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, author, and former First Lady of the United States (2009-2017). As the wife of Barack Obama, the 44th U.S. President, she championed initiatives focused on health, education, and poverty awareness. Her signature programs included 'Let's Move!' to combat childhood obesity, 'Reach Higher' to encourage higher education, and 'Let Girls Learn' to promote girls' education globally. A graduate of Princeton University and Harvard Law School, Obama's career included work in law, public service, and community outreach. She is a best-selling author and a prominent voice on issues of social justice and equality.
1988: Earns Juris Doctor from Harvard Law School
In 1988, Michelle Robinson earned her Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from Harvard Law School. This achievement marked a significant milestone in her professional and academic career.
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. She worked there for nearly four years, setting fundraising records and finding fulfillment in the role.
1993: Voluntary Inactive Law License Status
Since 1993, Michelle Obama has kept her law license on a voluntary inactive status as it is no longer necessary for her work. She initially worked on marketing and intellectual property law at Sidley & Austin.
1996: Barack Obama Elected to State Senate
In 1996, Barack Obama was elected to the state senate. During this time, the Obama family resided on Chicago's South Side.
1996: Associate Dean at University of Chicago
In 1996, Michelle Obama served as the associate dean of student services at the University of Chicago, where she developed the university's Community Service Center.
2000: Campaigning for US House of Representatives
In 2000, while campaigning for her husband's run for the United States House of Representatives, Michelle Obama told her boss at the University of Chicago that she enjoyed visiting living rooms for decorating ideas. She opposed his run and preferred him to focus on the family's financial needs after his defeat.
2002: Joins University of Chicago Hospitals
In 2002, Michelle Obama began working for the University of Chicago Hospitals as executive director for community affairs.
2004: Barack Obama Elected to U.S. Senate
In 2004, Barack Obama was elected to the U.S. Senate. The family chose to maintain their residence in Chicago for the benefit of their daughters.
May 2005: VP for Community and External Affairs
In May 2005, Michelle Obama became the vice president for community and external affairs at the University of Chicago Medical Center.
2005: Trump's audio recording
In October 2016, Michelle Obama heavily criticized Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump for his statements in a 2005 audio recording during a Clinton rally in Manchester, New Hampshire.
2006: Income Disclosed
In 2006, according to the couple's income tax return, Michelle Obama's salary from the University of Chicago Hospitals was $273,618. The Obamas' total income was $991,296, including her earnings as a board member of TreeHouse Foods and royalties from Barack's books.
May 14, 2007: Criticism of Wal-Mart's Labor Policies
On May 14, 2007, Barack Obama criticized Wal-Mart's labor policies at an AFL-CIO forum. Michelle Obama was a salaried board member of TreeHouse Foods, a major Wal-Mart supplier, until shortly after her husband announced his candidacy for the presidency.
May 2007: Reduced professional responsibilities
In May 2007, three months after her husband declared his presidential candidacy, Michelle Obama reduced her professional responsibilities by 80 percent to support his presidential campaign.
February 2008: Increased campaign participation
By early February 2008, Michelle Obama's participation in her husband's presidential campaign had increased significantly, attending thirty-three events in eight days. She also made several campaign appearances with Oprah Winfrey and wrote her own stump speeches.
October 6, 2008: Interviews on Larry King and The Daily Show
On October 6, 2008, Michelle Obama was interviewed by Larry King, where she discussed the Bradley effect and her husband's nomination. The same night, she was interviewed by Jon Stewart on The Daily Show, where she deflected criticism of her husband and his campaign.
2008: Trump Attempts to Revive Past Comments Obama Made
A week after Michelle Obama criticized Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump in October 2016, Trump attempted to revive past comments Obama made in regard to Hillary Clinton during the 2008 presidential election.
2008: Speech at the Democratic National Convention
During her speech at the 2008 Democratic National Convention, Michelle Obama sought to portray herself and her family as the embodiment of the American Dream. She emphasized values such as hard work, integrity, and respect. Her keynote address was largely well-received, and her favorability among Americans reached 55%.
2008: Campaigns for Husband's Presidential Campaign
In 2008, Michelle Obama campaigned for her husband Barack Obama's presidential campaign. Her active role marked a significant step in her public life.
2008: Reduces Work for Campaign
In 2008, Michelle Obama cut back to part-time at the University of Chicago Hospitals and took a leave of absence to spend time with her daughters and work for her husband's election campaign.
