Career Timeline of Michelle Obama: Major Achievements and Milestones

Discover the career path of Michelle Obama, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Michelle Obama is an American attorney and author, best known for serving as the First Lady of the United States from 2009 to 2017 during Barack Obama's presidency. As First Lady, she championed initiatives related to poverty awareness, education, nutrition, and healthy living. She is regarded as a fashion icon and a role model for women. After leaving the White House, she has remained a prominent public figure, continuing her advocacy work and publishing her bestselling memoir, 'Becoming'.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Controversies & Scandals Legacy & Impact

1988: Graduation from Harvard Law School

In 1988, Michelle Robinson earned her Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from Harvard Law School.

1991: Public Sector Positions in Chicago

In 1991, Michelle Obama held public sector positions in the Chicago city government as an assistant to the mayor and as the assistant commissioner of planning and development.

1993: Executive Director at Public Allies

In 1993, Michelle Obama became the executive director for the Chicago office of Public Allies, a non-profit organization.

1993: Law License Inactive Status

Since 1993, Michelle Obama has kept her law license on a voluntary inactive status.

1996: Associate Dean at the University of Chicago

In 1996, Michelle Obama served as the associate dean of student services at the University of Chicago.

2000: Campaigning for United States House of Representatives

In 2000, Michelle Obama campaigned for her husband's run for the United States House of Representatives. During this time, she mentioned that her favorite part of campaigning was getting new decorating ideas from the living rooms she visited. She opposed his run and preferred he focus on the family's financial needs.

2002: University of Chicago Hospitals Position

In 2002, Michelle Obama began working for the University of Chicago Hospitals as executive director for community affairs.

May 2005: Vice President at University of Chicago Hospitals

In May 2005, Michelle Obama became the vice president for community and external affairs at the University of Chicago Hospitals.

2005: Trump's controversial audio recording

In October 2016, Michelle Obama criticized Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump for the statements he made in a 2005 audio recording at a Clinton rally in Manchester, New Hampshire.

2006: Income Tax Return

According to the couple's 2006 income tax return, Michelle Obama's salary from the University of Chicago Hospitals was $273,618. She also earned $51,200 as a board member of TreeHouse Foods.

May 2007: Reduced professional responsibilities

In May 2007, Michelle Obama reduced her professional responsibilities by 80% to support her husband's presidential campaign.

February 2008: Increased participation in campaign events

By early February 2008, Michelle Obama significantly increased her participation in her husband's presidential campaign, attending thirty-three events in eight days. She also made campaign appearances with Oprah Winfrey.

October 6, 2008: Interviews on Larry King Live and The Daily Show

On October 6, 2008, Michelle Obama was interviewed by Larry King on Larry King Live, where she discussed whether the American electorate was past the Bradley effect. The same night, she was interviewed by Jon Stewart on The Daily Show, where she addressed criticism of her husband and his campaign.

2008: Trump's attempt to revive past comments Obama made in regard to Clinton during the 2008 presidential election

A week after Michelle Obama criticized Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump for the statements he made in a 2005 audio recording, speaking at a Clinton rally in Manchester, New Hampshire on October 13, 2016, Donald Trump attempted to revive past comments Obama made in regard to Clinton during the 2008 presidential election.

2008: Obama's Improved Image

By 2008, Michelle Obama's presence on the campaign trail had grown softer, focusing on soliciting concerns and empathizing with the audience rather than throwing down challenges to them.

2008: Softer presence on the campaign trail

By the time of the 2008 Democratic National Convention, media outlets noted that Michelle Obama's presence on the campaign trail had become softer. She focused on empathy and concerns rather than challenges, giving interviews to shows like The View and publications like Ladies' Home Journal. This change was reflected in her more informal fashion choices.

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2008: Delivered Speech at the Democratic National Convention

During the 2008 Democratic National Convention, Michelle Obama delivered a speech where she sought to portray her family as the embodiment of the American Dream. She emphasized values such as hard work, integrity, and respect. She also likely responded to criticism by emphasizing her love for the country. Her keynote address was well-received, and her favorability among Americans reached 55%.

2008: Key Aide

In 2008, Kristen Jarvis served as key aide to Michelle Obama until 2015.

2008: Campaigning for Barack Obama's Presidential Campaign

In 2008, Michelle Obama campaigned for her husband's presidential campaign.

2008: Reduced Work Schedule for Campaign

In 2008, Michelle Obama cut back to part-time at the University of Chicago Hospitals and took a leave of absence to support her husband's election campaign and spend time with her daughters.

