Childhood and Education Journey of Michelle Wu in Timeline

How education and upbringing influenced the life of Michelle Wu. A timeline of key moments.

Michelle Wu is an American lawyer and politician currently serving as the mayor of Boston, Massachusetts, since 2021. Her election marked a historic moment as she is the first woman and first person of color to be elected mayor of Boston. Prior to becoming mayor, she served as a member of the Boston City Council from 2014 to 2021, where she championed various progressive policies. Wu's political career has been marked by her focus on issues like affordable housing, climate change, and equitable access to education and resources for all Boston residents. She's considered a rising star in the Democratic party.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles

January 14, 1985: Michelle Wu Born

On January 14, 1985, Michelle Wu was born. She is an American lawyer and politician.

Others born on this day/year

2003: Graduation from Barrington High School

In 2003, Michelle Wu graduated from Barrington High School as the valedictorian of her class and was selected as a Presidential Scholar from Illinois.

2007: Graduated from Harvard College

In 2007, Michelle Wu graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts in economics from Harvard College.

2009: Returned to Massachusetts to earn her J.D.

In 2009, Michelle Wu returned to Massachusetts with her mother and youngest siblings to earn her J.D. from Harvard Law School.

2010: Worked in Boston City Hall and Graduated from Emerge Massachusetts

In 2010, Michelle Wu worked in Boston City Hall for Mayor Thomas Menino and graduated from Emerge Massachusetts, a training program for women aspiring to elected office.

December 7, 2011: Engagement to Conor Pewarski

On December 7, 2011, Conor Pewarski proposed to Michelle Wu on Cambridge Common. The couple had met through mutual friends at a Harvard–Yale football game party. Pewarski had been a Yale student.

September 8, 2012: Marriage to Conor Pewarski

On September 8, 2012, Michelle Wu married Conor Pewarski. They had been engaged since December 7, 2011, and now live in Boston's Roslindale neighborhood.

2012: Graduated from Harvard Law School

In 2012, Michelle Wu graduated with a J.D. from Harvard Law School.

December 2014: Birth of First Child

In December 2014, Michelle Wu gave birth to her first child, a son. She became the first member of the Boston City Council to give birth while holding office. This experience inspired her to create a paid child leave policy for Boston's government employees.

December 2014: Wu Gave Birth

In December 2014, Michelle Wu gave birth which led her to realize municipal employees were not being offered paid child leave.

2016: Considered Future Mayoral Prospect

As far back as 2016, Michelle Wu had long been viewed as a future mayoral prospect, fielding questions about whether she'd consider one day running.

2017: Birth of Second Child

In 2017, Michelle Wu gave birth to her second son. She opted to forgo maternity leave and brought her newborn son to City Council meetings after returning to work.

2019: Viewed as Potential Challenger to Mayor Marty Walsh

Since at least 2019, Michelle Wu was viewed as a potential challenger to incumbent mayor Marty Walsh, if Walsh sought reelection in 2021.

September 15, 2020: Announced Candidacy for Mayor

On September 15, 2020, Michelle Wu announced her candidacy for mayor of Boston. She was regarded to be challenging Walsh from the political left.

January 7, 2021: Walsh Designated for Secretary of Labor

On January 7, 2021, Marty Walsh was designated by President-elect Joe Biden to be his nominee for Secretary of Labor, leaving the Boston mayor's race an open seat.

September 2021: Considered Front-Runner in Primary Election

By September 2021, Michelle Wu was widely considered to be the front-runner in the nonpartisan primary election, with a significant polling lead. Wu ultimately placed first in the nonpartisan primary and advanced to the general election.

November 2, 2021: Won Mayoral Election

On November 2, 2021, Michelle Wu won the election with over 64% of the vote, becoming the first woman and first person of color to become mayor of Boston.

November 16, 2021: Sworn in as Mayor of Boston

On November 16, 2021, Michelle Wu was sworn in as mayor of Boston. At 36 years of age, Wu was the youngest person elected mayor of Boston in almost a century.

2021: Potential Mayoral Run

In 2021 Michelle Wu was viewed as a potential challenger to incumbent mayor Marty Walsh, if Walsh sought reelection.

May 2023: Performance with Boston Symphony Orchestra

In May 2023, Michelle Wu performed the second movement of Mozart's Piano Concerto No. 21 with the Boston Symphony Orchestra.

December 2023: "Electeds of Color" Holiday Party

In December 2023, Michelle Wu organized an "Electeds of Color" holiday party, excluding White members of the City Council. This event was criticized by Council member Frank Baker, who deemed it divisive and inflammatory, but Wu did not apologize.

July 2024: Pregnancy Announcement

In late-July 2024, Michelle Wu announced that she was pregnant with a daughter, due in January 2025.

September 2024: Performance with Boston Pops

In September 2024, Michelle Wu performed George Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue as a guest soloist with the Boston Pops. She took refresher lessons at Berklee College of Music prior to the performance.

2024: Sons Enrolled in Public School

As of 2024, Michelle Wu enrolls both of her sons in Boston's public school system.

2024: Shared Experiences with Pregnancy and Miscarriage

In 2024, during an event at the Democratic National Convention, Michelle Wu shared personal details about her pregnancies and miscarriages. She discussed her experiences with assisted reproductive technology and the use of Mifepristone and Misoprostol after a missed miscarriage, drawing connections to contemporary legal issues regarding reproductive rights.

January 14, 2025: Birth of Daughter and Return to Work

On January 14, 2025, Michelle Wu gave birth to her daughter. She chose not to take formal maternity leave, opting for a "working leave" to maintain her mayoral duties.

January 2025: Due Date of Daughter

In January 2025, Michelle Wu was due to give birth to her daughter.

March 5, 2025: Testimony at Congressional Hearing

On March 5, 2025, Michelle Wu, a Roman Catholic, testified at a congressional hearing on sanctuary cities. She was wearing cross-shaped ashes on her forehead for Ash Wednesday.