Erwin Hesse of Admissions Gambit Announced as New Obama Foundation United States Leader

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 4, 2023

Contact:?

Andrea Hesse

Chief Operating Officer

Admissions Gambit

[email protected]

Erwin Hesse of Admissions Gambit Announced as New Obama Foundation United States Leader

BROOKEVILLE (MD) – Today, Admissions Gambit announced Erwin Hesse, Ed. D. is among the first cohort of 100 emerging changemakers selected to participate in the Obama Foundation’s Leaders USA program. The Obama Leaders program is a six-month virtual program that supports and connects emerging leaders in the United States, Africa, Asia-Pacific, and Europe through a values-based leadership framework inspired by the ideals and legacy of President and Mrs. Obama. Chosen from a highly competitive pool of applications, Dr. Hesse was selected to join the program for supporting various youth, including undocumented and low-income students, in achieving their goals of higher education and is ready to build his skills and expand his impact across public, private, and nonprofit sectors.?

The inaugural cohort of United States “Obama Leaders” is composed of values-driven changemakers from every corner of the country. Hailing from 37 states; Washington, D.C.; American Samoa; Guam; and five tribal nations, these Obama Leaders are united by their passion for building a stronger, more sustainable, and more inclusive world.

The son of a Salvadoran house cleaner and Peruvian carpenter, Dr. Hesse is a first-generation American who overcame significant odds during his adolescent years to earn five degrees, including a Doctorate in Education from Johns Hopkins University. Realizing the power of social mobility through higher education, he worked inside admissions offices for a decade at the University of Maryland, Johns Hopkins University, and Georgetown University. Dr. Hesse combined his personal and professional experiences to create Admissions Gambit, a college admissions and essay development company. Driven by a philosophy of paying it forward, Admissions Gambit uses funds from private clients to provide a cohort of first-generation, low-income students with free college admissions coaching. His goal is to expand Admissions Gambit’s services by partnering with nonprofits to support more students needing personalized college admissions guidance.?

“We are excited to welcome these 100 changemakers from across the United States into the Obama Foundation family,” said Valerie Jarrett, CEO of the Obama Foundation. “Our newest Obama Leaders are already making a difference in their communities and are ready to take their work to the next level. They embody the values of President and Mrs. Obama, and their impactful work will create positive change in communities across the country."

The Leaders USA program offers participants a unique and comprehensive experience, including a values-driven leadership curriculum, action labs focused on strengthening democratic institutions and culture in the U.S., community groups for fostering constructive dialogue in a polarized environment, and one-on-one support to help tackle some of the most pressing issues of our time. As part of the six-month program, Dr. Hesse will convene virtually each week with the United States Obama Leaders cohort for interactive sessions designed to help them drive change by honing their leadership skills, building deep relationships with their peers, and engaging with thought leaders and members of the Obama Foundation community. Dr. Hesse will also have an opportunity to engage with President Obama, and participate in various virtual experiences and special events, including one-on-one conversations with experienced mentors in the Foundation's global network.??

To learn more about Dr. Erwin Hesse and Admissions Gambit, visit www.admissionsgambit.com?

To learn more about the program and the individuals who make up the inaugural cohort, visit obama.org/programs/leaders/usa/.?