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.

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.  

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.

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.