Chief Executive Officer, The Barack Obama Foundation
Valerie Jarrett: Biography at a Glance
- Valerie Jarrett was the longest-serving Senior Advisor to a president in history, serving for President Barack Obama, and is currently CEO and Board Member for the Obama Foundation where she oversees the Foundation's programs and the creation of a world-class cultural and civic institution on Chicago’s south side.
- She is a Senior Distinguished Fellow at The University of Chicago Law School, the Board Chairman of Civic Nation, Senior Advisor to Attn., and serves on the Bank of America Enterprise Executive Development Council, and the Microsoft Advisory Council.
- Jarrett serves on the Goldman Sachs One Million Black Women Advisory Board, which is investing more than $2.1 billion into Black women-owned businesses and nonprofits.
- She also serves on the boards of Ralph Lauren, Walgreens Boots Alliance, Sweetgreen, Ariel Investments, and Sesame Workshop.
- Her bestselling memoir, Finding My Voice, shares her optimistic perspective on the importance of leadership and the responsibilities of citizenship in the twenty-first century, inspiring readers to lift their own voices.
- She led the Obama Administration's efforts to expand and strengthen access to the middle class, boost American businesses and our economy, champion the creation of equality and opportunity for all Americans, and economically and politically empower women in the United States and around the world.
- She has been named to TIME’s 100 Most Influential People List and Forbes 50 Over 50.
- Valerie speaks to numerous topics from her life of public service; she shares her expertise and voice on the critical issues of today, including criminal justice and police reform, civil rights, women’s equality, and politics.
Media
- Book: Finding My Voice
- Essence: "Valerie Jarrett and Civic Nation Usher in Fresh Era of Social Advocacy...
- Washington Post: "The case for Valerie Jarrett as Biden’s VP"
- CNN: "Valerie Jarrett on Criminal Justice Reform Efforts"
- Fox News: "Valerie Jarrett on Calls for Police Reform"
- The Wall Street Journal: "Women in the Workplace"
- The New Yorker: "Valerie Jarrett Looks Back on the Obama White House"
- People: "Everything to Know about Valerie Jarrett, the Woman at the Center of Ro...
- The Daily Show: "Valerie Jarrett - 'Finding My Voice' and the Journey to the Oba...
- The Wall Street Journal: "Big Companies Boost Share of Black and Latino Director...
- The Grio: Valerie Jarrett on ‘One Thousand Years of Slavery,’ the power of knowi...
- CNBC: Goldman Sachs invests $2 billion in Black women-owned businesses
Videos
Biography
The Honorable Valerie Jarrett is Chief Executive Officer and a member of the board of directors of The Obama Foundation where she is overseeing the creation of a new world-class cultural and civic institution on Chicago’s south side, and the Foundation’s programs that inspire, empower, and connect people to change their world. Ms. Jarrett is also a Senior Distinguished Fellow at The University of Chicago Law School and the author of the New York Times bestselling book Finding My Voice: My Journey to the West Wing and the Path Forward. Jarrett is the Board Chairman of Civic Nation and serves on the boards of Walgreens Boot Alliance, Inc., Ralph Lauren Corporation, Sweetgreen, Inc., Ariel Investments, The University of Chicago, and the Sesame Street Workshop. Jarrett also serves on the Goldman Sachs One Million Black Women Advisory Board, the Bank of America Enterprise Executive Development Council, and the Microsoft Advisory Council.
Ms. Jarrett was the Senior Advisor to President Barack Obama from 2009-2017, making her the longest-serving senior advisor to a president in history. She oversaw the Offices of Public Engagement and Intergovernmental Affairs and Chaired the White House Council on Women and Girls.
Ms. Jarrett has a background in both the public and private sectors. She served as the Chief Executive Officer of The Habitat Company. During her tenure, Habitat was the largest multi-family housing developer and manager in Chicago. Prior to joining Habitat, Ms. Jarrett was the Commissioner of Planning and Development for the city of Chicago, and Deputy Chief of Staff for Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley. She practiced law for ten years in the private and public sectors. She previously served as the director of numerous corporate and not-for-profit boards, including leadership roles as Chairman of the Board of the Chicago Stock Exchange, Chairman of the University of Chicago Medical Center Board of Trustees, Vice Chairman of the University of Chicago Board of Trustees, Chair of Chicago Transit Board, and Director of the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago.
Ms. Jarrett has received numerous awards and honorary degrees, including TIME’s 100 Most Influential People Award and Forbes 50 Over 50. Jarrett received her B.A. from. Stanford University in 1978 and her J.D. from the University of Michigan Law School in 1981.
Topics
Inside the 2024 Election
Valerie Jarrett, former senior advisor to President Barack Obama and a key figure within the Democratic Party, offers an unparalleled perspective on one of the most pivotal elections in modern history. Drawing from her extensive experience and deep connections within government, Jarrett provides audiences with an insider's view of the strategies, challenges, and dynamics that shape the election cycle. Having played a pivotal role in the historic election of 2008, she speaks to the similarly powerful energy around this election and the factors shaping it. She sheds light on the alliances that influence political outcomes and how leaders navigate the complex landscape of today's political system.
