Michelle Obama, the former First Lady of the United States, was born on January 17, 1964. As of October 2023, she is 59 years old.
Early Life and Career
Michelle Robinson Obama was born in DeYoung, Illinois, and grew up in Chicago’s South Shore neighborhood. She attended Chicago Public Schools and excelled academically, joining gifted classes in elementary school. Michelle graduated as the class salutatorian from Whitney Young High School in 1981.
She went on to attend Princeton University in New Jersey, where she graduated cum laude in 1985 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology and a minor in African-American Studies. Michelle then pursued a law degree at Harvard Law School, graduating in 1988.
After completing her education, Michelle worked at the Chicago corporate-law firm of Sidley & Austin, specializing in entertainment law. It was during this time that she met Barack Obama, who was a summer associate at the firm. The couple got married in 1992.
Michelle’s career shifted towards public service, starting with her role as assistant commissioner of planning and development in Chicago’s City Hall. She later became the founding executive director of the Chicago chapter of Public Allies, an AmeriCorps program that prepares young people for public service.
In 1996, Michelle joined the University of Chicago as associate dean of student services, where she developed the university’s first community service program. She then worked for the University of Chicago Medical Center, eventually becoming the vice president of community and external affairs in 2005.
First Lady Initiatives
As the First Lady of the United States, Michelle Obama launched several initiatives aimed at improving the lives of children, promoting education, and supporting military families.
Let’s Move!
One of Michelle’s most notable initiatives was Let’s Move!, which aimed to end childhood obesity within a generation. The program brought together various stakeholders, including elected officials, business leaders, educators, parents, and faith leaders, to provide more nutritious food in schools, increase access to healthy food in underserved communities, and promote physical activity among children.
As part of Let’s Move!, Michelle started a vegetable garden on the White House South Lawn, with local schoolchildren helping to plant and harvest the produce. The garden’s fruits and vegetables were served at the White House and donated to soup kitchens and food banks.
Reach Higher Initiative
During Barack Obama’s second term as President, Michelle spearheaded the Reach Higher Initiative, which aimed to help students understand job opportunities and the education and skills needed for those jobs. The initiative encouraged young people to pursue education beyond high school, including technical schools, community colleges, and universities.
Let Girls Learn
Michelle Obama also championed the education of girls and women through the Let Girls Learn program. This initiative brought together resources from various government agencies to empower young girls worldwide to secure a quality education.
Works Published by Michelle Obama
Michelle Obama has authored several books, including:
- American Grown: The Story of the White House Kitchen Garden and Gardens Across America (2012)
- Becoming (2018)
- The Light We Carry: Overcoming in Uncertain Times (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: How old is Michelle Obama?
A: As of October 2023, Michelle Obama is 59 years old.
Q: What initiatives did Michelle Obama launch as First Lady?
A: Michelle Obama launched several initiatives, including Let’s Move!, which aimed to end childhood obesity, the Reach Higher Initiative, which encouraged students to pursue education beyond high school, and Let Girls Learn, which focused on empowering girls and women through education.
Q: What books has Michelle Obama written?
A: Michelle Obama has authored several books, including American Grown: The Story of the White House Kitchen Garden and Gardens Across America, Becoming, and The Light We Carry: Overcoming in Uncertain Times.