood through community work.
Learn more![DeKevious Wilson, a Black man with a deep skin tone, looks off camera as he stands in front of a home. He has a salt and pepper afro and beard. He is wearing a Becoming a Man t-shirt and denim jacket.](http://images.ctfassets.net/l7h59hfnlxjx/7o4Y25vj1SuDgJTMFEeJqz/52a6211c9e5ee44c726cc4faf7360349/Image__1_.jpeg?q=75&w=1014&fm=webp)
- Health & Wellbeing
- Scholars
DeKevious Wilson strengthens youth mental health through policy work.
Learn more![Brandon Breaux, a Black man with a deep skin tone, stands over five seated students. On the table is an iPad and illustrations. He is wearing a mint beanie. Space art is on the wall in the background.](http://images.ctfassets.net/l7h59hfnlxjx/3u1prsyGprdtssBTF3AUur/14f8119d02ca4c97ef3ee56e7542dac8/OF012323TG_326.jpg?q=75&w=1014&fm=webp)
- First Look
- The Arts
Artist Brandon Breaux and Dyett High School students showcase the power of culture and community.
Learn more- Equality
- Leaders
Progress for LGBTQ+ people in Uganda has been hindered by the current cultural and political landscape.
Learn more- Event
- Leaders
Get a look inside the week-long leadership and cultural experience.
Learn more![President Obama poses for a photo with Guitars Over Guns participants. He is surrounded by 17 others with a range of light to deep skin tones.](http://images.ctfassets.net/l7h59hfnlxjx/3WuQwNSGoxa3mMiEIvhAEW/eaff7e876db6818dd5c28c766e50dfe2/52885421950_ba6461cef9_o.jpg?q=75&w=1014&fm=webp)
- MBK Alliance
- The Arts
Learn more about Nathan, his experience at Guitars Over Guns, and his plans for the future.
Learn more![President Obama stands in the middle of a recording studio. He is surrounded by 15 other young people with a range of light to deep skin tones. President Obama has his arms crossed and is wearing black slacks and a gray button down shirt.](http://images.ctfassets.net/l7h59hfnlxjx/7HY14J5PklArNSeIEYn4Bf/9b3f3b7216c384768d6eea1607dedef3/52885491728_80a5bda5f9_o.jpg?q=75&w=1014&fm=webp)
- Youth
- MBK Alliance
See how President Obama is supporting youth and making a difference for young men.
Learn more![Leah Whitmoyer sorts olives with another woman with a medium skin tone and black hair on an olive farm in Taounate, Morocco. Three others stand in the background.](http://images.ctfassets.net/l7h59hfnlxjx/4NiYPeRz75IfPGiRI25b3i/50ba8b9db73568650535ed21a9802219/IMG_1132-scaled.jpg?q=75&w=1014&fm=webp)
- Sustainability
- Voyagers
Voyager to tackle food and water insecurity during Summer Voyage
Learn more![On a sunny day, Sejong Youn, a man with a light medium skin tone, stands outside. He has short black hair and is wearing glasses and a denim button down. He has a closed lip smile and his arms are crossed.](http://images.ctfassets.net/l7h59hfnlxjx/2YPW5c5iAFyUCJkzwxRLuK/9bc1a46fa41bc2dfa462737139623856/Sejong-Youn.jpg?q=75&w=1014&fm=webp)
- Sustainability
- Leaders
Obama Leader advocates for stronger climate policies
Learn more![President Obama sits at a table between two men and women with a range of skin tones and clothing styles. The President’s right arm is extended as he looks away from the camera.](http://images.ctfassets.net/l7h59hfnlxjx/33VBBhSYeqAyiI0Qsbun0i/27650113d7335c3231771dbbf21d8d45/OF050223JD_016.jpg?q=75&w=1014&fm=webp)
- Defending Democracy
- Leaders
This week in Berlin, Germany, President Obama sat down with 18 alumni of our leadership programs from across Europe for a roundtable conversation about the importance of nurturing democracy.
Learn more- Sustainability
- Scholars
Obama Scholar creates clean water for rural Indonesians
Learn more![Ornella Cosomati sits at a roundtable discussion. One person sits to her right and another in front of her. Their back is to the camera. She is wearing glasses and a black suit.](http://images.ctfassets.net/l7h59hfnlxjx/3k1Q9OUhhJUiH1GdcbAJy1/cbd4951bf5620b899657b9907acd9858/Roundtable.jpg?q=75&w=1014&fm=webp)
- Sustainability
- Leaders
Obama Leader improves sustainability policies in Europe
Learn more![An illustration of four people with a range of light to deep skin tones lifting one another up on top of a paper plane. The background is pink.](http://images.ctfassets.net/l7h59hfnlxjx/3mmwnkKbN2XIHW0mNldBIy/f5190279291cc4bd449005400211ea2c/OF_NEWSLETTER_Gritti_01.jpg?q=75&w=1014&fm=webp)
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