2008: Commitment to Family During Campaign
In 2008, during Barack Obama's campaign for U.S. president, Michelle Obama made a commitment to limit her travel to be home for her daughters, highlighting her dedication to family.
2008: Obama Boasts Husband's Record on LGBT Rights
In 2008, during the U.S. presidential campaign, Michelle Obama touted her husband's record on LGBT rights to gay Democratic groups, highlighting his support for various acts and policies. These included the Illinois Human Rights Act, the Illinois gender violence act, the Employment Non-Discrimination Act, repealing the "Don't Ask Don't Tell" policy, full repeal of the Defense of Marriage Act, civil unions, hate crimes protection for sexual orientation and gender identity, and renewed efforts to combat HIV and AIDS. Obama also mentioned their opposition to amendments banning same-sex marriage at the federal level and in California and Florida constitutions, and praised the U.S. Supreme Court's decision in Lawrence v. Texas, drawing parallels between the gay rights movement and the civil rights movement.
2008: Softening of public image during campaign trail
In 2008, media outlets observed that Michelle Obama's presence on the campaign trail had grown softer, focusing on soliciting concerns and empathizing with the audience. She gave interviews to shows such as The View and publications like Ladies' Home Journal, and her fashion choices became more informal.
2008: Obama Encourages Voter Turnout
In 2014, Michelle Obama encouraged voters to be as "hungry as you were back in 2008" in a video to promote voter turnout.
2008: Kristen Jarvis served as aide
Kristen Jarvis served as a key aide from 2008 until 2015, when she left to become chief of staff to the Ford Foundation president Darren Walker.
2008: Improved image since 2008 presidential run
Michelle Obama was seen as having improved her image since 2008, when her husband first ran for the presidency, although she was considered a polarizing figure. Her fashion style changed over the course of the campaign to be sensitive and economical.
2008: Campaign for presidency
Michelle Obama was very active on the 2008 presidential campaign for her husband.
March 2009: Vogue Cover Appearance
In March 2009, Michelle Obama appeared on the cover and in a photo spread in Vogue magazine. This marked her first appearance on the cover of Vogue, following a tradition among first ladies since Lou Hoover.
April 2009: Highest favorability rating since April 2009
After Michelle Obama's speech at the 2012 Democratic National Convention, a CBS News/New York Times poll conducted in September found that she had a 61% favorably rating with registered voters, the highest percentage she had polled since April 2009.
May 2009: Obama Delivers Commencement Speech at UC Merced
In May 2009, Michelle Obama delivered the commencement speech at a graduating ceremony at UC Merced in Merced County, California. Her address was well-received by students, who found her relatable. A journalist from the San Francisco Chronicle noted a strong connection between Obama and the students.
June 5, 2009: Chief of staff replacement
On June 5, 2009, the White House announced that Michelle Obama was replacing her then chief of staff, Jackie Norris, with Susan Sher, a longtime friend and adviser. 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 supported them. She hosted a White House reception for women's rights advocates in celebration of the enactment of the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act and supported the economic stimulus bill.
2009: Named Most Fascinating Person of the Year
In 2009, Michelle Obama was named Barbara Walters's Most Fascinating Person of the year. Her four primary initiatives as first lady were Let's Move!, Reach Higher, Let Girls Learn, and Joining Forces.
2009: Attends Churches in Washington D.C.
In 2009, after moving to Washington D.C., the Obama family attended several different Protestant churches, including Shiloh Baptist Church and St. John's Episcopal Church. Michelle Obama encouraged political awareness in church settings.
January 2010: Lead role in "Let's Move!" 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.
January 2010: Speculation of Obama Campaigning in Midterm Elections
In January 2010, while no consensus was made, there was speculation of Michelle Obama campaigning for democratic candidates in the 2010 midterm elections due to her high approval ratings.
February 9, 2010: Announcement of Let's Move!
On February 9, 2010, Michelle Obama announced the Let's Move! initiative, and President Barack Obama created the Task Force on Childhood Obesity to review current programs and create a national plan for change.
April 2010: Obama's First Solo Visit to Mexico
In April 2010, Michelle Obama traveled to Mexico, marking her first solo international visit. During her trip, Obama addressed students, encouraging them to take responsibility for their futures. She highlighted the potential found in underprivileged children, citing herself and her husband as examples.
October 2010: Obama Campaigns for Democratic Candidates
In October 2010, Michelle Obama toured seven states in two weeks, campaigning for Democratic candidates in the midterm elections. Aides noted that while the White House considered her involvement essential, she would not engage deeply in political discussions or public disputes with Republicans. Despite her efforts, only six of the thirteen candidates she supported won their elections.
