Obama Foundation rep visits CN facilities

Published: Tuesday, November 25, 2025 at 2:30 pm

Obama Foundation Representative Visits Cherokee Nation Facilities

TAHLEQUAH – An Obama Foundation representative recently toured several Cherokee Nation facilities to learn about the Nation's initiatives in healthcare, education, and community development. Vandinika Shukla, the deputy director of global programs for the Obama Foundation, met with participants in the foundation's leadership program and observed the Nation's work firsthand.

The visit included stops at the new Head Start center, the medical campus partnership, an outpatient health clinic, the tribe's history museum, and the CN film studio. The purpose of the visit was to learn from local leaders and understand their approaches to community change. Shukla emphasized the foundation's goal of strengthening its work with leaders by learning from their experiences.

The connection between the Cherokee Nation and the Obama Foundation was established through the participation of two tribal citizens in the Obama Foundation Leaders program. Jen Loren, senior director of Cherokee Film, participated in the inaugural 2023 class, and Tribal Councilor Sasha Blackfox-Qualls is part of the 2025-26 cohort. Deputy Chief Bryan Warner stated that the foundation sought to learn more about the Cherokee Nation after these citizens participated in the program.

The Obama Foundation, which includes a network of approximately 1,500 change-makers across 160 countries, aims to enhance democratic culture and generate social impact. Shukla noted that the visit allowed the foundation to extend awareness of effective community work and recruit more leaders. Blackfox-Qualls highlighted the program's impact on her personal and professional development, emphasizing its role in identifying her true self and building connections for greater impact within the Cherokee Nation.

BNN's Perspective:

This visit highlights the importance of cross-cultural exchange and the potential for collaboration between organizations focused on community development and leadership. The Obama Foundation's interest in learning from the Cherokee Nation's initiatives suggests a commitment to understanding diverse approaches to social impact. The participation of Cherokee Nation citizens in the foundation's leadership program further strengthens this connection, offering valuable opportunities for both parties to learn and grow.

Keywords: Obama Foundation, Cherokee Nation, leadership program, community development, healthcare, education, social impact, democratic culture, Vandinika Shukla, Sasha Blackfox-Qualls, Jen Loren, Bryan Warner, tribal citizens, Head Start, film studio, outpatient health clinic, history museum

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