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Michelle LaVaughn Robinson Obama (née Robinson; born January 17, 1964) is an American attorney and author who served as the First Lady of the United States from 2009 to 2017, married to Barack Obama, the 44th President of the United States.

Raised on the South Side of Chicago, Michelle Obama is a graduate of Princeton University and Harvard Law School. Early in her legal career, she worked at the law firm Sidley Austin, where she met Barack Obama. She later transitioned to roles in nonprofit organizations and academia, serving as the Associate Dean of Student Services at the University of Chicago and as Vice President for Community and External Affairs at the University of Chicago Medical Center. Michelle married Barack in 1992, and they have two daughters.

Michelle Obama played a prominent role in her husband's 2008 and 2012 presidential campaigns. As the first African-American First Lady, she was a role model for women and an advocate for several causes, including poverty awareness, education, nutrition, physical activity, and healthy eating. She also supported American designers and was widely regarded as a fashion icon. Even after her tenure as First Lady, Michelle Obama's influence remains significant.

Michelle LaVaughn Robinson was born to Fraser and Marian Robinson in the South Side of Chicago. Her father worked as a city pump operator, while her mother was a homemaker. Growing up in a modest household, Michelle and her brother, Craig, were taught the values of hard work and education from an early age. Michelle excelled academically, skipping the second grade and being placed in gifted classes. She attended Whitney Young High School, Chicago’s first magnet high school, where she continued to thrive, graduating as the salutatorian of her class in 1981.

Following high school, Michelle attended Princeton University, where she majored in sociology and minored in African American studies. She graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1985. At Princeton, Michelle was actively involved in community service and wrote a senior thesis titled "Princeton-Educated Blacks and the Black Community." After Princeton, Michelle pursued a law degree at Harvard Law School, where she was involved with the Black Law Students Association and worked to support minority students. She received her Juris Doctor degree in 1988.

Michelle Obama's professional career began at the law firm Sidley Austin in Chicago, where she specialized in intellectual property law. It was here that she met Barack Obama, a summer associate at the firm. They married in 1992 and together embarked on a journey that would eventually lead them to the White House.

Michelle left corporate law to pursue a career in public service. She worked as an assistant to Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley and later as the assistant commissioner of planning and development for the City of Chicago. Her passion for community service led her to join the University of Chicago, where she worked as the Associate Dean of Student Services, developing the university’s first community service program. She later became the Vice President for Community and External Affairs at the University of Chicago Medical Center, where she continued to focus on community outreach and public health initiatives.

As First Lady, Michelle Obama launched several initiatives aimed at improving the lives of Americans. Her most notable project was the "Let’s Move!" campaign, which aimed to combat childhood obesity by encouraging healthier eating and physical activity. She also initiated the "Joining Forces" campaign, which supported military families, and the "Reach Higher" initiative, which promoted higher education and career readiness among young people. Michelle used her platform to advocate for women's rights and education, speaking at numerous events and working with various organizations to drive social change.

Michelle Obama's legacy is multifaceted, encompassing her contributions as First Lady, her influence as a public speaker and writer, and her ongoing commitment to social justice. Her memoir, "Becoming," published in 2018, became a global bestseller and provided an intimate look at her life, inspiring millions with her story of resilience and determination. The success of "Becoming" was followed by a Netflix documentary of the same name, which further amplified her impact and reach.

Michelle's post-White House endeavors continue to reflect her dedication to public service and community empowerment. She co-founded the Obama Foundation with her husband, focusing on leadership development, civic engagement, and global initiatives. The foundation's programs aim to inspire and empower the next generation of leaders, emphasizing the importance of community service and social responsibility.

Michelle Obama remains a powerful advocate for education, women's rights, and healthy living. She frequently speaks at events, participates in public discussions, and collaborates with organizations to address pressing social issues. Her continued influence is evident in her ability to connect with diverse audiences and inspire positive change.

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