In our ongoing series #WomenThatDid, ENTITY profiles inspirational and famous women in history whose impact on our world can still be felt today. If you have a suggestion for a historical powerhouse you would like to see featured, tweet us with the hashtag #WomenThatDid.
Name: Michelle Obama
Lifetime: January 17, 1964 – Present
What She Is Known For: As First Lady of the United States, Michelle Obama has elevated the role of women in the White House. She is a lawyer, writer and mother and is a renowned political figure in her own right.
Why We Love Her: While working at a law firm, Michelle met Barack – one of the only other African-American lawyers there – and was assigned to be his mentor for the summer. They married in 1992 and had two daughters, Malia and Sasha.
When Obama was elected to the Senate, the couple decided to stay in Chicago rather than move to Washington D.C. However, things changed when he decided to run for President. Michelle was determined to only be gone overnight one night per week, to campaign only two days a week, and be home by the end of the day for her daughters.
In an essay penned by Barack for Glamour, he recognized the burden he placed on Michelle during his early Congress career, saying that it was on his schedule and time that he would help her raise their daughters, noting that the burden often fell on Michelle alone. Before the 2008 Presidential campaign, Michelle was the breadwinner of the Obama family, earning a substantial amount more than her husband.
While she no longer practices law, she has remained active in her communities, both in Chicago and in Washington D.C. Michelle has become a style icon and role model in United States society, being called this generation’s Jackie Kennedy and appearing on the cover of Vogue. Michelle has used her time in office to advocate for those in poverty, more nutritious meals, the importance of physical activity and a healthier eating lifestyle. She is an advocate for equal rights, continues to help working women balance a career and an education and has openly supported the LGBTQ community.
Fun Fact: After witnessing her brother’s graduation from Princeton in 1983, Michelle was determined to attend the school as well. However, her counselors tried to dissuade her, believing she was setting the bar to high for herself. She proved them wrong and showed her worth as an intelligent young woman when she accepted to attend there. She then went on to Harvard Law School and graduated in 1988. She is the third First Lady to have a postgraduate degree, along with Hillary Clinton and Laura Bush, but is the most educated after attending two Ivy League schools.
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