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 Barack Obama's presidency. As First Lady, she championed initiatives related to poverty awareness, education, nutrition, and healthy living. She is regarded as a fashion icon and a role model for women. After leaving the White House, she has remained a prominent public figure, continuing her advocacy work and publishing her bestselling memoir, 'Becoming'.

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 from 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 African-American studies.

May 2006: Essence's Most Inspiring Women

In May 2006, Essence listed Michelle Obama among "25 of the World's Most Inspiring Women", recognizing her growing influence.

July 2007: Vanity Fair's Best Dressed List

In July 2007, Vanity Fair included Michelle Obama in its list of "10 of the World's Best Dressed People", highlighting her style and fashion sense.

September 2007: The Harvard 100

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

July 2008: Repeat Appearance on Vanity Fair's Best Dressed List

In July 2008, Michelle Obama appeared again on Vanity Fair's international best-dressed list, solidifying her status as a fashion icon.

2008: Delivered Speech at the Democratic National Convention

During the 2008 Democratic National Convention, Michelle Obama delivered a speech where she sought to portray her family as the embodiment of the American Dream. She emphasized values such as hard work, integrity, and respect. She also likely responded to criticism by emphasizing her love for the country. Her keynote address was well-received, and her favorability among Americans reached 55%.

2008: Time's Woman of the Year

In 2008, Michelle Obama was named Time magazine's Woman of the Year in 2020, retroactively.

2009: Most Fascinating Person of the Year

In 2009, Michelle Obama was named Barbara Walters's Most Fascinating Person of the year.

April 2012: Awarded the 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 being homeless veteran advocates.

2014: Siena College Ranking

In 2014, Michelle Obama was ranked 5th-best out of 39 American first ladies in a Siena College Research Institute survey. The survey assessed first ladies based on criteria such as background, value to the country, intelligence, and leadership.

May 2015: 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.

November 2018: Becoming Memoir Release

In November 2018, Michelle Obama's memoir, Becoming, was released to the public.

Becoming

Check it on Amazon

2018: Most Admired Woman

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

November 2019: Becoming Sales Figures

By November 2019, Michelle Obama's memoir, Becoming, had sold 11.5 million copies.

Becoming

Check it on Amazon

2019: Most Admired Woman

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

May 6, 2020: Becoming Documentary Release

On May 6, 2020, a documentary titled Becoming, chronicling Michelle Obama's book tour, was released on Netflix.

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 Siena College Research Institute survey, which was the first survey conducted after the Obamas had left the White House. The survey assessed first ladies based on criteria such as background, value to the country, intelligence, and leadership.

2020: Time's Woman of the Year

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

2022: Black-ish Guest Appearance

In 2022, Michelle Obama made a guest appearance on the TV show Black-ish, portraying herself. She also received a Black Reel Awards for Television nomination for Outstanding Guest Actress, Comedy Series for her role in Black-ish.

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 Documentary

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.