Economic policy, health care, national security—if it’s on the President’s or First Lady’s agenda, it’s on the African-American women to make it happen
MEMBER OF THE COUNCIL OF ECONOMIC ADVISORS
What she does: A Princeton University professor, Rouse advises the President on economic policy issues, including education and training, unemployment, health care and a variety of concerns relating to individuals and workers.
ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR, WHITE HOUSE OFFICE OF URBAN AFFAIRS
What she does: Beverly, an attorney, coordinates town hall meetings around the country highlighting best practices on issues including neighborhood revitalization, transportation, and sustainability. These innovations guide the Urban Affairs Office in creating new federal strategies to improve our cities.
SENIOR ADVISOR ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT FOR INTERGOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS AND PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT
What she does: In addition to being the President’s closest friend in the White House, Jarrett, an attorney, a veteran political strategist and a former real estate developer, serves as a go-between with the outside world—state and local officials, as well as various interest and constituency groups.
DEPUTY ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT FROM DOMESTIC POLICY AND DIRECTOR OF POLICY AND PROJECTS FOR THE FIRST LADY
What she does: A friend to the First Lady since law school, Frye is an attorney who has advocated for employment and gender issues. She oversees matters that are priorities for Mrs. Obama, such as childhood obesity and military families, and serves as a liaison to the D.C community.
SOCIAL SECRETARY
What she does: This Harvard M.B.A and former utilities executive is responsible for planning, coordinating and executing every social event and ceremony at the White House. Rogers sees that state dinners, bill signings, First lady teas and even an Earth, Wind & Fire concert for America’s governors go off without a hitch.
SPECIAL ASSISTANT FOR SCHEDULING AND TRAVELING AIDE FOR THE FIRST LADY
What she does: Working for the Obamas since the President was a senator in Illinois, Jarvis is now Mrs. Obama’s first line of defense when she is on the road. From scheduling to event execution, Jarvis focuses on the First Lady’s every need.
SPECIAL ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT AND DIRECTOR OF EVENTS AND PROTOCOL
What she does: Her job is to oversee all events between the President and members of Congress, such as bill signings and meetings.
DOMESTIC POLICY ADVISOR AND THE DIRECTOR OF THE DOMESTIC POLICY COUNCIL
What she does: The point women for the President’s domestic policy matters, Barnes, a former chief counsel to Senator Ted Kennedy, works with key White House officers and federal agencies to shape proposals on such issues as education, employment, health care, immigration and housing for the President to consider.
UNITED STATES AMBASSADOR TO THE UNITED NATIONS
What she does: A former assistant secretary of state for African Affairs under Bill Clinton, Rice is a diplomat for the United States, representing the country during United Nations plenary meetings and on the U.N Security Council, where she affirms the national position on subjects ranging from global security to human rights.
DEPUTY WHITE HOUSE COUNSEL
What she does: An expert on civil rights and domestic policy, Butts advises President Obama on legal concerns regarding ethics, judicial nominations, vetting, civil rights and other legal matters.
ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR, OFFICE OF PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT
What she does: Charged with connecting the American people to the federal government, Richardson coordinates town halls across the nation. She helped launch health care reform efforts in March, planning a White house forum bringing together members of Congress, key medical organizations and constituency groups.
DEPUTY CHIEF OF STAFF FOR POLICY
What she does: A former U.S foreign service officer, who also served at the National Security Council, Sutphen meets daily with the President and helps coordinate his extensive domestic policy agenda.
POLICY ASSISTANT, DOMESTIC POLICY COUNCIL
What she does: Splitting her time between offices—Urban Policy, and Mobility and Opportunity—Wilkins helps develop initiatives on housing, poverty and transportation.
DIRECTOR OF WHITE HOUSE MESSAGE EVENTS
What she does: A former communications deputy director at the Democratic National Committee, Gibbs helps coordinate the President’s public events, form deciding the message of a town hall to setting on stage design.
ADMINISTRATOR OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
What she does: With 20 years experience as an environmental regulator and training as a chemical engineer, Jackson polices pollution and the cleanup of hazardous waste sites, safeguarding both the planet and human health.
SPECIAL ASSISTANT AND PERSONAL AIDE TO THE FIRST LADY
What she does: Lewis serves as a liaison between the First Lady’s East Wing office and the private residence, helping to juggle the countless events on both her public and personal schedules, making sure all the pieces of the puzzle fit.
ASSISTANT SOCIAL SECURITY
SURGEON GENERAL
FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION COMMISSIONER
