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Arrey Obenson: A Visionary Leader Bridging Communities and Transforming Organizations
Arrey Obenson embodies the quintessential American immigrant success story. Recognized as a “Great Immigrant, Great American” by the Carnegie Corporation in 2022, Obenson has spent over two decades transforming organizations and building bridges between communities.
As President and Chief Operating Officer of the International Institute of St. Louis, Obenson orchestrated a remarkable organizational turnaround. In just three years, he expanded the staff while tripling the annual budget. Under his leadership, the Institute launched an innovative Afghan refugee resettlement program that found homes for nearly 2,000 Afghans in St. Louis, earning national recognition for its effectiveness. Obenson also spearheaded a unique Latino Outreach Initiative aimed at revitalizing St. Louis’s workforce and sparking economic growth.
He was also the creative force behind the country’s largest multicultural festival, which drew over 100,000 participants annually – a testament to his belief in the power of cultural celebration and community building.
Obenson previously served as Secretary General of Junior Chamber International (JCI), where he demonstrated his talent for organizational transformation on a global scale. During his tenure, he quadrupled investment returns, grew membership across 60% of member countries, and successfully orchestrated the organization’s centennial celebrations across 100 countries.
A lawyer by training, with degrees from the University of Yaoundé and Washington University in St. Louis, Obenson brings both intellectual rigor and practical wisdom to his work. He is fluent in English and French, making him particularly effective in building international partnerships.
Today, Obenson continues to shape conversations about leadership, strategy, immigration, global economic growth, and community development. As the author of “Bridging the Opportunity Gap” and co-founder of Transformunity LLC, he remains committed to his life’s mission: harnessing opportunities to transform the world.
Through his leadership roles with organizations like the United Nations Association, the International Chamber of Commerce and the Ban Ki-moon Center for Global Citizens, Obenson exemplifies how immigrant leaders can strengthen American communities while building bridges to the world. This is not a story of personal success, far from it – it is about creating pathways for others to succeed.
