Valerie Jarrett facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Valerie Jarrett
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Jarrett's 2009 White House portrait
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| CEO of the Obama Foundation | |
| Assumed office October 1, 2021 |
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| Preceded by | David Simas |
| Acting President of the Obama Foundation | |
| In office March 25, 2021 – October 1, 2021 |
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| Preceded by | Wally Adeyemo |
| Succeeded by | David Simas |
| Director of the Office of Public Engagement and Intergovernmental Affairs | |
| In office January 20, 2009 – January 20, 2017 |
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| President | Barack Obama |
| Preceded by | Julie E. Cram (Public Liaison) Janet Creighton (Intergovernmental Affairs) |
| Succeeded by | George Sifakis (Public Liaison) Justin R. Clark (Intergovernmental Affairs) |
| Senior Advisor to the President | |
| In office January 20, 2009 – January 20, 2017 |
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| President | Barack Obama |
| Preceded by | Barry Jackson |
| Succeeded by | Jared Kushner Stephen Miller |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Valerie June Bowman
November 14, 1956 Shiraz, Iran |
| Nationality | American |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse |
William Jarrett
(m. 1983; div. 1988) |
| Children | Laura Jarrett |
| Parents | |
| Education | Stanford University (BA) University of Michigan (JD) |
Valerie June Jarrett (born November 14, 1956) is an American businesswoman and government leader. She is currently the chief executive officer of the Obama Foundation. Before this, she was a very important advisor to Barack Obama when he was the U.S. President. She also led special White House offices that helped connect the government with people and different groups.
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Early Life and Education
Valerie Jarrett was born in Shiraz, Iran, in 1956. Her parents, James E. Bowman and Barbara T. Bowman, were Americans. Her father was a doctor who studied diseases and genetics. He worked at a hospital in Shiraz.
When Valerie was five, her family moved to London for a year. Then, in 1963, they moved to Chicago, USA.
Family Background
Valerie's family has roots from both African-American and European backgrounds. DNA tests showed she has European, African, and Native American ancestors.
One of her great-grandfathers, Robert Robinson Taylor, was the first African-American architect. He was also the first African-American student at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Her maternal grandfather, Robert Rochon Taylor, led the Chicago Housing Authority in the 1940s.
Learning and Growing Up
As a child, Valerie spoke Persian, French, and English. In 1966, her mother helped create the Erikson Institute. This institute helps teachers and other professionals learn about child development.
Valerie graduated from Northfield Mount Hermon School in 1974. She earned a bachelor's degree in psychology from Stanford University in 1978. Later, she earned a law degree (J.D.) from the University of Michigan Law School in 1981.
Career in Public Service
Chicago Politics
Valerie Jarrett began her career in Chicago politics in 1987. She worked for Mayor Harold Washington. Her job involved helping with the city's money and building projects.
In the 1990s, she continued to work in the Chicago mayor's office. She was a top assistant to Mayor Richard M. Daley. During this time, in 1991, she hired Michelle Robinson. Michelle later married Barack Obama.
Valerie also served as the commissioner for planning and development from 1991 to 1995. She was also the chairwoman of the Chicago Transit Authority from 1995 to 2003.
Business Leadership
From 1995 to 2009, Valerie was the CEO of The Habitat Company. This company develops and manages real estate. She left this role to join the Obama administration.
She also served on the board of the Chicago Stock Exchange. From 2004 to 2007, she was its chairman. Valerie was also a leader at the University of Chicago Medical Center. She was chairwoman of its board from 2006 to 2009.
Advisor to President Obama
Valerie Jarrett was one of President Obama's closest and longest-serving advisors. Many people thought she would get an important job in his government.
On November 14, 2008, President-elect Barack Obama chose Valerie to be a senior advisor. She also became an assistant to the president for public relations and working with different government groups.
She was one of three main senior advisors to President Obama. Her job included managing the White House Office of Public Engagement and Intergovernmental Affairs. She also led the White House Council on Women and Girls. This council worked on issues important to women and girls.
Valerie said that a 2011 report called Women in America helped guide government policies. This report was created for the Council on Women and Girls.
Relationship with the Obamas
In 1991, Valerie Jarrett interviewed Michelle Robinson for a job. Michelle was engaged to Barack Obama at the time. Valerie offered her the job right away.
Michelle asked Valerie to meet Barack before she decided. After they all had dinner, Michelle accepted the job. Valerie reportedly became a mentor to the couple. She helped them connect with important people in Chicago. When Valerie left her job at the mayor's office, Michelle Obama went with her.
After the Obama Administration
After leaving the White House, Valerie Jarrett continued to work with the Obamas. She became a senior advisor for the Obama Foundation. This foundation works to inspire and empower people around the world.
She also joined the boards of several companies and organizations. These include Ariel Investments, Lyft, and Walgreens Boots Alliance. She also became a distinguished senior fellow at the University of Chicago Law School.
In 2019, Valerie published her book titled Finding My Voice: My Journey to the West Wing and the Path Forward. It shares her experiences in government.
In 2020, Valerie Jarrett became the acting president of the Obama Foundation. In 2021, she officially became the chief executive officer of the Foundation. She is also a member of its board of directors.
Personal Life
In 1983, Valerie married William Robert Jarrett. He was the son of a newspaper reporter. She has said that the birth of their daughter made her want to work in public service. She wanted to do something that would make her daughter proud.
Her daughter, Laura Jarrett, became a lawyer and a reporter for CNN. She is now a senior legal correspondent for NBC News. Laura also co-anchors the Saturday edition of Today. Valerie and William divorced in 1988.
See also
In Spanish: Valerie Jarrett para niños
