Reported by Liku Zelleke
This November, Essence Magazine will feature the Black women who – every single day – help the President of the United States and his wife run the country: the Women of the White House.
The youngest of them is 23-year-old Jordan Metoyer and she is the Assistant to the Deputy Director and Senior Advisor to the Office of Management & Budget Director, while the one with the “exotic” sounding title is Desiree Barnes, 27, because she is the Press Assistant and Senior Wrangler – yes, that’s a real job.
Barnes says that anyone can reach the heights and accomplishments these ladies have made if they just put their mind to it. The former chief counsel to Senator Ted Kennedy is one of the point women for the President’s domestic policy matters and works with key White House officers and federal agencies to shape proposals on topical issues like education, employment, health care and immigration.
“You may not be your college valedictorian, but being present and contributing will earn you a spot on this team,” she says.
As the 29 staffers gather in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, in preparation for the magazine’s photo shoot, The First Lady’s Special Assistant, Chynna Clyaton, 27, says that “the White House is composed of people who are passionate about the country.”
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