Meet the next generation of changemakers

Three of the Obama Foundation's global programs launched new cohorts in 2024. Learn more about these programs and how you can support our Leaders, Scholars, and Voyagers.

This image shows four individuals, each captured in a close-up portrait. The first is a woman with a dark skin tone, wearing a yellow beanie, glasses, and a green sweatshirt with the words "Fresh Afrika." Next is a man with a light skin tone, dark hair, and a broad smile wearing a black hoodie. Next a woman with a light skin tone holds a closed lip smile. She is wearing a blue blazer and white top, with salt and pepper shoulder length hair and is wearing burnt orange lipstick. Last is a man with light skin, brown hair, wearing a black turtleneck and dark jacket, standing outdoors in a setting with snow and mountains in the background.

A new wave of innovative leaders

The Obama Foundation offers programs aimed at inspiring, empowering, and connecting leaders from around the world. Participants in these programs are typically emerging leaders who demonstrate a commitment to positive change in their communities. This year’s class comprises 33 Leaders from Africa, 35 from the Asia-Pacific, 36 from Europe, and 100 from the United States, 30 Scholars at the University of Chicago and Columbia University, and 100 new Voyagers. 

These Obama Leaders, Scholars, and Voyagers represent over 70 nations and territories, spanning a broad range of sectors—including public, private, and civil. They are committed to addressing some of the world’s most urgent challenges. Whether it's strengthening democracy, promoting civic engagement, combating the climate crisis, or advancing education, these leaders are prepared to collaborate and drive change in their communities and beyond.

A blue graphic reads, “334 participants” and “3” programs.” The text is white and light blue.
A woman with a light skin tone and long brown hair holds a closed lip smile. She is to the right of the graphic. Above her is text that reads, “Hanah Lahe” and “Leaders Europe.” On the left is text that reads, “Youngest member of Parliament in Estonian history at age 23.”
A Black woman with a medium dark skin tone crosses and curly hair crosses her arms. She is to the left of the graphic. Above her is text that reads, “Miriam Loivotoki-Elisha” and “Leaders Africa.” On the right is text that reads, ‘80 Founders & CEOs.”
A green and light blue graphic reads, “78 countries represented” and “27 participants from Chicago.” The text is navy blue.

Meet the cohorts

Sheila Raha Sarhangi

Leaders USA 2024-2025

Meet the new Leaders USA.

Learn more
Jibreel Jalloh

Scholars 2024-2025

Meet the new University of Chicago and Columbia University Scholars.

Learn more
William Navarrete Moreno

Voyagers 2024-2026

Meet the new Voyagers.

Learn more
Philile Linda Shongwe

Leaders Africa 2024-2025

Meet the new Leaders Africa.

Learn more
Nicole Dyson

Leaders Asia-Pacific 2024-2025

Meet the new Leaders Asia-Pacific.

Learn more
Mete Coban

Leaders Europe 2024-2025

Meet the new Leaders Europe.

Learn more

Hear their stories

In a room, a woman with a light skin tone and curly hair rests her hands on her hips. She is surrounded by six other women with a range of ages and light to dark skin tones. There are poster boards and pink sticky notes on the table. All are looking away from the camera.
Obama Scholar Enrica Duncan is the director of Mapa do Acolhimento, an organization that leverages technology to provide direct response resources for survivors of gender-based violence. The organization started in response to urgent requests for psychological and legal support, using technology to make one-to-one matches based on needs. Since then, Mapa has transformed into a network of over 10,000 volunteers in 1,000 cities across Brazil to connect survivors to robust mental health support, access to justice, and interventions to break the cycle of violence.

1/6

Lela Tolajian, a woman with a light skin tone and short brown hair, poses in front of a sign that reads, “Nations Unies United Nations.” A globe symbol is on the left.
Obama-Chesky Voyager Lela Tolajian is the founder of the International Coalition Against Modern Slavery, a grassroots organization dedicated to eradicating forced labor, human trafficking, and the systemic inequalities that fuel exploitation. She hopes to expand the organization globally, collaborating with local communities to advocate for survivors' rights, strengthen labor laws, and provide educational resources.

2/6

Tolulope Olukokun, a Black man with a dark skin tone and no hair, stands in front of an orange and white ThinkBikes. He is smiling. It is a sunny day.
Obama Leader Tolulope Olukokun is the chief executive officer of ThinkBikes, an organization committed to providing affordable and sustainable means of last-mile transportation using electric cargo bikes for goods in urban and rural areas. He is a renowned social entrepreneur and innovator in the micro-mobility sector. As a visionary in sustainable mobility, Tolulope is driving positive change and positioning ThinkBikes as a leader in creating a greener future in Nigeria.

3/6

Scholar Nikki Gillan, a woman with a medium skin tone and dark brown hair sits behind a table that reads, “Action Now” and “Community Schools Illinois Statewide Coalition.” Next to her is a man with a light skin tone and blonde hair. Behind her is a woman with light skin tone, brown hair, and glasses.
Obama Scholar Nikki Gillani advocates for policies that connect schools and community-based organizations that serve youth during out-of-school time, collaborating with communities across the state of Illinois. In the future, she seeks to professionalize and expand the youth development field by creating clear and robust educational pathways for aspiring professionals, ensuring that every child has access to high-quality afterschool environments.

4/6

Jonathan Jean Charles, a Black man with a medium dark skin tone squats as he prepares produce bags that read, “Fridge of Plenty Miami.” He is surrounded by three others with medium skin tones who are out of frame putting together bags. Vegetables are on the tables.
Obama-Chesky Voyager Jonathan Jean Charles is focused on finding methods to decrease noncommunicable disease occurrence among low-income communities with hopes of better understanding the intersection between health literacy, health equity, and the social determinants of health. His community service involvements continue to inform him of the role one’s environment plays in shaping their health outcomes. In the future, he aspires to become a culturally competent physician dedicated to health policy and patient-centered health care.

5/6

Nalu OʻConnor, a man with a light skin tone and light brown hair, poses in a group photo outdoors with a group of people with a range of ages and light to medium skin tones. All are dressed in workout clothes.
Obama Leader Nalu OʻConnor is the program leader of the Pacific Internship Programs for Exploring Sciences (PIPES) program at the University of Hawaiʻi-Hilo. PIPES nurtures future aloha ʻāina leaders in Hawaiʻi through place-based internships, mentorship, and strategic partnerships. Nalu is dedicated to exploring the ideas of reconnecting people, place, and practice with the ultimate goal of ʻāina momona— abundant ecosystems and thriving communities.

6/6

SUPPORT OUR PROGRAM PARTICIPANTS

Every young person's dream matters, no matter where they're from or what they look like. Donate today to inspire, empower, and connect the next generation to change their world.

The Barack Obama Foundation is registered as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (EIN 46-4950751).

See all programs

Leaders

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

Learn more

Scholars

For leaders ready to take their work to the next level through academic, skills-based, and hands-on learning.

Learn more

Voyager Scholarship

For undergraduate students in the 
US committed to pursuing careers in 
public service.

Learn more

Futures Series

Connecting high school students
looking to explore career pathways with accomplished leaders.

Learn more

Obama Youth Jobs Corps

For Chicago high school students interested in skills training, paid professional internships and more.

Learn more

Obama Leadership Network

Meet previous years' changemakers and learn more about their work.

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.

Sign up for the latest on the Obama Foundation

Get the latest news and updates by signing up for Obama Foundation emails. (All fields required.)