Graduate selected as Obama Leader

Building upon the considerable legacy of Michelle and Barak Obama, with a focus on shared values and ethical leadership, the Obama Foundation Leaders: Asia-Pacific Program is a one-year leadership development and civic engagement course that seeks to inspire, empower, and connect emerging leaders from across the region.

Lanu, who has a BA, an LLB and an LLM from the University of Auckland, will be heading to Malaysia next month to participate alongside 200 other recipients from 33 nations and territories across the Asia-Pacific region.

Over the course of five-days, the former President and First Lady, as well as other prominent speakers and thought leaders, will join invited participants for discussions around progress and opportunity in the Asia-Pacific region, and values-based leadership.

In addition to the plenary sessions, Lanu will participate in skill-building workshops, leadership development training, and a community service project, among other activities.

Lanu, who works as solicitor for Auckland City, hopes to equip herself with the tools, mentorship, and guidance to empower communities; both within the Asia-Pacific region and generally.
 

“I have a strong passion for encouraging our youth and especially our more vulnerable communities to not only pursue higher education but to also find a balance with what they are passionate about,” she says.

“As a lawyer, model, and activist, I feel that it is my responsibility to share what I have been privileged enough to learn. I hope that I can share all the teachings that will be bestowed on me from the Obama Foundation Asia-Pacific program to help others.”

Lanu’s journey will continue remotely for a year after the gathering, through webinars and a virtual speaker series, as well as support, amplification, and other opportunities from the Foundation.

To find out more visit the Obama Foundation