Valerie Jarrett, Chief Executive Officer, The Barack Obama Foundation

The Honorable Valerie Jarrett is Chief Executive Officer and a member of the board of directors of The Obama Foundation where she is overseeing the creation of a new world-class cultural and civic institution on Chicago’s south side, and the Foundation’s programs that inspire, empower, and connect people to change their world. Ms. Jarrett is also a Senior Distinguished Fellow at The University of Chicago Law School and the author of the New York Times bestselling book Finding My Voice: My Journey to the West Wing and the Path Forward. Ms. Jarrett was the Senior Advisor to President Barack Obama from 2009-2017, making her the longest-serving senior advisor to a president in history. She oversaw the Offices of Public Engagement and Intergovernmental Affairs and Chaired the White House Council on Women and Girls. 

Bonnie Jean Jelly & Joan Kelly Distinguished Visiting Scholars Lecture

The Bonnie Jean Kelly and Joan Kelly Distinguished Visiting Scholar Fund was established in 2006 by Joan Kelly ‘46 to bring nationally-known scholars to St. Kate’s for seminars, workshops and classroom discussions, It is one of the three prestigious programs designed to recognize academic excellence and grow the national visibility of St. Catherine University.