Trusted West Wing Confidante to Keynote Prominent D.C. Women Professionals Event

ChIPs is a nonprofit organization founded in 2005 whose mission is to connect women in technology, law, and policy, boasting more than 9,000 members in 30 regional chapters in North America, Europe, Latin America, Asia-Pacific, and Africa. Every year, they convene at their Global Summit, which will take place on October 16 in Washington, D.C. They have invited longtime senior presidential advisor Valerie Jarrett to serve as the keynote speaker.

Jarrett was born in Iran to American parents, becoming a very successful businesswoman and former senior advisor to President Barack Obama (2009–2017). A close confidante of the Obamas, she served as assistant to the president for public engagement and intergovernmental affairs, playing a key role in policy and strategy.  Ms. Jarrett received her B.A. from Stanford University in 1978 and her J.D. from the University of Michigan Law School in 1981. Before the White House, Jarrett held prominent roles in Chicago, including deputy chief of staff to Mayor Richard M. Daley, chair of the Chicago Transit Board, and CEO of The Habitat Company, a real estate firm. She later joined boards including those of Lyft, Ralph Lauren, and the Obama Foundation, becoming its president in 2021. A senior distinguished fellow at the University of Chicago Law School, she authored “Finding My Voice: My Journey to the West Wing and the Path Forward” (2019).

Related Speaker List: Government & Political Official Speakers 

“We are honored to have a woman of Valerie Jarrett’s caliber appear on our stage,” said Joan Toth, executive director of ChIPs Network. “As CEO of the Obama Foundation, she is overseeing the creation of a new world-class cultural and civic institution on Chicago’s south side, and the Obama Foundation’s programs that inspire, empower, and connect people to change their world. We are thrilled she will share her wisdom and time with our attendees.”

The program includes a sit-down conversation with Victoria Espinel, the ChIPs Board Director and CEO of the Business Software Alliance.

“Ms. Jarrett is an inspirational force for women in leadership. As we look to celebrating the 20th Anniversary of ChIPs, we are honored she will join us on stage for this momentous occasion,” remarked Espinel.

Known for her Chicago political ties and for mentoring the Obamas, Jarrett is an important figure, praised for her loyalty and prominent role in shaping 21st-century Democratic policies.

Unlock your event’s potential by bringing in Valerie Jarrett as your keynote speaker! Don’t miss the opportunity to inspire your audience—Contact Speaker Booking Agency today for more information, or fill out our Online Booking Request Form. Let us leverage our 25 years of industry-leading experience to secure the perfect talent for your next event!