The Futures Series

The Obama Foundation Futures Series exposes high school students to a variety of career pathways through intimate conversations with accomplished leaders about their experiences.

Craig Robinson, a Black man with a deep skin tone and no hair, sits next to a teen boy with a deep skin tone facing a crowd of people. The boy wears glasses and is dressed in chino pants and a gray zip up jacket. The man is wearing a blazer, blue jeans and a red sweater. Behind them is a light teal, partially obscured sign that reads, "Obama.org " and "Futures Series."

When Mrs. Obama sat down with young people from Hyde Park Academy—the high school located right across the street from the site of the Obama Presidential Center—to talk about their career aspirations and what they need to succeed, it sparked the idea for the Future Series.

This ongoing collaboration with Hyde Park Academy brings speakers from all types of fields to share their career journeys with the students. The program speaks to our commitment to inspire, empower, and connect people to change their world. And it’s initiatives like this that will be the core of our work at the future Presidential Center.

Highlights from the Futures Series featuring Michelle Obama and other leaders

Speakers

Check out the Futures Series line-up for the 2025-2026 school year:

Linnae Harper: South Side native, former professional athlete and current Obama Foundation staff Linnae Harper discussed sports, leadership, and wellbeing, sharing lessons on resilience.
David Johnson: Photographer and True Chicago founder David Johnson spoke with students about navigating ADD and dyslexia, turning personal challenges into creative strengths, and forging an independent career path.
Kevin Cross: Hyde Park Academy alumnus and NBCU Local Chicago President and GM Kevin Cross hosted students in the NBC conference room to discuss his winding career journey and overcoming academic setbacks.
Northwestern Medicine: A panel of eight healthcare professionals shared diverse medical career pathways, followed by a hands-on clinical workshop where students practiced CPR, AED operation, and vital sign monitoring.
EXPO Chicago: Students toured the art fair and listened to a moderated conversation with artist Aliza Nisenbaum about her commissioned artwork for the Obama Presidential Center Library branch.
Herbie Hancock: Iconic musician and Hyde Park Academy alumnus Herbie Hancock returned to Hyde Park Academy to connect with students, inspiring them to stay curious and embrace change.