Michelle Obama Philanthropy
It takes a woman of commendable character to stand beside as a complementary equal to the most powerful man in our nation. Forthright, decisive, and a remarkable figure in her own right, Michelle LaVaughn Robinson Obama is the 1st African-American First Lady of the United States of America. The 44th President, Barack Obama, has made it clear a number of times that she is the “rock” that keeps him grounded as a politician, husband, and father.
Chicago, Illinois is the hometown of Michelle Obama, born January 17, 1964. Her parents, proudly working class, are Marian Shields and Fraser Robinson III. Both have strongly influenced Michelle’s development. Today, Michelle Obama is herself a mother of two daughters, Malia Ann (born 1998) and Natasha (2001).
A pioneering alumna of Whitney M. Young High School, Chicago’s first Magnet School, she graduated as the 1981 class salutatorian. Despite the initial doubt others had of her potential for success, she braved Princeton University to pursue an undergraduate degree. In 1985, Michelle Obama finished Cum Laude, with a B.A. in Sociology and a minor in African American Studies. She yet again proved herself as she enrolled in the exclusive Harvard Law School and in 1988, she graduated with a Juris Doctor degree.
Renowned law firm Sidley Austin recruited Michelle Obama in 1988. She worked as an Associate, her specialization being Intellectual Property and Marketing. In the fateful summer of 1988, an intern by the name of Barack Obama came under her critical mentorship. Four years later, in October 1992, the two were married.
In 1991, Michelle Obama left for public service and became part of Mayor Richard M. Daley’s staff as an assistant. In a short time, she became the assistant commissioner of planning and development. The University of Chicago named her its Associate Dean of Student Services in 1996. Her tenure saw to the establishment of its 1st Community Services program. In 2002, she became the executive director of external affairs and community relations for the University of Chicago Hospital. Her promotion to the post of vice president came in 2005.
As founding executive director of non-profit Public Allies Chicago, Michelle Obama developed the leadership training provider for young adults interested in public service careers. By 2007, Michelle Obama was a board member of six prestigious institutions including the University of Chicago Laboratory Schools and the Chicago Council on Global Affairs. Her other philanthropic and community service-oriented efforts also involved providing financial support.
In 2006, the Obamas contributed 6% of their income, around $60,307, to several key recipients including their congregation Trinity United Church of Christ; international humanitarian, relief and anti-poverty organization CARE; as well as the contemporary and traditional African American Muntu Dance Theatre of Chicago.
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