Jarrett goes beyond the headlines to explore the nuanced and often unseen factors that drive electoral success. Her insider knowledge offers a deeper understanding of each party’s vision for the future, the challenges they face, and the strategies employed to mobilize voters and secure victory.
A Conversation on Race & Discrimination in America
As a former public official in Chicago and the longest-serving advisor to President Obama, Valerie Jarrett has played a pivotal role in developing laws, policies, and practices to make our nation more fair and equitable. From revamping public housing in Chicago to fighting for gender equity to reforming the nation’s criminal justice system, Jarrett has been at the forefront of developing strategies to improve our culture and strengthen critical protections against discrimination.
Jarrett uses her personal story, including the close relationships she has developed with the country’s business leaders, civil rights leaders, mayors, governors, and civic institutions, to provide a clear understanding of both the current challenges and opportunities as our country grapples with the state of race relations in America. As a corporate board member, Jarrett uniquely shares the current state of diversity in the corporate world and what C-level executives need to do beyond a PR statement to improve the culture of inclusion in their companies. Hear directly from Jarrett on the competitive advantages of strengthening the diversity of your corporate team, the new responsibilities of corporate citizens, and strategies to accomplish both.
Building an Equal, Diverse and Inclusive Workplace
In this conversation, Valerie discusses her passion and advocacy for workplace equality, diversity and inclusion. Working family issues have economic results that directly impact the ability to attract and retain the most talented workforce. From her experience as a CEO of the largest multi-family housing and development company in Chicago, to her board service as a director of numerous corporations and non-profit organizations, Valerie speaks directly to the importance of removing structural and cultural barriers that prevent employers from attracting and retaining a diverse and talented workforce.
Finding My Voice
Early in her career, Valerie Jarrett was painfully shy and intent on following her “plan.” In this conversation, Valerie will discuss how she found her voice, leaned into life’s “zig-zags,” and became the longest serving advisor to President Obama. Jarrett’s work included promoting equality for women and girls, advancing civil rights, reforming the criminal justice system, and improving the lives of working families. Jarrett uses her voice in her forthright, optimistic perspective on the importance of leadership and the responsibilities of citizenship in the twenty-first century, inspiring the audience to lift their own voices.
The State of Our Democracy
The United States has long been a symbol to the world of a strong democracy. Of late, many are questioning traditional institutions, social norms, and even the rule of law - all of which are historically fundamental pillars on which our democracy has rested. As the longest-serving advisor to Pres. Obama and chair of the board of Civic Nation, Valerie Jarrett has a rich history of actively engaging both citizens and corporations in fulfilling their civic responsibilities to strengthen and protect our democracy. Valerie passionately believes that the United States should serve as a beacon of hope to the world and lead by example. In an increasingly polarized atmosphere, she is still hopeful that ordinary people can come together around common goals and achieve extraordinary things.
In this conversation, Valerie will discuss the essential pillars of democracy; the current threats that exist, including apathy, discrimination, disinformation, and voter suppression; and how we all can fulfill our responsibilities to be informed and engaged citizens. She will also share her perspective as a board member on several corporate boards including Walgreens, Ralph Lauren, Lyft, and Sweetgreen, on what role corporate America must play to advance equity and inclusion and improve our global standing.
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FAQs
How do I book Valerie Jarrett for my event?
Contact CAA Speakers at (424) 288-2898 or speakers@caa.com to book Valerie Jarrett to speak at corporate or private events, keynote speeches, speaking engagements, workshops, fireside chats, motivational speaking, or virtual appearances.
Quick booking process- Email CAA Speakers with event details
- Get availability confirmation within 24 hours
- Review speaking fee and contract terms
- Sign agreement and finalize logistics
As one of the most influential talent agencies in the world, CAA handles all speaking engagements from contract to event day coordination.
Who is Valerie Jarrett's booking agent?
CAA Speakers is the preferred booking agency to contact for Valerie Jarrett’s speaking engagements. Contact speakers@caa.com for all Valerie Jarrett in-person appearances and keynote speaking requests.
Contact Valerie Jarrett's agent- Email: speakers@caa.com
- Website: caa.com/caaspeakers
- Response: Within 24 hours
CAA Speakers can check Valerie Jarrett's speaking calendar with direct access to availability and official pricing. While many websites may list Valerie Jarrett, CAA Speakers is the direct source for authentic information about availability and pricing.
What is Valerie Jarrett's speaking fee?
Valerie Jarrett's speaking fee varies by event type, location, and requirements. As a top keynote speaker, Valerie Jarrett's fee reflects their expertise and market demand.
Speaking fee factors:- Event type and audience size
- Travel distance and logistics
- Presentation length and customization
- Virtual vs. in-person delivery
Additional costs: Travel, accommodation, A/V requirements, and optional meet-and-greets.
Contact CAA Speakers at speakers@caa.com for Valerie Jarrett's current speaking fee and detailed cost breakdown.
How much does it cost to book Valerie Jarrett as a keynote speaker?
