The Directors to Watch: Racial & Ethnic Diversity Class of 2025 highlights 24 significant and diverse directors who have contributed to and will continue to expand ongoing dialogue on board best practices and corporate governance excellence.
Valerie Jarrett
Walgreens Boots Alliance Inc., Ralph Lauren, Sweetgreen, Ariel Investments LLC
Valerie Jarrett is CEO and director of The Obama Foundation. Jarrett serves on the boards of Walgreens Boots Alliance Inc. (member of the audit, compensation and nom/gov committees), Ralph Lauren (chair of the nom/gov committee and member of the audit committee), Sweetgreen (chair of the nom/gov committee) and Ariel Investments LLC (chair of the nom/gov committee).
Jarrett was the senior advisor to President Obama from 2009-2017. She was CEO of The Habitat Company LLC and served as chair of the boards of the Chicago Stock Exchange, The University of Chicago Medical Center and Chicago Transit Authority. She was a director of Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago.
Jarrett has received many awards, including TIME's “100 Most Influential People” award.
A healthy culture is key to informed decision-making. “Open and honest deliberations are essential to creating a healthy board culture based on trust and mutual respect. A board's culture will determine whether directors are able to make fully informed decisions and provide rigorous strategic advice. That means having the courage to share unique, well-informed perspectives, especially when disagreement occurs with other board members or management. Directors should be curious and engaged listeners who value the views of our colleagues and management. We each have the power to strengthen or weaken the culture. Be intentional about being a positive and constructive force on the board.”