Michelle Obama's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A closer look at the biggest achievements of Michelle Obama. Awards, milestones, and records that define success.

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 her husband Barack Obama's presidency. Throughout her time as First Lady, she championed initiatives focused on health, education, and fighting childhood obesity with her 'Let's Move!' campaign. She is admired for her commitment to public service and her role as a cultural icon.

Sections (6)

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

1981: Graduation as Salutatorian

In 1981, Michelle Robinson graduated as the salutatorian of her class at Whitney Young High School.

1985: Graduation from Princeton University

In 1985, Michelle Robinson graduated cum laude from Princeton University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in sociology and a minor in African-American studies.

May 2006: Essence lists Obama among "25 of the World's Most Inspiring Women"

In May 2006, Essence magazine recognized Michelle Obama as one of the "25 of the World's Most Inspiring Women".

July 2007: Vanity Fair lists Obama among "10 of the World's Best Dressed People"

In July 2007, Vanity Fair included Michelle Obama in their list of "10 of the World's Best Dressed People".

September 2007: 02138 magazine lists Obama 58th of "The Harvard 100"

In September 2007, 02138 magazine ranked Michelle Obama 58th in "The Harvard 100," a list of the most influential Harvard alumni from the previous year.

July 2008: Obama makes a repeat appearance on the Vanity Fair best dressed list

Michelle Obama made a repeat appearance on the Vanity Fair international best dressed list in July 2008. She also appeared on the 2008 People list of best-dressed women, praised for her "classic and confident" look.

2008: Time's Woman of the Year

In 2008, Michelle Obama was chosen as Time Magazine's Woman of the Year, retroactively awarded in 2020 as part of recognizing women overlooked in previous years.

2008: Time Cover

In 2008, Michelle Obama was chosen for a Time cover, which was created in 2019 as part of a retrospective.

2008: Speech at the Democratic National Convention

In 2008, on the first night of the Democratic National Convention, Michelle Obama delivered a speech, presenting herself and her family as the embodiment of the American Dream. She emphasized values and love for her country, responding to prior criticism. Her keynote address was well-received, and her favorability reached 55%.

April 2009: High Favorability Rating

A CBS News/New York Times poll conducted in April 2009 showed that Michelle Obama had a 61% favorably rating with registered voters, the highest percentage she had polled since.

2009: Most Fascinating Person of the Year

In 2009, Michelle Obama was named Barbara Walters's Most Fascinating Person of the year. In her memoir, Becoming, Obama describes her four primary initiatives as first lady: Let's Move!, Reach Higher, Let Girls Learn, and Joining Forces.

April 2012: Award from National Coalition for Homeless Veterans

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

2014: Siena College Ranking

In 2014, during her husband's second term as president, Michelle Obama was ranked 5th-best out of 39 American first ladies in a survey by the Siena College Research Institute.

May 2015: Honored by National Coalition for Homeless Veterans

In May 2015, Michelle Obama was again honored with the Jerald Washington Memorial Founders' Award by the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans (NCHV), accepting with Jill Biden.

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.

2019: Time Cover for 2008

In 2019, Time created 89 new covers to celebrate women of the year starting from 1920, choosing Michelle Obama for 2008.

2020: Grammy Award for Becoming

In 2020, Michelle Obama received the Grammy Award for Best Audio Book, Narration & Storytelling Recording for her memoir, Becoming.

Becoming

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2020: Most Admired Woman

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

2020: Named Time's Woman of the Year for 2008

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

2020: Siena College Ranking

In 2020, the first survey conducted after the Obamas left the White House, Michelle Obama was ranked 3rd-best out of 40 American first ladies by the Siena College Research Institute.

November 2023: Named to BBC's 100 Women List

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

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 for the Netflix documentary film The Light We Carry: Michelle Obama and Oprah Winfrey.

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