Meet America’s First Lady

Plain-spoken with a sense of humour uncommon in a political spouse, Barack Obama’s wife Michelle complements her husband’s more grandiose style

When Barack Obama gave his victory speech yesterday, first lady Michelle — his wife and strongest ally — could not hold back her tears. It is often reported that when people ask Michelle to describe herself, she doesn’t hesitate.

First and foremost, she is Malia and Sasha’s mom. But before she was a mother — or a wife, lawyer, or public servant — she was Fraser and Marian Robinson’s daughter. Fraser was a pump operator for the Chicago water department. He was a hero to Michelle and her older brother Craig. Michelle, who attended Chicago public schools, then Princeton studied sociology and African-American studies, graduated in the class of 1985, and earned admission to Harvard Law School. When she returned to Chicago in 1988, she joined the law firm Sidley & Austin.

After a few years, Michelle realised that corporate law was not her calling. That’s where she met her husband, Barack. Reports mention that she was assigned the role of advisor to a summer associate from Harvard, Barack Obama. He reportedly didn’t have much interest in corporate law, but did have a lot of interest in Michelle. They were married in 1992. Today, they have two girls – Malia (10) and Sasha (7).

But the work didn’t end there for Michelle. She decided to get back to the city she loves and to help others serve their communities. She worked for City Hall, becoming the assistant commissioner of planning and development. Since 1996, Michelle has worked for the University of Chicago. As associate dean of student services, she developed the university’s first community service program.

“My first priority will always be to make sure that our girls are healthy and grounded,” she says. “Then I want to help other families get the support they need, not just to survive, but to thrive.”