Tag Archives: First Lady Michelle Obama

News, Politics, Government

The World Series Champion San Francisco Giants Visit the White House

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By Courtney Corbisiero

President Barack Obama welcomes the World Series Champion San Francisco Giants

President Barack Obama welcomes the World Series Champion San Francisco Giants during a ceremony to honor the team and their 2012 World Series victory, on the South Lawn of the White House, July 29, 2013. (Official White House Photo by Chuck Kennedy)

The San Francisco Giants visited the White House today to celebrate winning the 2012 World Series championship, their second in three years.

President Obama welcomed the team back to Washington and congratulated them – celebrating their resilience throughout the season. “This team faced elimination a total of six times in the playoffs,” the President said. “It’s no wonder that your own fans still refer to Giants baseball as torture.”

The President also highlighted a Giants’ initiative close to First Lady Michelle Obama’s heart – encouraging healthy eating.

“I’m proud to announce that next season they’re planning to turn the centerfield bleachers at AT&T Park into what’s believed to be the first ever edible garden in a major American sports facility. With rows of kale and strawberries and eggplant, the Giants are going to help encourage local youth to eat healthy — even at the ballpark.”

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Source: FULL ARTICLE at The White House

News, Politics, Government

Michelle Obama Empowers Latino Community at Nation Council of La Raza Conference

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By Kelly Miterko

First Lady Michelle Obama delivers remarks at the National Council of La Raza annual conference

Ed Note: This is a cross post from the blog of letsmove.gov. You can find the original post here.

Speaking to over 1,800 attendees at the National Council of La Raza (NCLR) Annual Conference yesterday, First Lady Michelle Obama exclaimed, “Food is love… it’s how we pass on our culture and heritage as meals become family traditions and recipes are passed on from generation to generation.”

First Lady Michelle Obama delivers remarks at the National Council of La Raza annual conference at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans, Louisiana, July 23, 2013. (Official White House Photo by Chuck Kennedy)

But, said Obama, pointing to health issues like the rise of diabetes, “while food might be love, the truth is that we are loving ourselves and our kids to death.”

Significant racial and ethnic disparities in obesity prevalence among U.S. children and adolescents are a reality. Currently, nearly 40 percent of Hispanic children in this country are overweight or obese. Hispanic kids ages nine to 13 are only half as likely to participate in organized physical activity outside school. And, unhealthy products are being disproportionately targeted towards our nation’s Latino communities.

As the largest national Hispanic and civil rights advocacy organization in the United States, NCLR recognizes that Latino families face higher rates of hunger, food insecurity, and obesity and has taken a leadership role in trying to address these issues. NCLR’s Comer Bien (Eat Well) Initiative encourages the work of the First Lady’s Let’s Move!Initiative, and provides access to nutritious food through federal food assistance programs, resources, and nutrition education to Latino parents and their families. Additionally, NCLR has been a tremendous advocate and partner on key initiatives like MiPlato (MyPlate) and La Mesa Completa (USDA’s SNAP program).

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Source: FULL ARTICLE at The White House

News, Politics, Government

Weekly Wrap Up: A 21st Century Government

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By Courtney Corbisiero

Watch the West Wing Week here.

A More Efficient Government: On Monday, the President laid out his plan his vision for building a better, smarter, and faster government during his second term.

Over the last four years, the Administration has already made great progress on one of President Obama’s first priorities after taking office: bringing a government built for the 20th century into the 21st century. And on Monday, the President highlighted some of the new technologies and innovations that are already making a positive impact on Americans across the country – including data analytics and internet and mobile apps used by FEMA to help survivors of natural disasters locate recovery centers and apply for financial assistance. The President also discussed Data.gov, a project from the Open Data Initiative, which gives Americans access to government data for the first time ever.

Kids’ State Dinner: Winners of Epicurious’ second annual Healthy Lunchtime Challenge spent their Tuesday at the White House for the Kids’ State Dinner, hosted by First Lady Michelle Obama.

While at the White House, the 54 children ate lunch with the First Lady – and the President even stopped by for a surprise visit!

