Find out what Obama Scholars and Voyagers are learning from our alumni.
The Obama Foundation is proud to host several programs that support young leaders working to change their communities and solve some of our world’s most pressing issues.
The Obama-Chesky Scholarship for Public Service, or Voyager Scholarship, supports students who have a passion for helping others and serving their communities, and the Obama Foundation Scholars Program helps rising leaders from around the world take their work to the next level.
Through our Voyager and Scholars programs, we have connected hundreds of 44 Alumni with young people to help guide them through their endeavors with practical advice and support. This August, we spoke to four 44 Alumni about their experiences with our Voyagers and Scholars. Check out what they shared below.
Pam Coleman
With little to no experience in politics, Pam Coleman signed up for Camp Obama to become a full-time battleground state volunteer “Deputy Field Organizer” in 2008. Through her work on the Obama Campaign in East Orlando, FL, Coleman realized that community organizing was her passion and decided to pursue a career in community building with Organizing for America New Mexico. Coleman then continued her career in the Obama Network, moving to Washington, DC, in January 2013, to work in the White House Presidential Personnel Office and stayed until 2016. Her final position there was as the first Special Assistant to the President, Leadership Development Team Lead.
Coleman has continued her efforts to build leaders across the country, as a leadership and management coach and as an Obama Foundation alumni mentor. When recounting her decision to sign up as a Foundation mentor, Coleman was immediately reminded of her time on the 2008 campaign: “Young people formed the engine of the 2008 campaign. They were not only hopeful for a better future; they were willing to work for it. I wanted to support their efforts from the get-go in any way I could.”
“So much has happened since 2008 —so many reasons for young people to turn away from leadership— yet they do not. The Obama Foundation young leaders continue to strive to make a difference, no matter what.”
– Pam Coleman
What’s the best advice you’ve given a Voyager or Scholar?
“Your authenticity is your secret sauce and your superpower. It doesn't mean that your point of view will always win the day, but no matter what, you are THE expert of your lived experience.”