Women in Washington: 29 POWERFUL BLACK WOMEN CALLING THE SHOTS IN THE OBAMA ADMINISTRATION
The women were photographed exclusively for ESSENCE, September 4, 2015, in the Indian Treaty Room of the Eisenhower Executive Office Building. Below are quotes from each woman.
LORETTA LYNCH, 56, U.S. Attorney General
“I want to protect the most vulnerable members of our society and make sure everyone has a voice.”
VALERIE JARRETT, 58, SENIOR ADVISOR TO THE PRESIDENT
“When women succeed, America succeeds.”
SUSAN RICE, 51, NATIONAL SECURITY ADVISOR
“My parents always taught me to work hard and to never give a halfhearted performance.”
DEESHA DYER, 37, SPECIAL ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT & SOCIAL SECRETARY
“Always be yourself. It sounds cliché, but as you get older, it becomes clear what being yourself truly means.”
ASHLEY ALLISON, 33, DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF THE OFFICE OF PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT
“The most inspiring moments come in times of quiet reflection on my walk to and from work.”
ASHLEY ETIENNE, 37, SPECIAL ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT & CABINET COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR
“Truth will prevail regardless of the opposition and enormity of the challenge.”
ASHLEY TATE-GILMORE, 32, DIRECTOR, WHITE HOUSE TRAVEL OFFICE
“I have the chance to connect with Americans overseas who are real-life examples of the work we’re doing.”
ADAEZE ENEKWECHI, 37, ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR FOR HEALTH, OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT AND BUDGET
“Never take a job that doesn’t terrify [you]. Those are the jobs worth doing.”
DESIREE BARNES, 27, PRESS ASSISTANT & SENIOR WRANGLER
“You may not be your college valedictorian, but being present and contributing will earn you a spot on this team.”
DOMINIQUE MANN, 24, PRESS ASSISTANT
“It hit me that little girls would grow up in a world where seeing a Black world leader was exceptional, but not unattainable.”
JORDAN METOYER, 23 ASSISTANT TO THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR AND SENIOR ADVISOR TO THE OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT & BUDGET DIRECTOR
“Amazing things happen during the fourth quarter.”
KALISHA DESSOURCES, 25, STAFF ASSISTANT FOR THE OFFICE OF INTERGOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS
“The work we do mobilizing communities is only possible with strong relationships.”
KATHERINE BRANCH, 48, DIRECTOR OF SPECIAL PROJECTS FOR THE OFFICE OF PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT & THE OFFICE OF INTERGOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS
“Never take anything for granted.”
KIMBERLYN LEARY, 55, ADVISOR TO THE WHITE HOUSE COUNCIL ON WOMEN AND GIRLS
“Despite the demanding schedules, the White House is often peaceful and quiet.”
KRISTIN JONES, 30, SPECIAL ASSISTANT & DIRECTOR OF SPECIAL PROJECTS FOR FIRST LADY MICHELLE OBAMA
“A college professor told me, ‘Dream, but don’t sleep.”
KRISTINA BROADIE, 27, DEPUTY ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR OF THE SOCIAL OFFICE
“Millennials I work with are committed to the causes of change and progress in their communities.”
ANGELLA REID, 55, DIRECTOR OF THE EXECUTIVE RESIDENCE & CHIEF USHER
“As a naturalized American, I am moved by the gratitude of people invited to be sworn in as citizens.”
ADDIE WHISENANT, 31, DIRECTOR OF AFRICAN-AMERICAN MEDIA
“Enjoy this very special moment, but never lose perspective. It is important to stay focused.”
ADRIENNE HARRIS, 34, SPECIAL ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT FOR ECONOMIC POLICY
“The amount of good a person can do is limited only by her creativity and effort.”
ASHLEIGH AXIOS, 30, DIGITAL CREATIVE DIRECTOR
“My most inspiring moment was watching the faces of dozens of K-12 students light up as their films were screened by the President.”
CARRI TWIGG, 29, DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT FOR VICE-PRESIDENT JOE BIDEN
“I’ve learned to be patient, thorough and deliberate.”
CHYNNA CLAYTON, 27, SPECIAL ASSISTANT & TRIP DIRECTOR TO FIRST LADY MICHELLE OBAMA
“The White House is composed of people who are passionate about the country.”
CRYSTAL BROWN, 35, COUNSELOR & SENIOR POLICY ADVISOR TO THE GENERAL COUNSEL, OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT AND BUDGET
“Be open, be flexible and be willing to take a risk.”
CRYSTAL CARSON, 26, SPECIAL ASSISTANT TO THE WHITE HOUSE COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR
“Keep your head down and work hard. Distractions are endless, but tune them out.”
KAREN EVANS, 27, ASSISTANT DIRECTOR TO THE OFFICE OF CABINET AFFAIRS
“Always follow up with people and say thank you! Handwritten notes will get you a long way.”
MONIQUE DORSAINVIL, 29, DEPUTY CHIEF OF STAFF FOR THE OFFICE OF PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT & THE OFFICE OF INTERGOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS
“You don’t need connections to work in this administration.“
ROCHELLE BOONE BRISCOE, 42, DOMESTIC TEAM LEAD IN THE PRESIDENTIAL PERSONNEL OFFICE
“No role has to be perfect; it just has to be perfect for you.”
TONYA WILLIAMS, 42, DIRECTOR OF LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS IN THE OFFICE OF VICE-PRESIDENT JOE BIDEN
“Never get too comfortable. Always keep your eyes and ears open for new challenges.”
STEPHANIE YOUNG, 31, DIRECTOR OF AFRICAN-AMERICAN OUTREACH FOR THE OFFICE OF PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT
“There is always a way to get to yes if you’re creative, prepared and work hard.”
Photo Credit: Kwaku Alston
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