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Source: FULL ARTICLE at The White House

News, Politics, Government

Fact Sheet: States Answer the First Lady’s Call to Put America’s Heroes Back to Work

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By The White House

As part of their Joining Forces initiative, on February 25th First Lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden addressed the National Governor’s Association and issued a call to action – building on President Obama’s June 2012 announcement of the Military Credentialing and Licensing Task Force – that by the end of 2015, all 50 states will have taken legislative or executive action to help our troops get the credentials they need to successfully transition to the civilian labor market. In less than two months 13 states have answered the First Lady’s call and passed legislation that fast-tracks the ability for service members and veterans to earn civilian credentials and licenses, and 8 states have passed legislation that expedites professional licenses or certifications for military spouses when they move to a new state.

Today, the First Lady will join Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley as he signs into law the Veterans Full Employment Act of 2013. This comprehensive bill, developed in consultation with the Department of Defense, includes a number of Best Practices outlined in the Administration’s report: The Fast Track to Civilian Employment: Streamlining Credentialing and Licensing for Service Members, Veterans, and Their Spouses.

Maryland: Setting a National Standard for Military Credentialing and Licensing Policy

Maryland’s Veterans Full Employment Act of 2013 sets a national standard for state legislation, streamlining the ability for service members, veterans, and their spouses to obtain over 70 civilian credentials and licenses.

• Supporting separating service members and veterans who seek to qualify for occupational licenses and certification based on their military education, training, and experience, including licenses in Emergency Medical Services and Advanced Medical Occupations.
o The bill requires state licensing units to accept education, training, or service completed by a military member toward the qualifications to receive a license or certification.

• Supporting separating service members and veterans who seek to obtain academic credit for their military education, training, and experience.
o The bill requires the state’s public universities to implement policies that award academic credit for military training, coursework, and education, thus reducing the time to degree as well as the cost of earning a degree or certificate.

• Supporting separating service members and military spouses who seek to transfer a current license by endorsement or obtain a temporary license when separating in a state other than the state that approved the current license.
o The bill requires state licensing units to expedite licensing for military spouses, service members, and recently-discharged veterans.

Translating Military Experience into Civilian Employment

The United States has the most highly trained military in the world, comprised of men and women who have broad skill sets because of their military education and experience. The members of our Armed Forces and their families make great sacrifices, and when their service is concluded, we owe it to our veterans and their families to help them accomplish a successful transition to the civilian labor market. That is

From: http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2013/04/17/fact-sheet-states-answer-first-lady-s-call-put-america-s-heroes-back-wor

News, Politics, Government

First Lady Michelle Obama to Address 2013 Graduating Seniors

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By The White House

This year, First Lady Michelle Obama will deliver commencement addresses at Eastern Kentucky University, Bowie State University, and the Martin Luther King, Jr. Academic Magnet High School for Health Sciences and Engineering at Historic Pearl High (MLK).

The First Lady will be speaking at Eastern Kentucky University as part of her Joining Forces initiative because of its outstanding record supporting veterans and military families; she will be speaking at Bowie State University because of its legacy as Maryland's oldest historically black university; and she will be speaking at MLK Magnet as it is consistently ranked among the best public schools in the nation for its academic rigor and high graduation rate.

The commencement addresses will be open press, but space is limited. Members of the media who wish to cover the commencements must RSVP directly to the schools. Contact information is below.

Eastern Kentucky University
Mrs. Obama will deliver remarks at the Eastern Kentucky University commencement in Richmond, KY on Saturday, May 11 at 7:30 PM, where she will address graduates from the College of Education and the College of Business and Technology in the last of three ceremonies that day. The First Lady will be speaking at EKU as part of her Joining Forces initiative to support veterans and military families. The University has received national recognition in recent years for its commitment to helping veterans further their education. The university, one of only 16 Tillman Military Scholar Partner Universities in the nation, is recognized for its Veterans Success Center that is a one-stop-shop for numerous services, from specialized job placement for veterans to full-time advisors and counselors dedicated to serving their community. EKU is also a recipient of the “Best for Vets” honor by the Military Times EDGE magazine, as well as the “Military Friendly Schools” for G.I. Jobs Magazine, placing Eastern among the top colleges, universities and trade schools nationwide for embracing America’s student veterans. Already home to more than 1,275 veterans and their families. EKU is ranked 16th nationally among the 2013 “Best for Vets: Business Schools” by Military Times EDGE magazine.

