TRI-Caucus Week: CBA Hosts Conversation with Senior Advisor to President Barack Obama, and New York Times Best Seller Valerie Jarrett

Published by: Herline Mathieu | Herlinemathieu23@gmail.com

On Wednesday, October 9th, 2019 in honor of Tri- Caucus week the Congressional Black Associates hosted a conversation moderated by CBA President Audra Jackson with Valerie Jarrett, Senior Advisor to former President Barack Obama. Ms. Jarrett who recently, made the New York Times best seller list with her newly released book, “Finding My Voice.” Visited the nations Capitol where she met with minority congressional staffers and shared of her own experiences of what cultivated her to be who she is today and her journey to becoming a top advisor to the 44th President of the United States.

The widely attended event was part of Tri Caucus week, where a week is dedicated to minority congressional staffers to come together to celebrate and reflect on the progress made within Congress with minority representation. The Tri-Caucus is comprised of the Senate Black Legislative Staff, Congressional Black Associates, Congressional Hispanic Staff Association and the Congressional Asian Pacific American Staff Association, each created to provide its members with opportunities for professional development that will prepare them for more senior and leadership roles within Congress, as well as facilitate a bridge for employment opportunities.

CBA Vice President Didier Barjon opened the conversation by introducing CBA President Audra Jackson, and CBA Communications Chair Herline Mathieu welcomed Ms. Jarrett to begin the conversation. Ms. Jarrett gave a riveting recount of her experience as a child growing up in the US coming from another country, and how one of the major challenges she had to overcome was her shyness. Jarrett shared that she overcame her timid nature by forcing herself to be in uncomfortable situations that would challenge her to ultimately find her voice.

The conversation opened to the audience where attendees had the opportunity to ask Ms. Jarrett questions that ranged from the current political climate, advice on how one should go about advancing their career in the political field, as well as recent racially charged issues taking place within the US.

At the end of the discussion Jarrett concluded with these parting words. “I encourage you all to run for public office if you are committed to the essence of public service, and if you are truly a public servant at heart, it is this that will get you through the tough times.”

CBA President Audra Jackson shared what she hopes all who attended walked away with.

“I hope everyone left feeling empowered uplifted, and unified after today conversation with Ms. Valerie Jarrett. Ms. Jarrett is an innovative trailblazer and her words of wisdom will stay with for the rest of our lives.”