155 Emerging Changemakers Across 64 Nations Selected for Eight-Month Leadership Initiative

CHICAGO, IL — The Obama Foundation today announced its 2026–2027 cohort of Obama Leaders, welcoming 155 rising changemakers from 64 nations and territories. Guided by President Barack Obama’s core belief that real change does not come from the top down, but belongs to the next generation of leaders, the eight-month leadership development initiative equips emerging innovators with values-based skills and a strong network of support to turn hope into action.

The incoming cohort spans the government, business, and civil society sectors, bringing together dynamic public servants, grassroots advocates, and civic pioneers aged 25 to 44.

Diverse Global Representation

The 2026–2027 Obama Leaders bring a wide range of lived experiences and dedicated service to public life. Highlighted members of this year’s class include:

• Legislators: Members of parliament serving in Germany, Greece, and Türkiye.
• Local Governance Officials: A city councillor driving local civic progress in Niger.
• Judicial Officers: A municipal court judge in the Philippines advancing justice and rule of law.
• Child Rights Advocates: A social inclusion leader in Albania fighting for children’s rights.
• Grassroots Civic Organizers: Mobilizers registering first-time voters across the United States.

While each participant brings individual achievements, the core strength of the Leaders program lies in bringing these diverse voices together to share perspectives, tackle shared global challenges, and collaborate across borders.

Connecting to a Global Network of Alumni

Upon graduating from the program in 2027, the cohort will officially join the Obama Leadership Network—a growing global network of nearly 1,900 active changemakers operating across more than 160 countries.

The ongoing impact of this connected community is already visible through stories across the network:

• Environmental Stewardship: Climate leaders across the network driving local adaptation and sustainability efforts worldwide.
• Immigrant Support: Obama Leader José Patiño, who transformed his personal experience as an undocumented immigrant into empowering thousands of immigrant families.
• Human Rights: Obama Leader and Scholar Nika Kovač, who leads major campaigns advancing reproductive rights across Europe.

Accessing Leader Profiles

Full biographies, individual impact stories, and detailed profiles of the 2026–2027 Obama Leaders are now accessible directly on the Obama Foundation platform.

About the Obama Foundation

The Obama Foundation is a non-profit organization focused on inspiring, empowering, and connecting people to change their world. Through leadership programs across the globe and the creation of the Obama Presidential Center, the Foundation works to foster values-based leadership in the next generation.

Media Contact:

Obama Foundation Press Office

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