Valerie Jarrett is an American lawyer, businesswoman, and former senior advisor to President Barack Obama. She served as Obama’s longest-serving advisor, holding the post for all eight years of his presidency. Jarrett is known for her role in the Obama administration’s social and economic policy initiatives, including the passage of the Affordable Care Act.

Jarrett was born in Shiraz, Iran to American parents. She received her undergraduate degree from Stanford University, followed by a law degree from University of Michigan Law School. After law school, Jarrett worked in Chicago in several different roles, including as deputy corporation counsel for finance and development, Commissioner of the Department of Planning and Development, and Deputy Chief of Staff for the Mayor.

In 2008, Jarrett joined the Obama presidential campaign as a senior advisor, and she was later appointed Senior Advisor to the President when Obama took office in 2009. In this role, Jarrett was responsible for working with major stakeholders in the administration from the business community, labor unions, and civil rights organizations. She also chaired the White House Council on Women and Girls, which was established to ensure women's rights were upheld in the Obama administration.

Jarrett was a major driving force behind the passage of the Affordable Care Act, which expanded health insurance coverage for millions of Americans. During Obama’s second term, Jarrett was a key negotiator in the Iran Nuclear Deal, which was a major foreign policy success for the Obama administration.

Since leaving the White House, Jarrett has remained active in politics. She works as an advisor to the Obama Foundation and campaigns for Democratic candidates. She also serves on the boards of a number of organizations, including the Obama Foundation, the Women’s Media Center, and the National Democratic Institute.

Valerie Jarrett is a powerful voice in American politics and a leader in the fight for social and economic justice. She has been a major contributor to the Obama administration’s policy successes and has worked tirelessly to ensure that the rights of all people are respected and upheld.