“Some people might have different ideas about what progress looks like, and some are cynical and place their short-term political interests ahead of what is good for our country. But many of them aren't cynical and try hard to do their best.”

American businesswoman, attorney and former government official

Valerie Jarrett is an American businesswoman, attorney, and former government official. She has led the Obama Foundation as chief executive officer since 2021, and was the longest-serving senior adviser to President Barack Obama. In the White House, she headed the Office of Public Engagement and Intergovernmental Affairs and chaired the Council on Women and Girls. Before that, she served as chief executive officer of The Habitat Company and was a co-chair of the Obama-Biden Transition Project.