Born: 1964 (Chicago, Illinois)
Biography:
Michelle LaVaughn Robinson Obama (born January 17, 1964) is an American attorney and author who served as the first lady of the United States from 2009 to 2017, being married to former president Barack Obama. Raised on the South Side of Chicago, Obama is a graduate of Princeton University and Harvard Law School.
In her early legal career, she worked at the law firm Sidley Austin where she met Barack Obama. She subsequently worked in nonprofits and as the associate dean of Student Services at the University of Chicago as well as the vice president for Community and External Affairs of the University of Chicago Medical Center. Michelle married Barack in 1992, and together they have two daughters.
Obama campaigned for her husband’s presidential bid throughout 2007 and 2008, delivering a keynote address at the 2008 Democratic National Convention. She has subsequently delivered acclaimed speeches at the 2012, 2016, and 2020 conventions. As first lady, Obama served as a role model for women and worked as an advocate for poverty awareness, education, nutrition, physical activity, and healthy eating. She supported American designers and was considered a fashion icon. Obama was the first African-American woman to serve as first lady.
After her husband’s presidency, Obama’s influence has remained high. In 2020, she topped Gallup’s poll of the most admired woman in America for the third year running.
Michelle Obama has been a powerful advocate for women, youth, education, and societal issues throughout her life. Born and raised in Chicago, she faced and overcame various challenges to achieve success and become an influential figure on the national stage. Her upbringing on the South Side of Chicago, a predominantly African-American community, played a significant role in shaping her perspective and passion for social justice.
Obama’s journey began with her education. She attended Bryn Mawr Elementary School and Whitney M. Young Magnet High School, where she excelled academically. Determined to pursue higher education, she enrolled at Princeton University, becoming one of the few African-American students on campus. At Princeton, Obama thrived and graduated cum laude with a degree in sociology.
After Princeton, she continued her education at Harvard Law School and earned her Juris Doctor degree. It was during her time at Harvard that Obama met Barack Obama, who would later become her husband and the President of the United States.
Following her graduation, Michelle Obama embarked on a successful legal career. She joined the prestigious law firm Sidley Austin, where she specialized in intellectual property law and worked to promote diversity in the legal profession. Despite her professional accomplishments, Obama felt a calling to serve her community in a more direct manner.
In the early 1990s, Obama transitioned to the public sector, working for the City of Chicago as an assistant commissioner of planning and development. She then served as the associate dean of Student Services at the University of Chicago and the vice president for Community and External Affairs of the University of Chicago Medical Center. In these roles, she focused on improving access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities for underserved communities.
Michelle Obama’s life took a significant turn when her husband, Barack Obama, entered the political arena. As he campaigned for the presidency, she became an essential figure in his campaign. With her exceptional oratory skills and natural charisma, Obama captivated audiences nationwide and became a prominent advocate for her husband’s vision for change.
During her tenure as first lady, Obama used her platform to address many pressing issues facing the nation. She launched the Let’s Move! campaign, which aimed to combat childhood obesity and promote healthy lifestyles among children. Through this initiative, she worked to improve access to nutritious food and encourage physical activity in schools and communities.
Additionally, Obama focused on empowering girls and women through the Reach Higher and Let Girls Learn campaigns. These initiatives aimed to expand access to education and empower young women to pursue their dreams and overcome barriers.
Throughout her time as first lady, Michelle Obama’s impact extended far beyond the United States. She embarked on international trips to promote education, gender equality, and the empowerment of women and girls worldwide. Her efforts transcended cultural and national boundaries, inspiring countless individuals around the globe.
In recognition of her advocacy work and contributions to society, Obama has received numerous awards and accolades. She has been honored with the Glamour Woman of the Year Award, the Voice of Solidarity Award, and the James Smithson Bicentennial Medal. Additionally, she has received honorary degrees from esteemed institutions such as City College of New York and Tuskegee University.
Michelle Obama’s influence continues to resonate even after leaving the White House. She has authored the critically acclaimed memoir Becoming, which provides an intimate look into her life and experiences. The book has become a bestseller and has resonated with readers worldwide, further solidifying her status as a literary figure.
Through her advocacy work, leadership, and inspiring personal journey, Michelle Obama has become a symbol of resilience, empowerment, and hope. Her dedication to improving the lives of others and her unwavering commitment to positive change have established her as an iconic figure in women’s history and a role model for generations to come.
Awards:
– Glamour Woman of the Year Award
– Voice of Solidarity Award
– James Smithson Bicentennial Medal