Don't be swayed by the Obama name - Programs Obama Foundation Employee Review

1.0
1 Aug 2023
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

The program participants are incredible and make working there more tolerable during the program term.

Cons

DO NOT WORK HERE. The senior leaders know they can make outlandishly unrealistic demands of staff because, with the Obama name on the door, there is always someone else willing to take the abuse until they burn out. This won't stop until people take these reviews seriously and STOP ACCEPTING JOBS HERE. I ignored the reviews to my own detriment. I couldn't leave fast enough. If you are under 45 or 50, expect to be dismissed and disrespected. They truly do not respect the expertise and perspective of anyone under 50 if they aren't a personal friend. You will be gaslit by the CEO saying staff mental health is a top priority of the organization, but then have her push expectations that are hugely detrimental to staff. You will not have any work/life balance because programs are understaffed and if you don't like working nonstop, then you're ungrateful for the blessing of working for Obama. There's no logic to promotions nor clear opportunities for growth. A major promotion was given to someone whose entire team turned over under them during their one-year tenure because that person created such a toxic, hostile work environment. Overall, the executive leadership team is in over their heads because they prioritized hiring friends from the administration who have limited to no experience running an organization. Do yourself a huge favor and don't work here.

Explore other reviews about Obama Foundation

1.0
21 June 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Some of the people there were great to work with. Decent benefits. Being apart of history

Cons

The place was very toxic. If leadership does not like you, they would find something to get you terminated because god forbid if HR gave a damn about their jobs and do some investigating and get the truth. Leadership can do and say whatever they want without any repercussions. POC (mostly black women) at the organization are being forced out with the help of leadership and HR. The organization could be a wonderful place to work for if leadership would stand by the core values that the Obama’s stood for. They want analysts and associates to do all the work and they take the credit for it. Respect, integrity and loyalty is not something leadership follows only if you’re white or come from an elite family.

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