2008: Obama's Support for LGBT Rights

In 2008, during the U.S. presidential campaign, Michelle Obama highlighted her husband's support for LGBT rights, including the Illinois Human Rights Act, Employment Non-Discrimination Act, repealing "Don't Ask Don't Tell," and full repeal of the Defense of Marriage Act. She also advocated for hate crime protection and efforts to combat HIV and AIDS and drew parallels between the gay rights and civil rights movements.

2008: Call for Voter Enthusiasm

In a video released in July of 2014, Michelle Obama, referencing past elections, called on voters to be "hungry as you were back in 2008". This was part of an effort to encourage voter turnout.

2008: Obama was seen as having improved her image since 2008

Since 2008, when Barack Obama first ran for president, Michelle Obama was seen as having improved her image. Isabel Wilkinson of The Daily Beast noted that Obama's fashion style changed to be more sensitive and economical.

March 2009: Vogue Cover Appearance

In March 2009, Michelle Obama appeared on the cover and in a photo spread in Vogue magazine, following a tradition of first ladies appearing in the magazine since Lou Hoover. Only Hillary Clinton had previously been on the cover.

April 2009: Michelle Obama's Favroable Rating

After Michelle Obama's speech at the 2012 Democratic National Convention, the first lady was found to have a 61% favorably rating with registered voters, the highest percentage she had polled since April 2009.

May 2009: Commencement Speech at UC Merced

In May 2009, Michelle Obama delivered the commencement speech at UC Merced in California. The speech was well-received by students who found her relatable.

June 5, 2009: Replacing Chief of Staff

On June 5, 2009, the White House announced that Michelle Obama was replacing her then chief of staff, Jackie Norris, with Susan Sher. Norris became a senior adviser to the Corporation for National and Community Service.

2009: Advocating for policy priorities

In 2009, Michelle Obama advocated for her husband's policy priorities by promoting bills that support it. She hosted a White House reception for women's rights advocates in celebration of the enactment of the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act. She supported the economic stimulus bill in visits to the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development and United States Department of Education.

2009: Became First Lady of the United States

In 2009, Michelle Obama became the First Lady of the United States upon her husband, Barack Obama, becoming the 44th president.

January 2010: Consideration of Campaigning in Midterm Elections

In January 2010, Michelle Obama indicated that a decision had not yet been made regarding her involvement in the 2010 midterm elections, despite speculation due to her high approval rating.

January 2010: Undertook first lead role in an administration-wide initiative

In January 2010, Michelle Obama undertook her first lead role in an administration-wide initiative, which she named "Let's Move!", to make progress in reversing the 21st-century trend of childhood obesity.

February 9, 2010: Announced Let's Move!

On February 9, 2010, Michelle Obama announced Let's Move!, an initiative to combat childhood obesity. President Barack Obama created the Task Force on Childhood Obesity to review current programs and create a national plan for change.

April 2010: Solo Visit to Mexico

In April 2010, Michelle Obama made her first solo visit to Mexico, where she encouraged students to take responsibility for their futures, citing herself and her husband as examples of potential found in unlikely places.

October 2010: Campaigning for Democratic Candidates

In October 2010, Michelle Obama toured seven states in two weeks, campaigning for Democratic candidates in the midterm elections. She avoided deep political discussions and public disputes with Republicans, but her "election scorecard proved no better than his, particularly in her home state".

June 2011: Official Trip to Africa

In June 2011, Michelle Obama traveled to Africa, visiting Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Botswana, and meeting with Graça Machel. Her involvement in community events and the trip's contribution to her husband's foreign policy were noted.

August 2011: Better Homes and Gardens Cover

In August 2011, Michelle Obama became the first woman to appear on the cover of Better Homes and Gardens magazine, and the first person in 48 years to do so.

September 20, 2011: Inclusion of Openly Gay Service Members

On September 20, 2011, after the repeal of Don't Ask Don't Tell, Michelle Obama included openly gay service members in her national military families initiative, demonstrating her support for LGBT rights within the military community.

2011: Became more politically active

Beginning in 2011, Michelle Obama became more politically active than she had been since the 2008 election, though avoided discussions about the re-election bid.

April 2012: Awarded the Jerald Washington Memorial Founders' Award

In April 2012, Michelle Obama and her husband were awarded the Jerald Washington Memorial Founders' Award by the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans (NCHV) for being homeless veteran advocates.