To RSVP for this event, please contact the school.
Marc C. Whitt
Associate Vice President for Public Relations and Chief Communications Officer
859-622-2301
marc.whitt@eku.edu

Bowie State University
The First Lady will speak at the commencement ceremonies for Bowie State University, in Bowie, MD, on the morning of Friday, May 17. Bowie State University is part of the rich legacy of historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) that have been instrumental in educating generations of African Americans. The President and First Lady both have recognized the important contributions of HBCUs across the country and have delivered commencement addresses to highlight their successes. This year commemorates Bowie State University's 148th anniversary as Maryland's oldest historically black university and one of the oldest in the nation. The University educates students from diverse academic and socioeconomic backgrounds, seeking a high quality and affordable public comprehensive university. Bowie State places special emphasis on the disciplines of science, technology, teacher education, business,

From: http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2013/04/11/first-lady-michelle-obama-address-2013-graduating-seniors

News, Politics, Government

First Lady Michelle Obama Hosts a Student Workshop Celebrating "Memphis Soul"

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By <a href="/author-detail/475">Colleen Curtis</a>

Ed note: You can watch a livestream of “In Performance at the White House: Memphis Soul” on whitehouse.gov/live tonight at 6:55 pm ET.

First Lady Michelle Obama hosts an interactive student workshop event: “Soulsville, USA: The History of Memphis Soul,” in the State Dining Room of the White House, April 9, 2013. Joining the First Lady on stage, from left, are: Sam Moore, Mavis Staples, Justin Timberlake, Charlie Musselwhite and Ben Harper.

(Official White House Photo by Lawrence Jackson)

As First Lady Michelle Obama noted earlier today, “You never know what's going to happen at the White House!”

Mrs. Obama was talking to a group of students who had come from California, Tennessee, New York, Florida, Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C to participate in an interactive workshop called “Soulsville, USA: The History of Memphis Soul.” And while her guests were excited to be in the State Dining Room for the event, the presence of Justin Timberlake on the panel increased their enthusiasm.

Timberlake, Sam Moore, Mavis Staples, Charlie Musselwhite and Ben Harper are all participating in the “In Performance at the White House: Memphis Soul” event later tonight, and the First Lady invited them to join the students for a conversation about this truly American art form, and the hard work involved in being a successful musician or artist.

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Source: FULL ARTICLE at The White House

White House Press Office

First Lady Michelle Obama and Epicurious Host Second Recipe Challenge

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By The White House

FIRST LADY MICHELLE OBAMA AND EPICURIOUS HOST
SECOND RECIPE CHALLENGE
TO PROMOTE HEALTHY EATING NATIONWIDE

“The Healthy Lunchtime Challenge” Welcomes Children and Their Parents to Create
Healthy Lunch Recipes for an Invite to a Kids’ “State Dinner” at the White House

New York, NY (April 3, 2013) – With the overwhelming success of the inaugural Healthy Lunchtime Challenge & Kids' “State Dinner” in 2012, First Lady Michelle Obama is again teaming up with Epicurious, the U.S. Department of Education, and the Department of Agriculture to host a nationwide recipe challenge to promote healthy eating among America’s youth.

“Last year’s Kids State dinner was one of my favorite events we’ve ever done for Let’s Move! because it perfectly captured how young people, parents, community leaders and businesses can come together for innovative, healthy solutions,” said First Lady Michelle Obama. “Last year’s young chefs impressed and inspired me with their creativity, and I can’t wait to welcome a whole new group to the White House this summer and taste their creations. So kids, let’s get cooking!”

The second Healthy Lunchtime Challenge & Kids' “State Dinner” invites parents or guardians and their children, ages 8-12, to create and submit an original lunch recipe that is healthy, affordable, and tasty. In support of Let’s Move!, launched by the First Lady to solve the issue of childhood obesity, each recipe must adhere to the guidance that supports USDA’s MyPlate (at ChooseMyPlate.gov) to ensure that the criteria of a healthy meal are met. Entries must represent each of the food groups, either in one dish or as parts of a lunch meal, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins and low-fat dairy foods, with fruits and veggies making up roughly half the plate or recipe.

