doi:10.7916/pyev-sw87Oral history interview with Valerie Jarrett, 2021Jarrett, Valerie, 1956-oral historiesmixed materialPresidents--United StatesWomen--Political activityJarrett, Valerie, 1956-Obama, BarackObama, Michelle, 1964-Washington, Harold, 1922-1987University of ChicagoValerie Jarrett, who served throughout the entirety of the Obama administration as senior advisor and assistant to the president for public engagement and intergovernmental affairs, discusses her family history, personal and professional development, long relationships with Barack and Michelle Obama, and the significance of Chicago toward the political trajectory of the Obamas. Jarrett reflects on the North Kenwood and Hyde Park neighborhoods, the administration and legacy of Mayor Harold Washington, the significance of the University of Chicago, and her introduction of Barack and Michelle Obama to Chicago’s business, political, and cultural communities. Jarrett also provides details about her role in the Obama White House, and outlines the structure of the West Wing and its decision- and policy-making procedures, the role of women in the administration, and the relationship between the East and West Wings. Also discussed are Jarrett's approach to mentorship and advisement, the balance between her personal and professional relationships with the Obamas, and importance of consensus to the White House's internal procedures