The cost to book Valerie Jarrett as keynote speaker includes their speaking fee plus travel and logistics expenses.
Total booking cost includes:- Valerie Jarrett's keynote speaking fee
- Travel and accommodation
- Technical requirements and A/V setup
- Optional add-ons like book signing and meet & greets
- Virtual presentations
- Local/regional events
- Off-peak booking periods
- Flexible event dates
Email speakers@caa.com for Valerie Jarrett's exact booking cost and customized pricing proposal.
How to contact Valerie Jarrett for speaking engagements?
Contact CAA Speakers at speakers@caa.com for all Valerie Jarrett speaking engagements.
Official contact for Valerie Jarrett bookings:- Email: speakers@caa.com
- Website: https://www.caa.com/caaspeakers/valerie-jarrett
- Response time: 24 hours
Include your event date, location, audience size, and budget when contacting CAA about booking Valerie Jarrett.
Is Valerie Jarrett available for virtual speaking events?
Yes, Valerie Jarrett speaks at virtual events with professional-grade equipment and interactive presentation style.
Valerie Jarrett's virtual event options:- Live virtual keynotes with Q&A
- Interactive workshops and breakouts
- Hybrid events (in-person + virtual)
- Pre-recorded presentations
Virtual events offer global reach, flexible scheduling, and reduced travel costs while maintaining Valerie Jarrett's engaging presentation quality.
Contact CAA Speakers for Valerie Jarrett's virtual event availability and technical specifications.
What events can I book Valerie Jarrett for?
Book Valerie Jarrett for corporate conferences, industry events, private functions, and virtual presentations. Valerie Jarrett customizes content for any audience size or event type.
Event types:- Corporate meetings and conferences
- Industry summits and trade shows
- Private executive retreats
- Educational institution events
- Virtual and hybrid conferences
Valerie Jarrett engages audiences from private executive meetings to large conferences with thousands of attendees.
Contact CAA Speakers to discuss how Valerie Jarrett can customize their presentation for your specific event.
Valerie Jarrett booking information and availability
Check Valerie Jarrett's speaking availability through CAA Speakers at speakers@caa.com. Book 3-6 months in advance for best date selection during peak seasons (September-November, March-May).
Availability factors:- Event date and location
- Speaking fee and budget
- Lead time for booking
- Peak conference seasons
- 3-6 months: Best availability
- 3-6 months: Best availability
- 2-3 months: Good availability
- 1-2 months: Select availability
- Under 30 days: Limited availability
Contact CAA early in your planning process to secure Valerie Jarrett for your preferred event date.
Book Valerie Jarrett keynote speaker through CAA
Book Valerie Jarrett through CAA Speakers for guaranteed authentic representation and professional event coordination. CAA is the preferred booking agent for Valerie Jarrett, with direct access to their speaking availability and decades of experience representing the world’s top keynote speakers.
CAA booking advantages:- Direct access to Valerie Jarrett's calendar
- 24-hour availability confirmations
- Professional contract negotiation
- Full logistics coordination
- Industry-leading client service
Trusted by Fortune 500 companies for their most important speaking engagements. Contact speakers@caa.com to book Valerie Jarrett for your next event.
Will Valerie Jarrett speak at private events?
Yes, Valerie Jarrett speaks at private corporate events, executive retreats, board meetings, and exclusive functions.
Private event types:- Executive retreats and board presentations
- Client entertainment and VIP gatherings
- Corporate celebrations and award ceremonies
- Private dinners and exclusive functions
Private event benefits: Customized content, enhanced interaction, complete confidentiality, and flexible scheduling.
Contact CAA Speakers for Valerie Jarrett's private event availability and confidential pricing proposals.
How quickly will I get a response about booking Valerie Jarrett?
CAA Speakers responds to Valerie Jarrett booking inquiries within 24 hours during business days. Complex requests or international events may take up to 48 hours for detailed proposals.
Response timeline:- Initial acknowledgment: Within 24 hours
- Availability confirmation: 24-48 hours
- Detailed pricing proposal: 48-72 hours
- Urgent requests: Same-day priority response
Include complete event details (date, location, audience size, budget) for fastest response times.
How far in advance should I book Valerie Jarrett?
Book Valerie Jarrett 3-6 months in advance for best availability, especially during peak speaking seasons. Early booking ensures better date selection and rate negotiations.
Recommended booking timeline:- 3-6 months: Optimal availability and pricing
- 2-3 months: Good availability
- 1-2 months: Select availability
- Under 30 days: Limited availability
Peak seasons: September-November and March-May book fastest. Contact CAA Speakers early for priority consideration.
How do I get Valerie Jarrett pricing information?
Get Valerie Jarrett pricing information by contacting CAA Speakers at speakers@caa.com with your event details. Receive detailed cost breakdown within 24-48 hours with no obligation to book.
For accurate pricing, include:- Event date and location
- Audience size and type
- Event format and duration
- Budget parameters
CAA provides transparent pricing with all costs included - speaking fee, travel, accommodation, and technical requirements.