CHARLOTTESVILLE – Today, President Obama’s Obama Foundation announced that Daniel Fairley, II is among the first cohort of 100 emerging changemakers selected to participate in the Obama Foundation’s Leaders USA program. The Obama Leaders program is a six-month virtual program that supports and connects emerging leaders in the United States, Africa, Asia-Pacific, and Europe through a values-based leadership framework inspired by the ideals and legacy of President and Mrs. Obama. Chosen from a highly competitive pool of applications, Daniel Fairley, II was selected to join the program for his unwavering dedication to serving boys and men of color in the Charlottesville community as the Youth Opportunity Coordinator focused on Black Male Achievement and President of the 100 Black Men of Central Virginia. He is ready to build his skills and expand their impact across public, private, and nonprofit sectors.
The inaugural cohort of United States “Obama Leaders” is composed of values-driven changemakers from every corner of the country. Hailing from 37 states; Washington, D.C.; American Samoa; Guam; and five tribal nations, these Obama Leaders are united by their passion for building a stronger, more sustainable, and more inclusive world.
Daniel Fairley, II’s journey towards making a profound impact in our society began with his unwavering commitment to education and social justice. Graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the esteemed University of Richmond in 2013, Daniel’s passion for serving others was evident from the very
start. But Daniel’s aspirations extended far beyond the confines of his university. In 2014, he embarked on a transformative internship in the Operations department of The White House during the Obama Administration. During this period, he spearheaded bi-weekly accessibility and inclusivity meetings, engaging stakeholders from all corners of The White House. Motivated by his impactful experiences as an undergraduate and his transformative time at The White House, Daniel pursued further education at the University of Vermont’s Higher Education and Student Affairs Administration Master’s program. After completing his Master’s degree, Daniel embarked on a new chapter in his career as an Area Coordinator at the University of Virginia in the Department of Housing and Residence Life. Embracing the spirit of community engagement, he began volunteering for the 100 Black Men of Central Virginia and became a facilitator for the transformative Charlottesville Dialogue on Race after the riots of Aug. 11th and 12th, 2017.
In December 2017, Daniel took on his current position as the Youth Opportunity Coordinator focused on Black Male Achievement for the City of Charlottesville. But his dedication didn’t stop there. He assumed leadership roles that would shape the landscape of community organizations. Daniel became the youngest chapter President in the history of the 100 Black Men of America, a Founder and Co-Chair of the
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Charlottesville Area Network Dedicated to Youth Development, a founding member of the University of Virginia’s Equity Center, Secretary of Loaves & Fishes Food Pantry, and a Corporate Board Member of the Boys and Girls Club of Central Virginia.
“We are excited to welcome these 100 changemakers from across the United States into the Obama Foundation family,” said Valerie Jarrett, CEO of the Obama Foundation. “Our newest Obama Leaders are already making a difference in their communities and are ready to take their work to the next level. They embody the values of President and Mrs. Obama, and their impactful work will create positive change in communities across the country.”
The Leaders USA program offers participants a unique and comprehensive experience, including a values-driven leadership curriculum, action labs focused on strengthening democratic institutions and culture in the U.S., community groups for fostering constructive dialogue in a polarized environment, and one-on-one support to help tackle some of the most pressing issues of our time. As part of the six-month program, Daniel Fairley, II will convene virtually each week with the United States Obama Leaders cohort for interactive sessions designed to help them drive change by honing their leadership skills, building deep relationships with their peers, and engaging with thought leaders and members of the Obama Foundation community. Daniel Fairley, II will also have an opportunity to engage with President Obama, participate in various virtual experiences and special events, including one-on-one conversations with experienced mentors in the Foundation’s global network.
To learn more about the program and the individuals who make up the inaugural cohort, visit obama.org/programs/leaders/usa/.
Contact: Daniel Fairley, II | fairleyd@charlottesville.gov | (540) 408-3690
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