daughter, a mother, a lawyer, a public servant, and a leader in government at an historic moment in American history.    Ms. Jarrett says, “I don’t want to just tell my story – I want to share the experiences, life lessons, and values that have shaped who I am and my ideas for the future.  I am grateful to Viking for giving me the platform to do that and to my future readers for sharing this experience with me.” Brian Tart, President and Publisher of Viking, says, “After a lifetime of dedicated public service, Valerie Jarrett has an inspiring story to tell.  She played a crucial role in the Obama administration, and continues working on the issues that are important to our country. Her life lessons and insights are invaluable, and we are thrilled to help connect Valerie with readers and provide a platform for her message.” [caption id="attachment_7103" align="alignright" width="300"] Valerie Jarrett, credit White House[/caption] Ms. Jarrett’s book will be a story of history, biography, politics and activism – and will provide ideas about leadership and being a good citizen in the 21st century.  From her work on ensuring equity for women and girls, protecting civil rights, reforming our criminal justice system and protecting working families, Jarrett will share lessons learned about making change and her optimistic vision for what the future holds.  Jarrett will show how during that journey she never lost sight of her true north. As Senior Advisor to President Barack Obama, Ms. Jarrett oversaw the Offices of Public Engagement and Intergovernmental Affairs and Chaired the White House Council on Women and Girls. Ms. Jarrett has worked throughout her tenure at the White House to mobilize elected officials, business and community leaders, and diverse groups of advocates. She led the Obama Administration’s efforts to expand and strengthen access to the middle class, and boost American businesses and our economy. She championed the creation of equality and opportunity for all Americans, and economically and politically empowering women in the United States and around the world. She oversaw the Administration’s advocacy for workplace policies that empower working families, including equal pay, raising the minimum wage, paid leave, paid sick days, workplace flexibility, and affordable childcare, and led the campaigns to reform our criminal justice system, end sexual assault, and reduce gun violence. Ms. Jarrett has a background in both the public and private sectors. She served as the Chief Executive Officer of The Habitat Company in Chicago, Chairman of the Chicago Transit Board, Commissioner of Planning and Development, and Deputy Chief of Staff for Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley. She also served as the director of numerous corporate and not-for-profit boards including Chairman of the Board of the Chicago Stock Exchange, Chairman of the University of Chicago Medical Center Board of Trustees, and Director of the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago. Ms. Jarrett has also received numerous awards and honorary degrees, and was recognized on TIME’s “100 Most Influential People” list.