June 2011: Obama's Second Official Trip to Africa
In June 2011, Michelle Obama embarked on her second official trip to Africa, touring Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Botswana, and meeting with Graça Machel. She participated in various community events across the foreign countries. White House staff noted that her trip would contribute to her husband's foreign policy agenda.
August 2011: Better Homes and Gardens Cover
In August 2011, Michelle Obama became the first woman ever to appear on the cover of Better Homes and Gardens magazine, and the first person in 48 years to be featured.
September 20, 2011: Obama Includes Openly Gay Service Members in Initiative
On September 20, 2011, following the repeal of "Don't Ask Don't Tell," Michelle Obama incorporated openly gay service members into her national military families initiative.
2011: More politically active
In 2011, Michelle Obama became more politically active than she had been since the 2008 election, though she avoided discussions about the re-election bid.
April 2012: Awarded 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 their advocacy for homeless veterans.
May 9, 2012: Obamas Publicly Support Same-Sex Marriage
On May 9, 2012, Barack and Michelle Obama publicly announced their support for same-sex marriage. Prior to this date, Michelle Obama had not publicly stated her position on the issue. It was reported that Michelle Obama and Senior Adviser Valerie Jarrett were strong advocates for same-sex marriage in Barack Obama's life.
2012: Speech at the Democratic National Convention
After Michelle Obama's speech at the 2012 Democratic National Convention, a CBS News/New York Times poll conducted in September found that she had a 61% favorably rating with registered voters, the highest percentage she had polled since April 2009.
2012: Michelle Obama Speaks at the DNC
At the 2012 Democratic National Convention (DNC), Michelle Obama spoke about Barack's understanding of the American Dream and his desire for everyone in the country to have the same opportunities, regardless of their background or who they love.
2012: Campaigns for Husband's Re-election Campaign
In 2012, Michelle Obama actively campaigned for her husband Barack Obama's re-election to the presidency. Her involvement highlighted her continued support and influence in his political career.
2012: Appealing to female voters
In 2012, Michelle Obama aimed to humanize her husband by relating stories about him, attempting to appeal to female voters in swing states. Her favorability ratings remained higher than Ann Romney's, but comparisons between Obama and Romney were repeatedly made by the media until the election.
2012: iCarly Guest Appearance
In 2012, Michelle Obama made a guest appearance on the TV show iCarly, portraying herself.
2012: Publication of "American Grown"
In 2012, Michelle Obama published "American Grown: The Story of the White House Kitchen Garden and Gardens Across America", based on her experiences with the garden and promoting healthy eating.
2012: Obama Encourages Voter Turnout
In 2014, Michelle Obama encouraged voters to be as "hungry as you were back in 2012" in a video to promote voter turnout.
2012: Campaigning for her husband's re-election
Michelle Obama campaigned for her husband's re-election in 2012, during which she had developed a more open public image. Some commentators viewed her as the most popular member of the Obama administration, with her poll approval numbers remaining high. She took an active role in the re-election campaign.
2013: Academy Award Announcement
In 2013, during the 85th Academy Awards, Michelle Obama became the first First Lady to announce the winner of an Oscar for Best Picture, which was awarded to Argo.
May 2014: Joined the #bringbackourgirls campaign
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: Obama's High Approval Rating in CNN Poll
In May 2014, a CNN poll revealed that Michelle Obama had a 61% favorable approval rating, significantly higher than her husband's 43%. This level of popularity was theorized to potentially result in greater support for Democratic candidates she campaigned for during the 2014 midterm elections.
2014: Parks and Recreation Guest Appearance
In 2014, Michelle Obama made a guest appearance on the TV show Parks and Recreation, portraying herself.
May 2015: Poll on potential presidential run
A May 2015 Rasmussen poll found Michelle Obama had 22% of support to Hillary Clinton's 56% of winning the Democratic nomination. Another poll that month found that 71% of Americans believed Obama should not run for the presidency.
May 2015: Again 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: Obama's Trip to London and Italy
In June 2015, Michelle Obama undertook a weeklong trip to London and three Italian cities. In London, she spoke with students about international education for adolescent girls and met with British Prime Minister David Cameron and Prince Harry. Her daughters and mother joined her. She advanced her initiative for international education for women by speaking at the 2015 World Innovation Summit for Education for her "Let Girls Learn" initiative in Doha, Qatar.
