Michelle LaVaughn Robinson grew up as a notably gifted student. She graduated from Whitney Young High School in Chicago, where she was on honor roll for four years and served on the National Honor Society board.
The Harvard grad humbly takes the stage at the Democratic National Convention in Denver, where she gave a headline-making speech.
Growing up, Michelle and her brother, Craig Robinson, shared a makeshift “bedroom.” It was actually the living room with a divider down the middle. Here the young babies share a family photo with their parents Frasier and Marian Robinson.
The Obamas share a family photo in the White House.
A blushing Michelle holds President Barack in a photo taken during the holidays. Interestingly enough, the couple waited almost seven years before deciding to have their first child.
Nobel peace prize laureate, US President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama arrive to the Nobel Banquet in Oslo on December 10, 2009.
Michelle graduated in 1985 from Princeton University, where she studied sociology and African-American studies. Her final thesis was entitled “Princeton-Educated Blacks and the Black Community.”
In her thesis introduction, she wrote, “My experiences at Princeton have made me far more aware of my ‘Blackness’ than ever before.”
After law school, Michelle landed a job at Sidley & Austin, a distinguished law firm in Chicago in 1988. A year later she was asked to mentor a summer associate from Harvard named Barack Obama.
In deep thought, President Obama shares a hug with his sweetheart, while visiting his roots in Kenya.
The beautiful bride tied the knot with President Barack Obama on October 18, 1992, joined by both of their mothers, family and friends.
In 2002, a hardworking Michelle became executive director for community affairs at the University of Chicago Hospitals.
On January 20, 2009, Barack Hussein Obama was sworn in as the forty-fourth President of the United States of America, making Michelle LaVaughn Robinson Obama the first Black First Lady of this country. For her husband’s historic inauguration, Mrs. Obama chose a sheath dress and matching coat from Cuban-American designer Isabel Toledo (one of her faves), layered over a Nina Ricci mohair cardigan. She completed the look with Jimmy Choo pumps (that she also rocked later in London) and J.Crew leather gloves, both in olive green.
Michelle has had a major influence in her husband’s career. When he first ran for the U.S. Senate in 2004, it was Michelle who introduced him to her former boss and mentor, Valerie Jarrett. Jarrett is now a senior adviser to the President.
Lovable little cuties Malia and Sasha share some one-on-one time with their mother. The girls are the youngest children in the White House since former President Jimmy Carter’s daughter Amy.
A growing Malia walks next to her inspiring mother.
In 2010, Michelle took daughter Sasha on a trip to Spain.
Michelle makes a point to take the girls with her every Sunday to church services. She credits having a routine and a to-do list with creating balance as a mother, attorney and wife of a politician.
The Obamas head back to the White House after a restful vacation in Hawaii.
In 1996, Michelle worked as the associate dean of student services at the University of Chicago.
Michelle was raised by both of her parents in a one-bedroom apartment on Chicago’s Southside. Sadly, her father died in 1990, but her mother, Marian Robinson, remains one of her strongest supporters.
A strong sense of giving back to the community was instilled into Michelle and her brother by their parents early on. She’s been very committed to the Southside of Chicago, where she grew up and has never forgotten her roots. (In this photo Michelle Obama is with former Social Secretary Desirée Rogers.)
By now known for her impeccable taste, Michelle Obama wore a stunning Naeem Khan creation to the first official White House State Dinner in 2009.
Michelle kicked off 2010 with a bang. She introduced her “Let’s Move” initiative to combat childhood obesity by getting children to be more active and eat healthier.
President Barack Obama signed into law the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010 as First Lady Michelle Obama looks on at Harriet Tubman Elementary School in Washington, DC.
Mrs. Obama keeps a garden in the White House and often invites children over to experience what it means to grow their own food.
First Lady Michelle Obama and Maria Shriver spoke during the Maria Shriver Women’s Conference at the Long Beach Convention Center on October 26, 2010 in Long Beach, California.
The Obamas made their first trip to India in 2010. Mrs. Obama dazzles in this full-length skirt cinched in with a jewel-encrusted waistband.
The Obamas mourned the killings in Tucson, Arizona with a moment of silence on the White House lawn.
The Obama family continues to inspire and motivate us all.
Capricorns are known commonly for being ambitious, disciplined, responsible and career-oriented. Sounds just like our First Lady. Congratulations on another wonderful year. Leave your happy birthday message for Michelle below.
First Lady leaves a restaurant in Hawaii.
A smiling President Obama enjoys a special moment with his fabulous wife.
First lady Michelle Obama talks to group of children at the Labor Department childcare center in Washington on Jan. 14, 2010.
