At the 2018 Obama Foundation Summit, we asked attendees to take portraits with each other and to share with us the story of how they were building a better future (in 10 words or less!). In some cases, they shared their story together and in others they share their own. But as you look at all the different faces in the gallery below, you’ll see that they are all united by a common hope: to build meaningful change in their communities.

“Eradicating sexual violence because we deserve better.”
“I’ve dedicated myself to inspiring, empowering, and connecting young leaders.”
“I amplify young voices that the world must hear.”


“Revitalizing our city and nation for our children.”
“Starting schools to raise happy and thriving girls.”


“By training and inspiring young people ethical leadership with skills.”
“No home should not mean no healthcare.”


“We are building a generation of transformative African leaders.”
“Working together to identify a common goal and take action.”


“A peaceful and inclusive world where everyone's potential is realized.”
“Creating healthy environments where everyone & everything is treated with dignity.”


“By opening one door to opportunity, we open many more.”
“We work together.”


“Harnessing the power of place to prevent and resolve conflict.”
“Building a peaceful, inclusive world where everyones potential is realized.”
“Expanding our interventions to support girls involved in gang violence.”


“Coming together through love, inclusivity, engagement, and community.”
“Leading with a serving heart.”


“Providing equal access to healthy food.”
“Building relationships and breaking barriers to prevent stereotypes.”


“Celebrating the joy of faith, family, and friends.”
“Working together to empower youth.”


“Building bonds across communities. Learn from each other; never stop.”
“We incrementally work for change in the human condition.”


“Helping young people gain access to educational opportunities.”
“Supporting the OPC in Jackson Park!”


“Changing the world by combining arts and environmental policy.”
“By pressing for change without collapsing.”
“Raising and educating the next leaders of Chicago.”


“We're inspired to take action.”
“Promoting higher education for lower income students.”


“By working to create a collaborative community.”
“Building connections across all lines of difference through love.”


“Through collective liberation.”
“By working on gender equality to make the world better”
“Like pieces on a chessboard, I understand my unique role.”


“Working together across differences.”
“I work through arts and culture to support equitable participation.”
“By collaborating with grassroots organizations to create more effective programming.”
“I mobilize communities to call for environmental action.”


“Black women deserve respect and should see the world.”
“Connecting with and listening to my community.”
“By mobilizing and inspiring others.”
