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Michelle Obama

Michelle Obama is an American lawyer, author, and former first lady of the United States.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Michelle Obama is an American lawyer, author, and former first lady of the United States. She served as first lady from 2009 to 2017 as the wife of Barack Obama, and was the first African American to hold the role. Her public work as first lady focused on healthy living, military families, education, and girls’ education.

Early life and education

Michelle Obama was born Michelle LaVaughn Robinson in Chicago in 1964. She studied at Princeton University and Harvard Law School before beginning her professional career.

Career before the White House

Before becoming first lady, she worked as a lawyer and held roles in community and public service. She also co-founded Public Allies Chicago, an AmeriCorps program focused on leadership development.

First Lady of the United States

As first lady from 2009 to 2017, Obama became known for public health, education, and family-focused initiatives. Her work included Let’s Move!, Reach Higher, and Let Girls Learn.

Writing and public life after the White House

After leaving the White House, Obama continued her public profile as an author and speaker. Her memoir *Becoming* became a major best-seller, and she later published *The Light We Carry*.

Key facts

  • Michelle Obama is an American lawyer, author, and former first lady.
  • She served as first lady from 2009 to 2017 and was the first African American in the role.
  • Her initiatives included Let’s Move!, Reach Higher, and Let Girls Learn.
  • She authored the memoir *Becoming* and other published works.
  • She was born in Chicago in 1964 and studied at Princeton University and Harvard Law School.
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Canadian context

Michelle Obama is widely known in Canada as a former U.S. first lady, author, and public speaker whose memoir *Becoming* was a major international bestseller and whose education and health initiatives received broad attention.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Michelle Obama?
Michelle Obama is an American lawyer, author, and former first lady of the United States, serving from 2009 to 2017.
Why is Michelle Obama notable?
She was the first African American first lady and is known for initiatives on healthy living, education, and support for military families.
What did Michelle Obama do as first lady?
She led public initiatives including Let’s Move!, Reach Higher, and Let Girls Learn, and promoted healthy eating and exercise.
What books has Michelle Obama written?
Her published works include *American Grown*, *Becoming*, and *The Light We Carry*.
What was Michelle Obama's profession before becoming first lady?
She worked as a lawyer and in public service and community development.

References

  1. Obama Presidential Center / Obama Foundation — https://www.obamalibrary.gov/obamas/first-lady-michelle-obama
    Supports: Birth name, birth date, and published works.
  2. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/biography/Michelle-Obama
    Supports: Biography, first lady term, first African American first lady, and advocacy focus.
  3. Obama White House Archives — https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/administration/first-lady-michelle-obama
    Supports: Role as first lady and initiatives including Let's Move!, Reach Higher, and Let Girls Learn.
  4. EBSCO Research Starters — https://www.ebsco.com/research-starters/biography/michelle-obama
    Supports: Education, early career, Public Allies Chicago, and memoirs.
  5. National First Ladies' Library — https://firstladies.org/home/first-ladies/michelle-obama
    Supports: Years of service, education, Public Allies Chicago, and first lady initiatives.