All U.S. states and territories, including Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the Northern Mariana Islands, are invited to participate. Fifty-six children and their parent/guardian (one pair from each of the 50 states, plus the U.S. Territories, D.C., and Puerto Rico) will be flown to the nation’s capital where they will have the opportunity to attend a Kids’ “State Dinner” at the White House this summer, hosted by Mrs. Obama. A selection of the winning healthy recipes will be served.

“In order to promote a healthier next generation of Americans, we need to encourage kids to make healthier choices now – which they can carry into adulthood,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. “USDA is thrilled to be part of the Healthy Lunchtime Challenge again this year because it inspires kids to use USDA’s MyPlate to take a hands-on approach to building healthier meal times.”

“We know healthy kids are healthy students, and healthy students are better able to engage in the classroom and excel academically,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan. “If we can get our children to eat healthier and exercise more, that’s a recipe for success. Kids are the best judges of what looks and tastes good, …read more
Source: White House Press Office

News, Politics, Government

First Lady Michelle Obama Hosts a "42" Movie Workshop for Students

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By <a href="/author-detail/475">Colleen Curtis</a>

First Lady Michelle Obama delivers remarks during the “42” film workshop in the State Dining Room of the White House, April 2, 2013. Workshop participants included, from left, Brian Helgeland, Chad Boseman, Harrison Ford, Rachel Robinson, and moderator Paulette Aniskoff.

(Official White House Photo by Chuck Kennedy)

First Lady Michelle Obama today hosted 80 high school and college students from across the country for a screening of “42,” followed by an interactive workshop with the cast and crew of the movie. “42” tells the story of Jackie Robinson, the very first African American to play major league baseball. The panel was moderated by Paulette Aniskoff, Director of the White House Office of Public Engagement, and featured Harrison Ford, Chadwick Boseman and Brian Helgeland.

The discussion focused on the inspirational themes from Robinson's life that students — who came from Thurgood Marshall Academy in Washington, DC; Watkins Mill High School in Gaithersburg, MD; TC Williams High School in Alexandria, VA and Amino Jackie Robinson Charter High School in Los Angeles, CA — can apply to their own.

Also joining the conversation was Rachel Robinson, Jackie Robinson's widow and his partner throughout his incredible life's journey. And as Mrs. Obama explained to the young crowd, Mrs. Robinson's example can be their guide. “Jackie and Rachel Robinson weren't destined for greatness — they prepared themselves for greatness, which meant that they could make a difference outside of baseball, as well. And that is the only thing that is important for you to understand. You can be great in your profession, you can earn a lot of money, you can be famous, but the question is what are you doing for others.”

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Source: FULL ARTICLE at The White House

News, Politics, Government

Be Healthy, Be Active, Be You: The 2013 White House Easter Egg Roll

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By <a href="/author-detail/475">Colleen Curtis</a>

President Obama, First Lady Michelle Obama, Sasha and Malia, and Marian Robinson on the South Portico at the 2013 Easter Egg Roll, April 1, 2013

President Barack Obama, First Lady Michelle Obama, daughters Sasha and Malia, and Marian Robinson listen to Jessica Sanchez sing the National Anthem on the South Portico at the 2013 White House Easter Egg Roll, April 1, 2013.

(Official White House Photo by David Lienemann)

The First Family today welcomed more than 30,000 guests to the South Lawn for the 135th annual White House Easter Egg Roll. This year's theme, “Be Healthy, Be Active, Be You” was inspired by Let's Move!, and the day's fun included numerous opportunities for the young guests to get moving, from the traditional Egg Roll to the Eggtivity Zone, an obstacle course where players and coaches from professional sports teams taught kids how to play sports and showed them easy, fun ways to stay active and fit.