May 9, 2012: Public Support for Same-Sex Marriage

On May 9, 2012, Barack and Michelle Obama publicly announced their support for same-sex marriage. Previously, Michelle Obama had not publicly stated her position on this issue. White House officials noted her consistent advocacy for same-sex marriage within Barack Obama's life.

2012: DNC Speech on the American Dream

At the 2012 Democratic National Convention (DNC), Michelle Obama emphasized her husband's belief in the American Dream and his desire for everyone to have the same opportunities regardless of background or identity in 2012.

2012: Speech at the Democratic National Convention

Following Michelle Obama's speech at the 2012 Democratic National Convention, a CBS News/New York Times poll in September found her to have a 61% favorable rating with registered voters.

2012: Appealing to female voters in swing states

In 2012, Michelle Obama aimed to humanize her husband by relating stories about him, attempting to appeal to female voters in swing states. Polls in October showed their husbands tied at 47% for the female vote, but Michelle Obama's favorability ratings remained higher than Ann Romney's.

2012: Campaigning for Barack Obama's Re-election Campaign

In 2012, Michelle Obama campaigned for her husband's re-election presidential campaign.

2012: iCarly Guest Appearance

In 2012, Michelle Obama made a guest appearance on the TV show iCarly, portraying herself.

2012: Call for Voter Enthusiasm

In a video released in July of 2014, Michelle Obama, referencing past elections, called on voters to be "hungry as you were back in 2012". This was part of an effort to encourage voter turnout.

2012: Campaigning for her husband's re-election

Michelle Obama campaigned for her husband's re-election in 2012. By the time of the election cycle, she had developed a more open public image and was viewed by some commentators as the most popular member of the Obama administration. Her high approval ratings contributed to her active role in the re-election campaign.

2012: Published 'American Grown'

Michelle Obama's 2012 book American Grown: The Story of the White House Kitchen Garden and Gardens Across America is based on her experiences with the garden and promotes healthy eating.

American Grown: The Story of the White House Kitchen Garden and Gardens Across America

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2013: Academy Awards Announcement

In 2013, during the 85th Academy Awards, Michelle Obama became the first First Lady to announce the winner of the Oscar for Best Picture, which was awarded to the movie Argo.

May 2014: Joined the campaign to bring back school girls kidnapped in Nigeria

In May 2014, Michelle Obama joined the campaign to bring back school girls who had been kidnapped in Nigeria. She tweeted a picture of herself holding a poster with the #bringbackourgirls campaign hashtag.

May 2014: High Approval Rating

In May 2014, Michelle Obama's popularity surpassed her husband's, with a CNN poll showing a 61% favorable approval rating compared to his 43%. This popularity was expected to result in a larger outpouring of support during campaigning.

2014: Parks and Recreation Guest Appearance

In 2014, Michelle Obama made a guest appearance on the TV show Parks and Recreation, portraying herself.

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May 2015: Presidential Poll

In May 2015 a poll found Michelle Obama had 22% of support to Clinton's 56% of winning the Democratic nomination.

May 2015: Honored with the Jerald Washington Memorial Founders' Award

In May 2015, Michelle Obama was again honored with the Jerald Washington Memorial Founders' Award, accepting with Jill Biden.

June 2015: Trip to London and Italian Cities

In June 2015, Michelle Obama embarked on a week-long trip to London and three Italian cities. In London, she discussed international education for adolescent girls and met with Prime Minister David Cameron and Prince Harry.

October 2015: Visit to Fort Belvoir Military Base

In October 2015, Michelle Obama, Jill Biden, and Prince Harry visited a military base in Fort Belvoir, Virginia, to raise awareness for programs supporting harmed service members.

2015: Chief of Staff to the Ford Foundation president

In 2015, Michelle Obama's key aide Kristen Jarvis left to become chief of staff to the Ford Foundation president Darren Walker.

January 14, 2016: President Obama Says Michelle Will Not Run

On January 14, 2016, during a town-hall meeting, President Obama said Michelle Obama would not run for president.

March 16, 2016: Michelle Obama Denies Presidential Run

On March 16, 2016, Michelle Obama denied that she would ever run for president, citing a desire to "impact as many people as possible in an unbiased way".

October 13, 2016: Criticism of Donald Trump

On October 13, 2016, Michelle Obama strongly criticized Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump for his comments made in a 2005 audio recording, speaking at a Clinton rally in Manchester, New Hampshire.

