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Home • News

29 Powerful Black Women Who Called the Shots in the Obama Administration

Meet the dynamic Black women who were responsible for keeping President Obama's administration running.
By Taylor Lewis · Updated October 26, 2020

Editor’s Note: This story originally appeared in the October 2015 issue of ESSENCE Magazine.

01
Women in Washington

The ladies were photographed exclusively for ESSENCE, September 4, 2015, in the Indian Treaty Room of the Eisenhower Executive Office Building.

29 Powerful Black Women Who Called the Shots in the Obama Administration
Kwaku Alston
02
LORETTA LYNCH, 56, U.S. Attorney General

LORETTA LYNCH, 56, U.S. Attorney General

“I want to protect the most vulnerable members of our society and make sure everyone has a voice.”

29 Powerful Black Women Who Called the Shots in the Obama Administration
Kwaku Alston
03
VALERIE JARRETT, 58, Senior Advisor to the President

“When women succeed, America succeeds.”

29 Powerful Black Women Who Called the Shots in the Obama Administration
Kwaku Alston
04
SUSAN RICE, 51, National Security Advisor

“My parents always taught me to work hard and to never give a halfhearted performance.”

29 Powerful Black Women Who Called the Shots in the Obama Administration
Kwaku Alston
05
DEESHA DYER, 37, Special Assistant to the President & Social Secretary

“Always be yourself. It sounds cliché, but as you get older, it becomes clear what being yourself truly means.”

29 Powerful Black Women Who Called the Shots in the Obama Administration
Kwaku Alston
06
ASHLEY ALLISON, 33, Deputy Director of the Office of Public Engagement

“The most inspiring moments come in times of quiet reflection on my walk to and from work.”

29 Powerful Black Women Who Called the Shots in the Obama Administration
Kwaku Alston
07
ASHLEY ETIENNE, 37, Special Assistant to the President & Cabinet Communications Director

“Truth will prevail regardless of the opposition and enormity of the challenge.”

29 Powerful Black Women Who Called the Shots in the Obama Administration
Kwaku Alston
08
ASHLEY TATE-GILMORE, 32, Director, White House Travel Office

“I have the chance to connect with Americans overseas who are real-life examples of the work we’re doing.”

29 Powerful Black Women Who Called the Shots in the Obama Administration
Kwaku Alston
09
ADAEZE ENEKWECHI, 37, Associate Director for Health, Office of Management and Budget

“Never take a job that doesn’t terrify [you]. Those are the jobs worth doing.”

29 Powerful Black Women Who Called the Shots in the Obama Administration
Kwaku Alston
10
DESIREE BARNES, 27, Press Assistant & Senior Wrangler

“You may not be your college valedictorian, but being present and contributing will earn you a spot on this team.”

29 Powerful Black Women Who Called the Shots in the Obama Administration
Kwaku Alston
11
DOMINIQUE MANN, 24, Press Assistant

“It hit me that little girls would grow up in a world where seeing a Black world leader was exceptional, but not unattainable.”

29 Powerful Black Women Who Called the Shots in the Obama Administration
Kwaku Alston
12
JORDAN METOYER, 23 Assistant to the Deputy Director and Senior Advisor to the Office of Management & Budget Director

“Amazing things happen during the fourth quarter.”

29 Powerful Black Women Who Called the Shots in the Obama Administration
Kwaku Alston
13
KALISHA DESSOURCES, 25, Staff Assistant for the Office of Intergovernmental Affairs

“The work we do mobilizing communities is only possible with strong relationships.”

29 Powerful Black Women Who Called the Shots in the Obama Administration
Kwaku Alston
14
KATHERINE BRANCH, 48, Director of Special Projects for the Office of Public Engagement & the Office of Intergovernmental Affairs

“Never take anything for granted.”

29 Powerful Black Women Who Called the Shots in the Obama Administration
Kwaku Alston
15
KIMBERLYN LEARY, 55, Advisor to the White House Council on Women and Girls

“Despite the demanding schedules, the White House is often peaceful and quiet.”

