How Michelle Obama Shaped the Future: A Legacy Timeline

A detailed timeline of the impact and legacy of Michelle Obama across different fields.

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.

Sections (6)

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

1982: Siena College Research Institute Survey

Since 1982, the Siena College Research Institute has been conducting surveys to assess American first ladies according to a cumulative score on the independent criteria of their background, value to the country, intelligence, courage, accomplishments, integrity, leadership, being their own women, public image, and value to the president.

2008: Time's Woman of the Year

In 2008, Michelle Obama was named Woman of the Year by Time Magazine retroactively in 2020.

2009: Potential Impact on View of African Americans

At the time of her husband's election, some sources anticipated that Michelle Obama's role as a high-profile African-American woman in a stable marriage would positively influence the world's perception of African Americans. While her fashion choices were part of the 2009 Fashion week, Obama's influence in the field did not have the anticipated impact on the number of African-American models participating in the fashion industry.

2010: Obama's Style and Influence

In 2010, Michelle Obama's style was described as "fashion populist". She wore clothes from over fifty design companies, including both high-end and less expensive brands like J.Crew and Target. A study that year found that her patronage was worth an average of $14 million to a company. She became a fashion trendsetter, known for favoring sleeveless dresses and wearing clothes by African designers.

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.

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

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2014: Siena College Ranking

In 2014, Michelle Obama was ranked 5th-best out of 39 American first ladies in a survey conducted by the Siena College Research Institute, which assessed first ladies based on various criteria.

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.

Becoming

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2018: Most Admired Woman

In 2018, Michelle Obama topped the Gallup poll asking who is the "most admired woman" in the U.S.

2019: Most Admired Woman

In 2019, Michelle Obama topped the Gallup poll asking who is the "most admired woman" in the U.S.

2020: Most Admired Woman

In 2020, Michelle Obama topped the Gallup poll asking who is the "most admired woman" in the U.S.

2020: Siena College Ranking

In 2020, Michelle Obama was ranked 3rd-best out of 40 American first ladies in a survey conducted by the Siena College Research Institute, which assessed first ladies based on various criteria.

2020: Time's Woman of the Year

In 2020, Time magazine retroactively named Michelle Obama as the Woman of the Year for 2008, as part of a review to include historically deserving women in years when a man had been named Person of the Year.

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.

The Light We Carry: Overcoming in Uncertain Times

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November 2023: BBC's 100 Women List

In November 2023, Michelle Obama was named to the BBC's 100 Women list.

July 2, 2024: Reuters/Ipsos Poll Results

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