As her husband prepares to leave the White House this year the world is preparing to say goodbye to one of its most influential First Lady’s.
An accomplished woman in her own right, Michelle has kept us in awe of her choices since she first emerged onto the global stage during her husband’s first presidential campaign in 2008.
During her President Obama’s time in office the First Lady has used her profile to fiercely campaign for the health of children and rights of women not only in the US but around the globe. Her classy attitude and sophisticated style have but been a cherry on the cake making her one of the most dynamic women in the world.
While we look back at some of Michelle Obama’s most memorable moments, the September issue of The Australian Women’s Weekly look to what’s next for America’s First Lady.
The Obama family in 2004 celebrate a senate election victory.
Michelle sits with her daughter, Sasha and waits for the 2004 senate election results to come in.
Michelle stands with daughter Sasha at a train station in Philadelphia. The first family made their way to the White House by train in January 2009.
Keeping it simple yet stylish with Oprah Winfrey on the Obama campaign in December 2007.
Michelle Obama campaigns on behalf of her husband for the Democratic presidential nomination in June 2007.
Michelle played a pivotal role in Barack’s campaign in 2008.
Michelle campaigns with her husband in May, 2008.
The First Lady’s official White House portrait.
Lady in red; the First Lady at the 57th Presidential Inauguration ball in 2013.
The first couple at the Mid-Atlantic Inaugural Ball in January, 2009 where Michelle wore an flowing cream grown.
President Barack Obama And First Lady Michelle Obama share a tender moment after the ball.
First Lady Michelle Obama waits to greet the wives of various leaders as she hosts the APEC summit in Hawaii.
US President-elect Barack Obama and his wife Michelle arrive at the ‘We Are One’ concert in 2009.
U.S First Lady Michelle Obama and French First Lady Carla Bruni-Sarkozy depart from the Cathedral of Starsbourg, France during the 2009 NATO summit.
The President’s wife delivering a speech at the Democratic National Convention in North Carolina, 2012.
Michelle Obama showing off her racquet swinging skills at a children’s event in 2012.
Michelle Obama with the official White House dog, Bo.
First lady Michelle Obama looks chic as she arrives for the swearing in ceremony in January, 2013.
First Lady, Michelle Obama, hands out candy to the trick or treaters who visit the White House.
First Lady Michelle Obama shimmers her way to the Governors Ball in 2009 accompanied by President Barack Obama.
The US First Lady as she arrives at a Youth event in Chicago in 2012.
US First Lady Michelle Obama and former First Lady Laura Bush host the ‘Investing in Our Future’ at the US – Africa Leaders Summit.
Walking with her daughters on the Great Wall of China.
The couple at a black tie event at the Washington Convention Center in 2013.
The pair attended the 50th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s ‘I Have a Dream’ speech in Washington.
Michelle Obama with the President at the 9/11 anniversary in 2013.
Michelle Obama as she waits to greet French President Francois Hollande during a welcoming ceremony on the South Lawn at the White House in February 2014.
During her tenure as First Lady, Michelle has spent time with countless foreign leaders and their families. Here, she speaks to Span’s Queen Letizia.
Barack gives his wife’s outfit a thumbs up while the pair wait at the White House for the arrival of Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong of Singapore and his wife Ho Ching.
Michelle has been a driving force behind so many charities and initiatives during her time in the White House.
Michelle at the White House’s annual Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day at the White House in 2014.
Lady Michelle Obama boards an official plane prior to her departure from Torrejon Air Force Base on July 1 2016 in Madrid Spain
A candid moment between Michelle and Barack Obama.
The First Lady takes her cue from the winter wonderland surrounding the White House at Christmas for a festive TV address.
Michelle Obama’s speech during the recent Democratic Convention was a stand out moment of her time as First Lady.
The First couple meet with Prince Harry in 2016.
US First Lady Michelle Obama greets Dr Jill Biden, wife of US Vice President Joe Biden.
Mrs Obama looking elegant in this full baby blue skirt and embellished top for a ball at the White House earlier this year.
Read more about Michelle Obama’s next steps in this month’s The Australian Women’s Weekly