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). Married to Barack Obama, the 44th U.S. President, she is a graduate of Princeton University and Harvard Law School. As First Lady, she championed initiatives focused on health, education, and combating childhood obesity through her 'Let's Move!' campaign. She also advocated for military families and promoted higher education access with 'Reach Higher.' Obama is considered an influential figure and role model, known for her advocacy, style, and public speaking. Post-White House, she released her bestselling memoir, 'Becoming,' and continues to be involved in various philanthropic and public service endeavors.
1981: Graduation as Salutatorian
In 1981, Michelle Obama graduated as the salutatorian of her high school class.
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1985: Graduation from Princeton University
In 1985, Michelle Robinson graduated cum laude from Princeton University with a Bachelor of Arts degree.
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May 2006: Essence "Most Inspiring Women"
In May 2006, Essence magazine listed Michelle Obama among "25 of the World's Most Inspiring Women", highlighting her ascent in popular culture.
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July 2007: Vanity Fair "Best Dressed" List
In July 2007, Vanity Fair listed Michelle Obama among "10 of the World's Best Dressed People", recognizing her emerging fashion influence.
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September 2007: The Harvard 100
In September 2007, 02138 magazine listed Michelle Obama 58th of "The Harvard 100", recognizing her influence as a Harvard alumna.
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July 2008: Repeat Appearance on Vanity Fair Best Dressed List
In July 2008, Michelle Obama made a repeat appearance on the Vanity Fair international best dressed list, solidifying her fashion icon status.
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2008: Time's Woman of the Year
In 2020, Michelle Obama was named Time Magazine's Woman of the Year for 2008 as part of a retroactive selection of historically deserving women for years in which a man had been named Person of the Year.
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2009: Most Fascinating Person of the Year
In 2009, Michelle Obama was named Barbara Walters's Most Fascinating Person of the year and she outlines her four initiatives as first lady: Let's Move!, Reach Higher, Let Girls Learn, and Joining Forces.
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April 2012: Awarded for work with 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).
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May 2015: Re-awarded for work with homeless veterans
Michelle Obama was again honored with the award in May 2015, accepting with Jill Biden.
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2018: Publication of 'Becoming'
In 2018, Michelle Obama published her memoir, 'Becoming', which became a New York Times best seller.
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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.
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2019: Most Admired Woman
In 2019, Michelle Obama topped the Gallup poll asking who is the "most admired woman" in the U.S.
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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.
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2020: Time's Woman of the Year for 2008
In 2020, Michelle Obama was named Time Magazine's Woman of the Year for 2008 as part of a retroactive selection of historically deserving women for years in which a man had been named Person of the Year.
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2021: Inducted into National Women's Hall of Fame
In 2021, Michelle Obama was inducted into the National Women's Hall of Fame.
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2022: Guest Appearance on Black-ish
In 2022, Michelle Obama made a guest appearance on Black-ish.
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November 2023: Named to BBC's 100 Women List
In November 2023, Michelle Obama was named to the BBC's 100 Women list.
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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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