October 2015: Obama and Prince Harry Visit Military Base
In October 2015, Michelle Obama was joined by Jill Biden and Prince Harry in visiting a military base in Fort Belvoir, Virginia, as part of Prince Harry's effort to raise awareness for programs supporting injured service members.
2015: Kristen Jarvis left aide position
Kristen Jarvis served as a key aide from 2008 until 2015, when she left to become chief of staff to the Ford Foundation president Darren Walker.
January 14, 2016: President Obama denies Michelle will run
On January 14, 2016, President Obama stated during a town-hall meeting that Michelle Obama would not run for president.
March 16, 2016: Michelle Obama denies running for office
On March 16, 2016, Michelle Obama denied that she would ever run for office, citing a desire to "impact as many people as possible in an unbiased way".
October 13, 2016: Obama Criticizes Donald Trump
On October 13, 2016, Michelle Obama heavily criticized Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump for his statements in a 2005 audio recording during a Clinton rally in Manchester, New Hampshire.
December 2016: Vogue Cover Appearance
In December 2016, Michelle Obama appeared for a second time on the cover of Vogue magazine, with photographs by Annie Leibovitz, while still serving as First Lady.
2016: NCIS Guest Appearance
In 2016, Michelle Obama made a guest appearance on the TV show NCIS, portraying herself.
May 2017: Rebuking Trump Administration
In May 2017, Michelle Obama rebuked the Trump administration for its delay of a federal requirement designed to increase the nutritional standards for school lunches, during an appearance at the Partnership for a Healthier America conference.
April 2018: No Presidential Run
In April 2018, Michelle Obama responded to speculation about a potential presidential run by stating that she has "never had the passion for politics" and emphasized the availability of other women inclined towards politics.
November 2018: Becoming Release
Michelle Obama's memoir, Becoming, was released in November 2018.
2018: Publication of 'Becoming'
In 2018, Michelle Obama released her memoir, 'Becoming'. The book became a New York Times best-seller, reflecting her impact and influence as a public figure.
November 2019: Becoming Sales
By November 2019, Michelle Obama's memoir, Becoming, had sold 11.5 million copies.
May 6, 2020: Becoming Documentary Release
On May 6, 2020, a documentary titled Becoming, which chronicles Michelle Obama's book tour promoting her memoir, 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: Production of Crip Camp
In 2020, Michelle Obama produced the documentary film Crip Camp.
January 2, 2021: Encouraging Georgia Residents to Vote
On January 2, 2021, Michelle Obama encouraged Georgia residents to vote in the state's runoff in the U.S. Senate election and advised them to contact VoteRiders to ensure they had the necessary ID to vote.
February 2021: Executive Producer of Waffles + Mochi
In February 2021, Michelle Obama was announced as an executive producer and presenter on a children's cooking show, Waffles + Mochi.
March 16, 2021: Waffles + Mochi Release
On March 16, 2021, Waffles + Mochi, a children's cooking show on which Michelle Obama serves as an executive producer and presenter, was released by Netflix.
2021: Moving Toward Retirement
In 2021, Michelle Obama announced that she has been 'moving toward retirement', reducing her workload to spend more time with her husband while remaining active in political campaigns.
July 21, 2022: Announcement of The Light We Carry
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.
November 2022: The Light We Carry Publication
In November 2022, Michelle Obama's book, The Light We Carry: Overcoming in Uncertain Times, was published by Penguin Random House.
2022: Black-ish Guest Appearance
In 2022, Michelle Obama made a guest appearance on the TV show Black-ish.
2022: Publication of 'The Light We Carry'
In 2022, Michelle Obama published 'The Light We Carry'. This book adds to her body of work as an author and thought leader.
2023: Michelle Obama: The Light Podcast
In 2023, Michelle Obama created Michelle Obama: The Light Podcast based on topics in her 2022 book The Light We Carry and featured conversations held during her live book tour.
2023: Production of Rustin
In 2023, Michelle Obama produced the biographical drama film Rustin.
2023: Emmy Nomination for The Light We Carry
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 Candidacy
In March 2024, Michelle Obama's office announced that she would not be running for president in the 2024 United States presidential election, amidst media speculation over President Biden's candidacy.
August 20, 2024: Democratic National Convention Speech
On August 20, 2024, Michelle Obama delivered the penultimate address on the second night of the 2024 Democratic National Convention and then introduced her husband, former president Barack Obama. Her speech was described by The New York Times as "electrifying."
March 2025: IMO Podcast Launch
In March 2025, Michelle Obama launched the podcast IMO with her brother Craig Robinson.
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