Valerie Jarrett

“When you've worked hard, and done well, and walked through that doorway of opportunity, you do not slam it shut behind you. You reach back, and you give other people the same chances that helped you succeed.”

“Diversity is not a nicety; it is a necessity.”

“Public service is a noble calling and we need good people in it.”

“Mentorship is a two-way street. You get out of it what you put into it.”

“What I learned from my parents is that you have to be engaged in the world.”

“Success isn't about how much money you make. It's about the difference you make in people's lives.”

“Don't be afraid to be the only woman in the room. If you are, you're in a position of strength because you can offer a unique perspective.”

“I think the best way to get a good night's sleep is to resolve to be a better person tomorrow than you were today.”

“You have to have a thick skin and a soft heart.”

“Change is hard. It's messy. It's not linear.”

“I think it's important to be authentic and to be who you are, and to be comfortable in your own skin.”

“We have to be willing to engage in the difficult conversations.”

“The best way to get something done is to begin.”

“I've learned that you can't be a perfect parent, but you can be a present one.”

“Finding my voice and speaking my truth has been the most empowering journey of my life.”