The Obama Foundation announced Monday that Darren Walker, president of the Ford Foundation, has been appointed to its board of directors. In this new role, Walker will help advance the organization’s core mission of promoting democracy and encouraging active citizenship.
Walker joins the foundation established by former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama at a time when civic engagement initiatives face increasing challenges across the United States and globally.
Leadership Addition Strengthens Foundation’s Reach
As president of the Ford Foundation, one of the world’s largest philanthropic organizations with an endowment valued at approximately $16 billion, Walker brings substantial experience in social justice philanthropy and nonprofit leadership to the Obama Foundation.
The Ford Foundation, under Walker’s leadership since 2013, has focused on addressing inequality in various forms, including economic, social, and political disparities. This background aligns with the Obama Foundation’s work to develop the next generation of civic leaders.
Walker’s appointment adds to the foundation’s diverse board, which includes leaders from various sectors including business, philanthropy, and public service. His expertise in grant-making and social change initiatives is expected to provide valuable guidance as the foundation expands its programs.
Advancing Civic Engagement Initiatives
The Obama Foundation has developed several signature programs aimed at fostering civic engagement and developing leadership skills among young people. These include:
- The Obama Foundation Leaders programs, which train emerging leaders across Africa, Asia-Pacific, and Europe
- My Brother’s Keeper Alliance, addressing opportunity gaps for boys and young men of color
- Girls Opportunity Alliance, supporting adolescent girls’ education worldwide
Walker’s experience with the Ford Foundation’s global initiatives may help strengthen these programs and potentially create new opportunities for collaboration between the two organizations.
Building Democracy in Challenging Times
The appointment comes during a period of heightened political polarization and challenges to democratic institutions in the United States and abroad. The Obama Foundation has positioned itself as a non-partisan organization focused on strengthening democratic participation regardless of political affiliation.
“Democracy requires active citizenship,” Barack Obama stated in a previous foundation address. This sentiment appears to be central to the organization’s mission and Walker’s new role supporting it.
Walker, who grew up in a low-income household in Texas before rising to lead one of America’s most influential foundations, has frequently spoken about the importance of civic participation and institutional reform to address systemic inequalities.
The Obama Foundation continues to develop its physical presence through the Obama Presidential Center being constructed in Chicago’s South Side. The center aims to serve as both a presidential library and a hub for community engagement, leadership development, and civic participation.
With Walker’s addition to its leadership, the foundation gains a respected voice in philanthropy who has consistently advocated for addressing structural inequalities and strengthening democratic participation across diverse communities.
