The 2024-2025 Futures Series Lineup
The Obama Foundation Futures Series exposes high school students to career pathways through intimate conversations with accomplished leaders.
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- Chicago
The Futures Series, created out of a conversation Mrs. Obama had with Hyde Park Academy students, introduces high school students to diverse professions across industries and reflects our ongoing commitment to inspire, empower, and connect the next generation. Through intimate conversations with accomplished leaders, students gain insights into career pathways and valuable lessons.
Students at Hyde Park Academy High School are selected based on their career aspirations, allowing them to meet professionals in fields ranging from media and entrepreneurship to art, hospitality, and, of course, public service. The Futures Series program will extend its reach at the future Obama Presidential Center, opening in 2026.
Check out the Futures Series line-up for the 2024-2025 school year:
United Airlines: From touring an aircraft at O’Hare Airport to speaking with airport operations employees and learning about the essential roles that keep United Airlines soaring, students got an inside look at what it takes to power a global airline.
Jason Mayden, CDO at Jordan Brand: Jason shared insights on entrepreneurship, resilience, and dreaming big. Students even got hands-on experience, creating their own shirts.
Expo Chicago: While visiting Expo Chicago, Detroit-based artist Allana Clarke led an inspiring session with students alongside Leah Rut, Director of Operations at Library Street Collective. The high schoolers also explored a range of artist booths—including Clarke’s powerful installation, “In a Rhythm: Black & Sweet.”
McDonald’s Global Headquarters: Students got to prototype burger packaging, explore the newly opened Speedee Labs, participate in a career roundtable, and learn how Happy Meal toys are being made with more sustainable materials.
Samantha Chatman, ABC 7 Chicago: Award-winning morning anchor and investigative reporter Samantha Chatman shared her journey from the South Side of Chicago to first-generation college student to ABC 7 Chicago superstar.
Calvin Butler, Exelon President and CEO: Calvin Butler, one of just eight Black CEOs in Fortune 500 companies, took the mic to share wisdom about adapting to new environments and the power of giving back to your community.
Donnell Digby, South Side entrepreneur: Students toured Donnell’s event venue, The Woodlawn, where local chefs and businesses shine. They then explored the iconic South Shore Cultural Center, where students heard from cultural experts like Chicago Park District's Andrea C. Adams and Dr. Carol Adams. Students then enjoyed a delicious lunch at Digby’s restaurant Nafsi while hearing from the talented Chef Dondee Robinson and General Manager Amatziah Snipes.
Mookie Betts: Major League Baseball star Markus Lynn "Mookie" Betts of the Los Angeles Dodgers joined Unique Kizer and Brianna Betts from the 5050 Foundation for an inspiring fireside chat at Hyde Park Academy. Together, they spent a meaningful day on the South Side of Chicago connecting with student-athletes, sharing career advice, and donating baseball supplies to the school.
Chicago Sky: Students had the chance to speak to some of the incredible people who help bring professional basketball games to life at Wintrust Arena before cheering on the Sky against the Mystics.
Alderman Ronnie Mosley: Chicago’s youngest alderman, Ronnie L. Mosley, joined students to share his remarkable journey and discuss the importance of being present, listening to the community, and using creativity to turn challenges into lasting solutions.
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