Former first lady Michelle Obama will be inducted into the National Women’s Hall of Fame this year.
The National Women’s Hall of Fame considered women nominated by the general public who have been influential in defining American history — and those nominations are sent to a panel that selects the inductees.
“Advocate, author, lawyer, and 44th First Lady of the United States—the first Black person to serve in the role—Michelle Obama has emerged as one of the most influential and iconic women of the 21st century,” the National Women’s Hall of Fame said in a news release.
“During her eight years as First Lady, Michelle Obama helped create the most welcoming and inclusive White House in history, transforming the White House into the ‘People’s House.’ Since leaving the White House, she has continued to have a profound public impact.”
American soccer icon Mia Hamm, celebrated science-fiction writer Octavia Butler, former PepsiCo CEO Indra Nooyi and artists Joy Harjo and Judy Chicago will also be inducted.
Obama has launched several initiatives since becoming the first lady, including the Let’s Move! program focused on ceasing childhood obesity, the Joining Forces organization for veterans and Let Girls Learn, a program to advance adolescent girls’ education. The former FLOTUS also founded the Reach Higher initiative to assist students in finding better job opportunities.
The induction ceremony will be held in person on Oct. 2 with COVID-19 protocols at the National Women’s Hall of Fame in Seneca Falls, N.Y. Ticket sales will not be opened until April or May, but it will also host a live virtual streaming of the ceremony, which will be free to the public.