After being introduced to the crowd from the Blue Room Balcony by “Kid President” Robbie Novak, President Obama, First Lady Michelle Obama and their daughters Malia and Sasha headed over to cheer on some of the youngest visitors as they raced down the Lawn in the Egg Roll. The President and Bo then made their way to the Storytime Stage where he gave a dramatic reading of “Chicka Chicka Boom Boom”, calling it “one of my favorite books.” Next up for the President was a drop by at the White House basketball court, where he joined some of the Washington Wizards in throwing the ball around with kids.

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Source: FULL ARTICLE at The White House

Business, Finance, Occupation & Industry

Supreme Court's John Roberts Has Credit Card Number Stolen

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By Matt Brownell

Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts (Photo by Mark Wilson/Getty Images)

Filed under: , , , ,

Mark Wilson, Getty Images

No one is safe from identity theft — not even John Roberts, the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court.

On the morning that the Supreme Court was scheduled to hear arguments about gay marriage, Roberts was overheard telling a barista at his local Starbucks that he would have to pay cash for his coffee, as his credit card information had been stolen. The Associated Press spoke to a Supreme Court spokesperson, who confirmed that someone got hold of one of the Chief Justice‘s credit card account numbers. Apparently that meant that Roberts had to use cash while he waited for a new card from the bank.

Supreme Court Justices: They’re just like us!

Roberts isn’t the first high-profile Washington figure to become the victim of identity theft lately — earlier this month, First Lady Michelle Obama, Vice President Joe Biden and the director of the FBI all had their credit reports stolen and posted to a Russian website. Celebrities including Beyonce Knowles were also affected.

If the director of the FBI and the most powerful judge in the country can be impacted by identity theft, how are ordinary citizens supposed to keep their finances safe?

Short of shunning all credit cards and living a cash-only existence, you’re always going to be at some risk for identity theft. We’re not sure how Roberts lost his credit card number, but it could have happened anywhere. Maybe an online retailer where he’d used the card suffered a data breach that we don’t know about. It’s also possible he handed his card to a waiter at a restaurant, who then secretly swiped it in a portable card reader. From there, it would be a simple matter of “cloning” the card for use in stores, or simply using the number to make an online purchase.

In other words, you don’t have to be an idiot to get your credit card number stolen. The circumstances are frequently outside your control.

The good news is that Roberts (and most victims of credit-card theft) can usually nip it in the bud without any financial loss. Federal law caps losses due to credit card fraud at $50, and most credit cards go a step further and offer zero liability on fraudulent purchases. That’s contingent on you spotting the fraudulent charge in a timely manner and alerting the bank, so we might recommend setting up alerts on your credit card to let you know about possible fraudulent transactions; at the very least, you should carefully read your statement every month.

If you see anything out of the ordinary, just call the number on the back of your card and the bank should quickly credit you the amount and send you the new card. Like …read more
Source: FULL ARTICLE at DailyFinance

News, Politics, Government

First Lady Michelle Obama Visits Military Families at the Fisher House and Walter Reed National Military Medical Center

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By Captain Todd Veazie

First Lady Michelle Obama Participates in a pre-Easter Celebration with Military Families at the Fisher House in Bethesda, Maryland

First Lady Michelle Obama visited the Fisher House at Walter Reed Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland, to celebrate Easter early with military families. Accompanied by First Dog, Bo, and an Easter basket full of cookies, the First Lady decorated Easter cards with military children.

First Lady Michelle Obama participates in a pre-Easter celebration with military families and children at the Fisher House, located at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Md., March 20, 2013. As part of her Joining Forces initiative, the First Lady visited The Fisher House, a program that supports military families by welcoming them to stay at the House while their loved one receives specialized medical care. (Official White House Photo by Lawrence Jackson)

In her work with Joining Forces, Mrs. Obama applauds organizations which aid active and veteran service members and military families. “The Fisher Houses, as you all know, are just so important to families who are recuperating,” said the First Lady in her remarks. “And all around the country, they are as beautiful and as welcoming and as comforting as you guys are experiencing here.”

The Fisher House is a program established to assist families in need and to ensure that they are provided with the comforts of home in a supportive environment while their loved ones receive care.

Mrs. Obama invited the participating families to this year’s Easter Egg Roll, which takes place on the South Lawn of the White House.

