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, 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

1981: Graduates as Salutatorian

In 1981, Michelle Robinson graduated as the salutatorian of her class at Whitney Young High School. She was on the honor roll for four years and took advanced placement classes.

1985: Graduates from Princeton

In 1985, Michelle Robinson graduated cum laude from Princeton University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in sociology and African-American studies. She completed a senior thesis titled 'Princeton-Educated Blacks and the Black Community'.

May 2006: Essence Lists Obama Among Most Inspiring Women

In May 2006, Essence magazine recognized Michelle Obama as one of "25 of the World's Most Inspiring Women", marking her emergence into popular culture.

July 2007: Vanity Fair Lists Obama Among Best Dressed

In July 2007, Vanity Fair listed Michelle Obama among "10 of the World's Best Dressed People", recognizing her fashion sense as she rose in prominence.

September 2007: 02138 Magazine Lists Obama Among Harvard Alumni

In September 2007, 02138 magazine ranked Michelle Obama 58th on "The Harvard 100," a list of the previous year's most influential Harvard alumni. Her husband was ranked fourth.

July 2008: Obama Repeats on Vanity Fair Best Dressed List

In July 2008, Michelle Obama once again appeared on the Vanity Fair international best dressed list, solidifying her status as a fashion icon. She also appeared on the 2008 People list of best-dressed women and was praised by the magazine for her "classic and confident" look.

2008: Time's Woman of the Year

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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