Keen chosen for Obama Foundation leaders program

Former President Barack Obama announced Tuesday the first cohort of 100 emerging changemakers who have been selected to participate in the Obama Foundation’s Leaders USA program.

Among them is Marimn Health's Chief Strategy Officer Heather Keen.

Chosen from a highly competitive pool of applicants, these leaders are actively driving change across geographies, sectors and issues.

Keen told The Press she has always been passionate about creating positive and lasting change. This program will give her opportunities to acquire new leadership skills and to build meaningful connections with thought partners and leaders across the U.S., she said Wednesday.

"I look forward to learning from others in the program who are working on innovative solutions to some of the problems we face in the world today," Keen said. "I am excited to bring new ideas back to my work with the Coeur d’Alene Tribe."

The inaugural cohort of U.S. “Obama Leaders” is composed of values-driven changemakers from 37 states; Washington, D.C.; American Samoa; Guam; and five tribal nations. These Obama Leaders are united by their passion for building a stronger, more sustainable and more inclusive world.

Obama said in a news release he is inspired by this group of young leaders.

“From an oncology resident championing health equity for Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders, to passionate union organizers advocating for the labor rights of educators and first responders nationwide, to the first Black woman executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Alabama — their ideas and leadership will help strengthen democracy now and in the future," he said. "These leaders give me hope, and they deserve our support."

Launched in 2018, the Obama Foundation Leaders program empowers emerging leaders to accelerate positive and lasting change in their communities and around the world. Participants receive unique and comprehensive experiences, including a values-driven leadership curriculum, action labs focused on strengthening democratic institutions and culture in the U.S., community groups for fostering constructive dialogue in polarized environments and support to help tackle pressing current issues.

Upon completion, the inaugural cohort of United States Obama Leaders will join the Obama Foundation Leadership Network, a growing community of global program alumni.

Info: obama.org/programs/leaders/usa/2023