Obama Foundation Summit Series: Meet Whitney Kimball Coe

placeholder

Whitney Kimball Coe, coordinator of the National Rural Assembly (Opens in a new tab), joined us at the first-ever Obama Foundation Summit in Chicago. Read about her experience at the Summit below, and then sign up to get updates about future programming and happenings.  

This week, I had the honor of joining hundreds of civic leaders at the Obama Foundation Summit in Chicago, and the experience fortified my belief that civic leadership is for everyone, no matter where you live or who your mamma is.

In rural communities like my hometown of Athens, Tennessee, civic leadership is the daily practice of showing up in small, but consistent ways -- at potlucks and funerals, at PTA meetings and choir practice, at football games and city council meetings.

That regular practice of participation is what characterizes our relationships, and it gives us the ability to live and work and worship together in spite of disagreements. It's hard to dismiss someone when you expect to see them tomorrow, and the day after that, and the day after that.

At the Obama Foundation Summit, I learned so much about how people from around the world show up in their communities, and I'm so grateful to take those lessons home with me. Here were a few of my favorites:

Community organizers Necia Freeman, Patricia Keller, and Jan Rader of West Virginia encouraged us to reach out to one person who is hurting and walk with them through their darkness.

Author Bryan Stevenson spoke of the importance of staying in "proximity" to those who are suffering in order to build compassion and better understand the problems we want to solve.

Women's rights advocate Manal Al-Sharif told us to remember that we all have it within us to be courageous, and to draw on that courage to address inequality in our communities.

At the end of the Summit, President Obama asked us all to fill out commitment cards to reinforce the lessons and goals we're taking home with us. He told us they don't have to be big and lofty -- they should be achievable within a matter of months.

My commitment is to host a civic dialogue supper in my community about an important local topic. You should make one, too.

Share how you're committing to showing up in your community.

Peace to you,

Whitney Kimball Coe

Edit Page

Donate
Today

We need your help to turn hope into action—to inspire, empower, and connect people to change their world.

Visit
  • 6001 S. Stony Island Ave.
  • 1-(773)-900-0044
  • The Museum

    The Obama Presidential Center Museum is a world-class landmark that tells the story of our democracy through the lens of America’s first Black president and First Lady. Dynamic exhibits across four floors will highlight the events, policies, challenges, and accomplishments of the Obama presidency. The Museum is comprised of four levels of exhibitions and the Sky Room, a 5,000 square foot space that offers soul-stirring perspective and panoramic views of Chicago. Entry to the Museum is by time-ticket or event participation. Monday | 1 - 8 p.m. CTTuesday - Sunday | 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. CT

  • Forum Building

    The Forum Building is a vibrant community center that celebrates creativity and innovation. The Forum’s two levels are brought to life through power performances at the Elie Wiesel Auditorium, creative forms of expression in the Media Suite, and collaborative thinking in the Democracy in Action Labs. The Forum also features the Hadiya Pendleton Atrium, Tafari’s Kitchen, our Cafe, two courtyards, and one-of-kind pieces of art by Theaster Gates, Spencer Finch, and Tyanna Buie. Monday | 1 p.m. - 8 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday | 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

  • Home Court

    Home Court is a 60,000-square-foot athletic and events space designed to strengthen the entire community and motivate people of all ages. Home Court offers programs inspired by President Obama's belief in the power of sports, mentorship, and connection. The two level space includes an NBA-sized regulation basketball court, seven flexible multipurpose rooms, two outdoor courtyards, and several multi-level seating areas for visitors.Monday - Sunday 12 p.m. - 8 p.m. CT

  • Chicago Public Library, Obama Presidential Center Branch

    Libraries are the beating heart of a strong democratic culture. Here we welcome local residents, scholars, and visitors from around the world to connect, reflect, and act. The Obama Presidential Center campus features a new branch of the Chicago Public Library that celebrates the rich history of Chicago’s public libraries and the powerful legacy of the Obamas. The Library Branch includes a YOUMedia Suite, a City Maker’s Space, a Children’s Area, and the exclusive President’s Reading Room, a collection of written works that reflect the interests, histories, and readings of President and Mrs. Obama.Mon & Wed12 - 8 p.m. CTTues & Thur10 a.m. - 6 p.m. CTFri & Sat9 a.m. - 5 p.m. CTSun1 -5 p.m. CT

About Us
Get Involved
Stay Connected

The Obama Foundation is a nonpartisan 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization on a mission to inspire, empower, and connect people to change their world. Read more  about our tax-exempt status.

© 2026 The Barack Obama Foundation.

Terms of service Privacy policyPrivacy preference center