doi:10.7916/fbke-gh71Oral history interview with Valerie Jarrett, 2021Jarrett, Valerie, 1956-oral historiesmixed materialPresidents--United StatesPresidents--Staff.--United StatesPresidential campaigns--United StatesJarrett, Valerie, 1956-Obama, BarackObama, Michelle, 1964-White House Council on Women and Girls (U.S.)Obama FoundationValerie Jarrett reflects on her relationships with Barack and Michelle Obama, and discusses her service as senior advisor and assistant to the president for public engagement and intergovernmental affairs throughout the Obama presidency. Jarrett outlines the organizational structure of the administration, recounts the internal deliberations and political conditions surrounding the administration's major activities, and provides details about her role in the Obama White House, including her facilitation of dialogue with outside advocacy organizations and interest groups to shape legislative initiatives, White House programs, and executive actions. Jarrett focuses on the connections between the White House, state and local governments, and ordinary people, and situates the Obama administration amid major historical forces including racism and racial identity, gender, climate change, and social and political polarization