Girl of the Week: Michelle Obama

By Mari Sakamato, GGMP Mentor

Image from Harper's Baazar

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A woman that inspires me is Michelle Obama. Michelle Obama was the First Lady from 2008-2016. During her husband’s time in office, she created many initiatives such as Let’s Move to combat childhood obesity, Joining Forces to support veterans and their families, Reach Higher which encourages young people to continue their education after high school, and Let Girls Learn a global initiative to help and encourage girls to stay in school. Even before Michelle was the First Lady, she was an ambitious and successful lawyer, and held numerous other leadership positions for the University of Chicago, Public Allies, and for Chicago’s City Hall. Michelle Obama is a role model for me because she exemplifies leading with grace, strength, and resiliency. I learned a lot more about her values and character after reading her autobiography, Beloved. Today Michelle Obama continues to inspire young women of color to strive for their dreams.