Valerie Jarrett

Discover the life and influence of Valerie Jarrett, born November 14, 1956 — American lawyer, public servant, and long-time senior adviser to President Obama. Explore her early life, education, career trajectory, legacy, and memorable remarks.

Introduction

Valerie June Jarrett (née Bowman) is an American lawyer, businesswoman, and public figure, best known for her role as a senior advisor to President Barack Obama (2009–2017). Over her career, she has helped shape public engagement, women’s policy, and intergovernmental affairs in Washington. Her path from international birth to the East Room of the White House is both unique and instructive.

In this article, we trace Jarrett’s journey—her early years, legal training, rise in Chicago politics, influence in the Obama administration, and work after leaving public office. We also collect some of her notable quotes and lessons from her experience.

Early Life and Family

Valerie Jarrett was born on November 14, 1956, in Shiraz, Iran, to American parents.

When Valerie was five years old, her family moved to London for a year, then in 1963 relocated permanently to Chicago, Illinois. Persian, French, and English.

Jarrett’s maternal lineage includes notable figures: her maternal great-grandfather, Robert Robinson Taylor, was the first accredited African American architect and the first African American student at MIT.

Jarrett thus grew up in a family environment steeped in education, public service, and civic concerns.

Youth and Education

Jarrett’s schooling included time at the Laboratory Schools of the University of Chicago and later Northfield Mount Hermon School, from which she graduated in 1974.

She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Stanford University in 1978. Juris Doctor (JD) degree from the University of Michigan Law School in 1981.

During and after law school, Jarrett cultivated both legal competence and a broader interest in public policy and civic engagement.

Career and Achievements

Chicago & Local Government

Jarrett’s first major public service role came in 1987, when she joined Mayor Harold Washington’s administration as Deputy Corporation Counsel for Finance and Development. Deputy Chief of Staff and later Commissioner of Planning and Development (1991–1995).

From 1995 to 2003, she served as Chair of the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA). CEO of The Habitat Company, a real estate development & management firm based in Chicago.

Jarrett was also active in various civic boards and institutions: the board of trustees for the University of Chicago Medical Center, the Chicago Stock Exchange, the Museum of Science and Industry, and more.

Her work in Chicago politics and institutions built her reputation as a capable administrator, connector, and civic leader.

Joining the Obama Administration

Jarrett was tapped to co-chair the Obama-Biden Transition Project in 2008. Senior Advisor to the President and Assistant to the President for Public Engagement and Intergovernmental Affairs.

In the White House, Jarrett also chaired the White House Council on Women and Girls, and led or co-led initiatives related to public engagement, urban affairs, and educational equity.

She remained in those roles through both of Obama’s presidential terms, departing when the administration ended in January 2017.

Post-Public Office & Civic Leadership

After leaving the White House, Valerie Jarrett continued serving in civic, nonprofit, academic, and business roles:

• She became a senior adviser to the Obama Foundation and later (2021) was appointed CEO of the Obama Foundation.

• She has sat on boards of companies such as Lyft, Ariel Investments, Walgreens, 2U, and others.

• Jarrett co-founded or co-chaired civic initiatives including When We All Vote, United State of Women, and Civic Nation.

• She served as a distinguished senior fellow at the University of Chicago Law School.

• In 2019, she published her memoir, Finding My Voice: My Journey to the West Wing and the Path Forward.

Jarrett has maintained influence as a voice in civic engagement, women’s empowerment, and public policy discourse.

Historical Milestones & Context

• Jarrett’s birth abroad (in Iran) and multilingual upbringing is rare among American political advisors, giving her a dimension of international perspective.

• Her leadership roles in Chicago placed her at the center of urban governance and infrastructure before transitioning to national politics.

• As a senior advisor to the first Black U.S. President, she played a part in expanding equity, diversity, and inclusion initiatives in the White House.

• Her post-White House work with the Obama Foundation and civic initiatives helps bridge governance, social movements, and institutional legacy.

• Jarrett’s transitions—from law to city government to national service to nonprofit and corporate leadership—reflect evolving models of public service in the late 20th and early 21st centuries.

Legacy and Influence

Valerie Jarrett’s legacy is multifaceted:

1. Bridging public engagement and governance
   Jarrett elevated public engagement as a core function of the presidency, seeking to bring citizen voices into policy discourse.

2. Championing women and equity
   Through her leadership in the Council on Women and Girls and other initiatives, she helped embed gender equity in federal strategy.

3. Model of “behind-the-scenes” power
   Though rarely in the headlines, Jarrett wielded influence, showing how trusted advisors shape agendas and decisions.

4. Civic infrastructure post-office
   Her leadership at the Obama Foundation and civic initiatives extends her influence beyond electoral cycles, contributing to institutional continuity.

5. Inspiring a diverse generation of public servants
   Her career embodies how legal training, local governance experience, and nonprofit leadership can combine to shape a public service trajectory.

Her influence is still visible in nonprofit governance, women’s leadership networks, and political mentorship circles.

Personality and Talents

Jarrett is often described as intentional, relational, discreet, and strategic. Colleagues portray her as someone who listens, builds consensus, and cares deeply about inclusion and equity.

She has a reputation for being calm under pressure, navigating political complexity with grace, and maintaining authentic relationships across sectors.

Her intellectual gifts include policy fluency across domains (urban planning, housing, women’s issues), plus a capacity to translate technical or institutional issues into accessible public conversation.

She is also known for embracing her own life story—acknowledging struggles, pivots, and growth—as part of her leadership voice.

Famous Quotes of Valerie Jarrett

“Tell your story. It is what makes you who you are.”
— From her 2017 commencement speech at Spelman College

“I finally said, ‘I don’t care if you’re the first person in your family to be a lawyer… Everybody thought what I was doing was really exciting, but it was not moving me one bit.’”
— Reflecting on her transition from law to public service

“Keep yourself open, don’t plan your career.”
— On the importance of flexibility and adaptability in one’s path

“Change often seems impossible until we, the people, make it inevitable.”
— On civic and social change (used in public remarks)

These quotes highlight her belief in authenticity, personal growth, openness to change, and collective action.

Lessons from Valerie Jarrett

1. Embrace the non-linear path
   Jarrett’s transition from law to city government to national leadership illustrates that purpose may emerge over time, not solely via a fixed plan.

2. Lead from relationships
   Her influence stemmed in part from deep relational trust—with the Obamas, civic leaders, local institutions—not just positional power.

3. Center public engagement in governance
   She demonstrates that policy is more than legislation: it involves listening, bridging communities, and accountability.

4. Sustain influence beyond elective office
   By leading foundations, civic initiatives, and boards, Jarrett shows how public service continues outside government.

5. Own your story—even the difficult parts
   Her willingness to share career struggles, failures, and pivots reinforces that vulnerability can strengthen leadership credibility.

Conclusion

Valerie Jarrett’s life and career showcase a model of public service grounded in relational leadership, institutional insight, and civic impact. From her birth in Iran to her role in the White House and her ongoing civic leadership, she continues to shape discourse on governance, equity, and community.