December 2016: Second Vogue Cover as First Lady

In December 2016, Michelle Obama appeared on the cover of Vogue for the second time while serving as First Lady. The photographs were taken by Annie Leibovitz.

2016: NCIS Guest Appearance

In 2016, Michelle Obama made a guest appearance on the TV show NCIS, portraying herself.

2017: End of First Lady Term

In 2017, Michelle Obama's term as First Lady of the United States concluded when her husband, Barack Obama, left office.

April 2018: Presidential Run Speculation

In April 2018, Michelle Obama addressed speculations about a potential presidential run, stating that she has "never had the passion for politics."

November 2018: Becoming Memoir Release

In November 2018, Michelle Obama's memoir, Becoming, was released to the public.

Becoming

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2018: Publication of 'Becoming'

In 2018, Michelle Obama's memoir, "Becoming", was published and became a New York Times best seller.

Becoming

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November 2019: Becoming Sales Figures

By November 2019, Michelle Obama's memoir, Becoming, had sold 11.5 million copies.

Becoming

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May 6, 2020: Becoming Documentary Release

On May 6, 2020, a documentary titled Becoming, chronicling Michelle Obama's book tour, was released on Netflix.

July 2020: The Michelle Obama Podcast Premiere

In July 2020, Michelle Obama premiered a podcast titled The Michelle Obama Podcast.

2020: Crip Camp Production

In 2020, Michelle Obama produced the documentary film Crip Camp.

January 2, 2021: Georgia Runoff Encouragement

On January 2, 2021, Michelle Obama encouraged Georgia residents to vote in the state's runoff election for the U.S. Senate. She also promoted VoteRiders, an organization providing voter ID education.

February 2021: Waffles + Mochi Announcement

In February 2021, Michelle Obama was announced as an executive producer and presenter on a children's cooking show called Waffles + Mochi.

March 16, 2021: Waffles + Mochi Release

On March 16, 2021, the children's cooking show Waffles + Mochi, on which Michelle Obama is an executive producer and presenter, was released by Netflix.

2021: Moving Towards Retirement

In 2021, Michelle Obama announced that she has been "moving toward retirement", reducing her work and spending more time with her husband.

July 21, 2022: The Light We Carry Book Announcement

On July 21, 2022, it was announced that Michelle Obama's next book, The Light We Carry: Overcoming in Uncertain Times, would be published in November 2022 by Penguin Random House.

The Light We Carry: Overcoming in Uncertain Times

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November 2022: The Light We Carry Book Publication

In November 2022, Michelle Obama's book, The Light We Carry: Overcoming in Uncertain Times, was published by Penguin Random House.

The Light We Carry: Overcoming in Uncertain Times

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2022: Black-ish Guest Appearance

In 2022, Michelle Obama made a guest appearance on the TV show Black-ish, portraying herself. She also received a Black Reel Awards for Television nomination for Outstanding Guest Actress, Comedy Series for her role in Black-ish.

2022: Publication of 'The Light We Carry'

In 2022, Michelle Obama's book, "The Light We Carry", was published.

The Light We Carry: Overcoming in Uncertain Times

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2023: Michelle Obama: The Light Podcast

In 2023, Michelle Obama launched "Michelle Obama: The Light Podcast", based on topics in her 2022 book "The Light We Carry" and featuring conversations from her live book tour.

The Light We Carry: Overcoming in Uncertain Times

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2023: Rustin Production

In 2023, Michelle Obama produced the biographical drama film Rustin.

2023: Emmy Nomination for The Light We Carry Documentary

In 2023, Michelle Obama received a Primetime Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Hosted Nonfiction Series or Special at the 75th Primetime Creative Arts Emmy Awards for the Netflix documentary film The Light We Carry: Michelle Obama and Oprah Winfrey.

March 2024: No Presidential Run Announcement

In March 2024, amidst media speculation regarding President Biden's candidacy, Michelle Obama's office announced that she would not be running for president in the 2024 United States presidential election.

July 2, 2024: Public Opinion Poll Results

According to a Reuters/Ipsos public opinion poll released on July 2, 2024, Michelle Obama was the only Democrat listed who would defeat Trump in a confrontation, receiving 50% of the votes versus 39% for Trump. Also, 55% of voters had a favorable view of Obama compared to 42% for Trump.

August 20, 2024: Democratic National Convention Speech

On August 20, 2024, Michelle Obama delivered a well-received speech at the Democratic National Convention before introducing her husband, Barack Obama. The New York Times described her speech as "electrifying".