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stems from their engagement with societal issues, especially regarding college students who are admitted into programs led by the Obama Foundation.

“ e focus we admit into our programs all have already established at a very young age, far younger before I was actually engaged civically, that they care about their communities and that they feel this sense of empowerment to make a di erence,” Jarrett said.

“We want to inspire, empower and connect them even

When asked about how she integrates her values into everyday life and her surrounding community, Jarrett credits her parents for instilling a moral foundation within her character. ey provided me with a safety net, so if I stumbled and fell, I knew they would pick me up,” said Jarrett. “It was the adage, ‘To those whose much is given, much is expected,’ and the expectation was that I work really hard and that I would gure out my path to give back.” more people would think that way, we’d be in much better shape in the country.

Punnammal Gross ’24, Impact Chair of Alma Mater Productions, said that the importance of inviting Valerie Jarrett as keynote speaker relates to empowering women and women of color, since the College has had a history of gender exclusion and racial discrimination.

“I know that there was a time where the school didn’t accept women, and on top of that didn’t accept Black women or other women of color, so seeing the intersectionality of these two identities being able to speak in a crowd full of students and community leaders was such an amazing opportunity,” Gross said. “I’m thankful that I got to a school where this is possible and I got to learn a lot about leadership and values and boundary setting.”

During the talk, Jarrett also discussed the importance of authenticity, as it creates con dence within one’s self and in other people.

“I think I try to be as authentic as possible, I have been really open with you guys here,” said Jarrett. “If you’re comfortable in your skin, which takes some time to get that comfortable, and you treat people well, and you work hard, over the arch, you tend to make a di erence and you build relationships with people.”

Shiyanna McLeod ’23, the O ce of Community Values and Restorative Practices Representative, stated the importance of a Black woman taking center stage as the Values Week keynote speaker.

“I thought it was amazing to have speci cally a Black woman be our keynote speaker,” said McLeod. “I think that it resonates within me to see such a re ection of myself be brought to our school to share her insights and her experience during Women’s History Month as our Values Week speaker.” more, and have their di erences that they’re currently making make it to scale and help them to connect with one another.”

When asked about how she maneuvers the high level positions in the face of racial and gender inequality, Jarrett stressed that gaining people’s trust can help one gain respect.

- Valerie Jarrett, Obama Foundation CEO

“Yes, people might look at me a certain way because I’m a woman and they may look at me a certain way because I’m Black, my goal is to get them to trust me — to trust me as a human, to trust me because of my intellect and trust me because I respect them,” said Jarrett. “If you treat people pretty well over the arc of your life, it doesn’t mean that you’re not going to face discrimination, doesn’t mean that life isn’t always fair, but ultimately there’s no better revenge to all those haters than success.”

Jarrett further explained that her father, Dr. James E. Bowman, gave her important advice, as he always emphasized having a strong moral compass.

“My father always said, beginning when I was about ve years old when I had a coloring book, ‘Color well within the lines,’” Jarrett said. “ at should be your moral compass in life. Just don’t get close to the edge.”

Williamsburg community leader Connie Matthews Harshaw, a retired Federal Executive and President of the Let Freedom Ring Foundation, said that Jarrett’s words about morality and ethics was a notable theme throughout Jarrett’s talk.

“You know in your heart, you know in your mind what’s right and it is very black and white, there’s no gray area,” said Matthews. “ e di erence between right and wrong is non-negotiable. And I think that if

McLeod also said that Jarrett’s words on initiating connections with your neighbor is imperative because it can help bridge di erences, especially on college campuses.

“I think something that stood out to me from the talk was her advice to not exist inside an echo chamber,” McLeod said. “It really ties into her insights on being a leader and also getting involved in your community. You aren’t able to know what your neighbors are thinking without taking the rst step and asking them, and so I think that that is extremely relevant.

Jarrett’s advice to women who are seeking high level positions is to show up and work hard, and to be open to new opportunities and forging new connections.

“Do your job, I always say to people,” Jarrett said. “It is ne to aspire, but there are no easy steps to get to where I have been or where anybody goes who works in the White House.”

Jarrett’s nal advice to the audience was that life is not a clear cut path and that a diverging path can lead to new opportunities. “ e adventure is in the swerve, and I was on that straight line,” said Jarrett. “I’m so delighted that I had the courage to take a di erent direction. It changed my life.”