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Valerie Jarrett is an accomplished American attorney, businesswoman, and political strategist who became one of the most influential advisors in modern American politics. Best known for her close working relationship with President Barack Obama, Jarrett served as Senior Advisor to the President throughout his two terms in office. Her career spans decades of work in public service, law, and business, making her a trailblazer for women of color in leadership roles.
Early Life and Education
Valerie Bowman Jarrett was born on November 14, 1956, in Shiraz, Iran, where her father, Dr. James Bowman, worked as a physician. Her family lived abroad because her father had taken a position at a hospital in Iran, but they returned to the United States when Jarrett was 5 years old. Her mother, Barbara Bowman, was an early childhood education expert and co-founder of the Erikson Institute, which focuses on child development.
Growing up in Chicago, Jarrett was exposed to a mix of cultures and progressive values, with a strong focus on education and social justice. She attended the prestigious Laboratory Schools at the University of Chicago before enrolling at Stanford University, where she earned a degree in psychology in 1978. Jarrett later attended the University of Michigan Law School, receiving her Juris Doctor degree in 1981.
Early Career: Law and Local Government
After law school, Valerie Jarrett began her career in law, working as a corporate attorney at two Chicago law firms. However, she soon realized that her passion lay in public service rather than corporate law. In 1987, she joined the administration of then-Chicago Mayor Harold Washington, marking the beginning of her long career in government.
During her time in Chicago’s city government, Jarrett held various roles, including Deputy Corporation Counsel for Finance and Development and Commissioner of the Department of Planning and Development. She quickly gained a reputation for her work on affordable housing, economic development, and urban planning.
In the early 1990s, Jarrett served as Deputy Chief of Staff for Mayor Richard M. Daley, where she focused on critical issues such as infrastructure development, housing, and transportation. It was during this time that she first met a young lawyer named Michelle Robinson, whom she hired to work in Mayor Daley’s office. Robinson would later become Michelle Obama, and this meeting would mark the beginning of Jarrett’s close relationship with the future first couple.
Business Leadership and Civic Engagement
While continuing her work in public service, Jarrett also developed a strong business acumen. In 1995, she became CEO of The Habitat Company, a Chicago-based real estate management and development firm. Under her leadership, the company focused on affordable housing initiatives, which aligned with her passion for social equity.
Jarrett was deeply involved in Chicago’s civic life and served on several boards, including the Chicago Transit Authority and the University of Chicago Medical Center. Her ability to bridge the worlds of business, law, and government positioned her as a key figure in Chicago’s political and economic landscape.
Senior Advisor to President Obama
Valerie Jarrett’s long-standing relationship with Barack and Michelle Obama began well before Barack’s political ascent. Jarrett was an early supporter and confidante, offering guidance and advice throughout his career. When Obama won the presidency in 2008, Jarrett was appointed Senior Advisor to the President, a role she held from 2009 to 2017.
As Senior Advisor, Jarrett wielded significant influence over policy decisions, particularly in the areas of economic recovery, healthcare reform, and social justice. She was the head of the Office of Public Engagement and Intergovernmental Affairs, acting as a key liaison between the White House and various constituencies, including civil rights organizations, business leaders, and local governments. Her role in the administration was wide-ranging, from working on women’s rights and criminal justice reform to advocating for the Affordable Care Act and LGBTQ+ rights.
Jarrett was known for her calm demeanor, loyalty, and behind-the-scenes influence. Often referred to as the President’s “consigliere,” she was one of his closest and most trusted advisors. Her access to both the President and First Lady made her a vital figure in the administration’s decision-making process.
Post-White House Career and Advocacy
After leaving the White House in 2017, Jarrett continued her public service work, focusing on issues of social justice, gender equality, and civic engagement. She became a Senior Distinguished Fellow at the University of Chicago Law School and joined several corporate boards, including Lyft and Ariel Investments.
Jarrett also became a leading advocate for women’s rights, co-chairing the United State of Women, an initiative aimed at addressing gender equity in areas such as economic opportunity, healthcare, and leadership. In 2019, she released her memoir, Finding My Voice: My Journey to the West Wing and the Path Forward, which chronicles her life, career, and experiences in the Obama White House. In her book, she shares personal stories of overcoming adversity, lessons in leadership, and her thoughts on the challenges facing America.
Personal Life
Valerie Jarrett’s personal life has been shaped by her dedication to her family and her work. She was married briefly to Dr. William Jarrett, a physician, and the two had a daughter, Laura Jarrett, who is now a prominent attorney and television journalist. Although her marriage ended in divorce, Jarrett has maintained a close relationship with her daughter and is a proud grandmother.
Throughout her life, Jarrett has been inspired by her parents’ dedication to education, service, and equality. She credits them with instilling in her a strong sense of purpose and a commitment to making a positive impact on society.
Legacy and Impact
Valerie Jarrett’s legacy is one of influence, service, and leadership. As one of the most powerful figures in the Obama administration, she played a crucial role in shaping policy and connecting the White House with the American people. Her work on civil rights, healthcare reform, and gender equality has had a lasting impact on the lives of millions of Americans.
Jarrett’s ability to navigate the worlds of business, law, and government, combined with her deep commitment to social justice, has made her a trailblazer for women and people of color in leadership roles. Today, she continues to inspire and advocate for a more inclusive and equitable society, using her platform to promote positive change.
Her journey from Chicago city government to the White House, and now to the forefront of advocacy and social justice, reflects her belief in the power of public service and the importance of lifting others up.
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