29 Powerful Black Women Who Called the Shots in the Obama Administration
Kwaku Alston
16
KRISTIN JONES, 30, Special Assistant & Director of Special Projects for First Lady Michelle Obama

“A college professor told me, ‘Dream, but don’t sleep.’ ”

29 Powerful Black Women Who Called the Shots in the Obama Administration
Kwaku Alston
17
KRISTINA BROADIE, 27, Deputy Associate Director of the Social Office

“Millennials I work with are committed to the causes of change and progress in their communities.”

29 Powerful Black Women Who Called the Shots in the Obama Administration
Kwaku Alston
18
ANGELLA REID, 55, Director of the Executive Residence & Chief Usher

“As a naturalized American, I am moved by the gratitude of people invited to be sworn in as citizens.”

29 Powerful Black Women Who Called the Shots in the Obama Administration
Kwaku Alston
19
ADDIE WHISENANT, 31, Director of African-American Media

“Enjoy this very special moment, but never lose perspective. It is important to stay focused.”

29 Powerful Black Women Who Called the Shots in the Obama Administration
Kwaku Alston
20
ADRIENNE HARRIS, 34, Special Assistant to the President for Economic Policy

“The amount of good a person can do is limited only by her creativity and effort.”

29 Powerful Black Women Who Called the Shots in the Obama Administration
Kwaku Alston
21
ASHLEIGH AXIOS, 30, Digital Creative Director

“My most inspiring moment was watching the faces of dozens of K-12 students light up as their films were screened by the President.”

29 Powerful Black Women Who Called the Shots in the Obama Administration
Kwaku Alston
22
CARRI TWIGG, 29, Director of Public Engagement for Vice-President Joe Biden

“I’ve learned to be patient, thorough and deliberate.”

29 Powerful Black Women Who Called the Shots in the Obama Administration
Kwaku Alston
23
CHYNNA CLAYTON, 27, Special Assistant & Trip Director to First Lady Michelle Obama

“The White House is composed of people who are passionate about the country.”

29 Powerful Black Women Who Called the Shots in the Obama Administration
Kwaku Alston
24
CRYSTAL BROWN, 35, Counselor & Senior Policy Advisor to the General Counsel, Office of Manage- ment and Budget

“Be open, be flexible and be willing to take a risk.”

29 Powerful Black Women Who Called the Shots in the Obama Administration
Kwaku Alston
25
CRYSTAL CARSON, 26, Special Assistant to the White House Communications Director

“Keep your head down and work hard. Distractions are endless, but tune them out.”

29 Powerful Black Women Who Called the Shots in the Obama Administration
Kwaku Alston
26
KAREN EVANS, 27, Assistant Director to the Office of Cabinet Affairs

“Always follow up with people and say thank you! Handwritten notes will get you a long way.”

29 Powerful Black Women Who Called the Shots in the Obama Administration
Kwaku Alston
27
MONIQUE DORSAINVIL, 29, Deputy Chief of Staff for the Office of Public Engagement & the Office of Intergovernmental Affairs

“You don’t need connections to work in this administration.”

29 Powerful Black Women Who Called the Shots in the Obama Administration
Kwaku Alston
28
ROCHELLE BOONE BRISCOE, 42, Domestic Team Lead in the Presidential Personnel Office

“No role has to be perfect; it just has to be perfect for you.”

29 Powerful Black Women Who Called the Shots in the Obama Administration
Kwaku Alston
29
TONYA WILLIAMS, 42, Director of Legislative Affairs in the Office of Vice-President Joe Biden

“Never get too comfortable. Always keep your eyes and ears open for new challenges.”

29 Powerful Black Women Who Called the Shots in the Obama Administration
Kwaku Alston
30
STEPHANIE YOUNG, 31, Director of African-American Outreach for the Office of Public Engagement

“There is always a way to get to yes if you’re creative, prepared and work hard.”

29 Powerful Black Women Who Called the Shots in the Obama Administration
Kwaku Alston