I was lucky enough to be selected by the Obama Foundation as a 2023 Obama Leader.
In 2023, I was selected by the Obama Foundation as an Obama Leader — an honor I didn’t take lightly.
Over the following six months, from January through June, I took part in a transformative program that brought together 35 extraordinary leaders from across Europe, all working to make the continent more tolerant, sustainable, and connected. Each week, we gathered for two-hour sessions with some of the world’s most effective campaigners, who generously shared not just what they were doing — but how and why.
One session stood out above the rest: President Obama himself joined us. We had the rare opportunity to put our most pressing questions directly to him — a moment that was as surreal as it was inspiring.
The program culminated in Athens, Greece, where our cohort finally met in person for the first time. We were joined by fellow Leaders from Africa and Asia, making the gathering truly global. Meeting the people I’d spent six months learning alongside — now face to face — made everything feel real in a way the screen never quite could.
It’s an experience I’ll carry with me for the rest of my life. The lessons, the connections, and the reminder of what’s possible when passionate people come together with a shared sense of purpose.
Mevan Babakar 