Michelle LaVaughn Robinson Obama, born on January 17, 1964, is an American attorney, author, and the wife of Barack Obama, the 44th U.S. president.
She served as First Lady from 2009 to 2017, advocating for education, healthy living, and military families.
A Princeton and Harvard Law graduate, she previously worked in public service and higher education.
Michelle is known for her bestselling memoirs, Becoming (2018) and The Light We Carry (2022), and her impactful initiatives during her husband’s presidency.
Parents
Michelle was born to Fraser Robinson III and Marian Shields.
Fraser worked as a pump operator for the Chicago Water Department and battled multiple sclerosis, while Marian was initially a secretary before becoming a full-time homemaker.
They raised Michelle and her brother Craig in Chicago’s South Side, emphasizing education and hard work despite financial challenges.
Marian passed away in June 2024, remembered as a devoted mother and grandmother who supported her family throughout their lives.
Career
Michelle’s professional career began in law after she graduated from Princeton University in 1985 with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and a minor in African American Studies.
She then earned her Juris Doctor (JD) from Harvard Law School in 1988.
Following her graduation, she joined the prestigious law firm Sidley Austin in Chicago, where she specialized in marketing and intellectual property law.
During her time at Sidley Austin, she met Barack Obama, who was a summer associate at the firm.
After leaving the firm, Michelle transitioned to public service.
She worked for the City of Chicago as an Assistant to the Mayor, focusing on community affairs and engaging directly with local issues.
In 1993, she became the Executive Director of Public Allies, a nonprofit organization aimed at encouraging young people to engage in public service.
Later on, she held several positions at the University of Chicago, including Associate Dean of Student Services, where she worked on initiatives to improve student life and support services.
Eventually, she became Vice President for Community and External Affairs, leading efforts to strengthen the university’s ties with the surrounding community and enhance its outreach programs.
Tenure as First Lady
As First Lady from 2009 to 2017, Michelle utilized her platform to advocate for several key issues that resonated with many Americans.
One of her most notable initiatives was “Let’s Move!” launched in 2010, which aimed to combat childhood obesity by promoting healthy eating and physical activity among children.
This initiative encouraged schools, families, and communities to create healthier environments for children and included partnerships with schools to improve nutrition standards.
In 2011, she co-founded Joining Forces with Dr. Jill Biden, focusing on supporting military families.
This initiative aimed to raise awareness about the challenges faced by service members and their families, including employment opportunities, education, and wellness resources.
Another significant initiative was Reach Higher, which encouraged young people to pursue higher education by emphasizing the importance of completing education beyond high school and providing resources for students navigating college applications and financial aid.
Michelle also advocated for girls’ education globally through her campaign #62MillionGirls, which aimed to raise awareness about the millions of girls around the world who are denied an education.
In addition to her initiatives, she brought a personal touch to her role as First Lady by hosting numerous events at the White House focused on health, wellness, and education.
She often spoke about her experiences as a working mother balancing family life with public service.
Michelle’s tenure as First Lady was marked by her charisma, relatability, and commitment to important social issues.
She broke traditional boundaries of the role by being outspoken on various topics such as health, education, and military family support.
Her memoirs, Becoming (2018) and The Light We Carry (2022), reflect on her life experiences, challenges faced, and lessons learned throughout her journey.
