Laura Valdés Cano
2025-2026 Obama Foundation Europe Leader
Head of Policy at Metropolis
Spain
Laura Valdés Cano is the Head of Policy at Metropolis, a global network of major cities with the mission of improving the quality of life for inhabitants by addressing challenges such as social cohesion, gender equality, and sustainability. Laura works to empower city officials through fostering collaboration, sharing best practices, and leveraging local expertise, with the aim of scaling impactful initiatives, funding opportunities, and knowledge exchange, ultimately enabling cities to tackle shared challenges. Laura designed the Metropolis Care Campaign, which convened leaders from across regions to champion the benefits of care-centered urban projects, and whose impact is continuing to grow, with new cities piloting gender equality programmes aimed at strengthening the care economy and reducing women’s poverty. Laura is also currently leading an initiative to strengthen city governments’ capacity for strategic foresight, enabling them to anticipate future challenges and opportunities. Laura believes this forward-looking approach is essential not only for building urban resilience but also for helping cities reimagine what is possible.
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- The Center
- Building the Center
Join other Obama alumni in coming together to support the naming of the Water Terrace at the Obama Presidential Center in honor of the life and legacy of President Obama’s mother, Ann Dunham—as a gift for the President’s 61st birthday.
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- Defending Democracy
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- Barack Obama
Watch President Obama share his vision for the Obama Presidential Center during a surprise visit with supporters and stakeholders—a vision for a public space that will honor history, help revitalize the South Side, and connect people throughout the communi
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