Following her visit with the military families at the Fisher House, Mrs. Obama visited wounded warriors at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center.

CAPT Todd Veazie is Executive Director of Joining Forces in the Office of the First Lady.

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Source: FULL ARTICLE at The White House

News, Politics, Government

President Obama Hosts a Celebration of Women's History Month at the White House

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By <a href="/author-detail/475">Colleen Curtis</a>

President Obama today welcomed a group of accomplished and inspiring women to a reception in the East Room of the White House. The group, which included leaders like A&E Networks CEO Abbe Raven, Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake, Girl Scouts' CEO Anna Maria Chávez, astronaut Sunita Williams, activists Dolores Huerta and Lilly Ledbetter, and WNBA star (and 3-time Olympic Gold Medalist) Tamika Catchings, joined the President, First Lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden to celebrate the progress women make in this country each and every day. President Obama highlighted the changes we've seen in the past century:

When I look around this room, it is hard to believe that 100 years ago this month, thousands of women were marching right outside this house demanding one of our most fundamental right: the right to vote, to have a say in our democracy. And today, a century later, its rooms are full of accomplished women who have overcome discrimination, shattered glass ceilings, and become outstanding role models for all of our sons and daughters. And that means we've come a long way, and that’s thanks to the efforts of so many people like you.

Because of the hard work and exemplary leadership of the women in this room, military families have protected family and medical leave. Women have legal recourse to fight against pay discrimination… Women have the opportunity to serve on the front lines of our military conflicts, and that means that they're getting paid and promoted equally. Women have the opportunity to make their own choices about their health.

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Source: FULL ARTICLE at The White House

Articles of Interest

Hillary-Michelle In 2016? Clinton, Obama Pairing Dubbed A ‘Dream Team’ (Report)

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By The Huffington Post News Editors

The 2016 election may still be several years away, but some democrats are already getting excited about a political match that they say is made in heaven: Hillary Clinton and First Lady Michelle Obama on the presidential ticket.

“All due respect for President Obama and Vice President Biden, but that would truly be a dream team for America,” Karen Finney, a former spokesperson for the Democratic Party and Clinton, told the Washington Examiner. “Both women are proven effective leaders who’ve raise children, so dealing with Congress would be a snap.”

Democratic strategist Chris Lehane, who worked closely with the Clinton White House, told the paper that all this talk of a Clinton-Obama partnership “reflects the growing awareness that it is time for the glass ceiling of the last old boys club to be firmly shattered.”

Read More…
More on Hillary Clinton

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Source: FULL ARTICLE at Huffington Post

Styles & Fashion

In Vogue: the First Lady Chooses Reed Krakoff For Magazine's April Cover

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By Justin Fenner

The rumors were true: Vogue today revealed that First Lady Michelle Obama is indeed the star of its April cover and, as suspected, she’s wearing a Reed Krakoff dress selected from her personal wardrobe.

Photographer Annie Leibovitz shot the cover in the White House’s Green Room, and also captured Obama wearing a sweater and ball gown from Michael Kors. In another portrait, the first lady drapes her arms around the chest of a seated President Obama in the Red Room.

More details on the cover here. …read more
Source: FULL ARTICLE at fashionologie

News, Politics, Government

First Lady Michelle Obama Challenges America's CEOs To Be Bold in Finding Ways to Hire Veterans

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By <a href="/author-detail/475">Colleen Curtis</a>

First Lady Michelle Obama Addresses the Business Roundtable, March 13, 2013

First Lady Michelle Obama delivers remarks on the Joining Forces Initiative to business leaders at the Business Roundtable Conference Center in Washington, March 13, 2013.

(Official White House Photo by Lawrence Jackson)

First Lady Michelle Obama today met with the Business Roundtable, an association of chief executive officers of leading U.S. companies which combined have nearly 16 million employees, and challenged these leaders to make bold commitments to hire our veterans and military spouses and help them reach their full potential within their companies.

Mrs. Obama highlighted the need for action, referring to the hundreds of thousands of veterans and military spouses currently looking for work, and pointing out that in the coming years, over one million more will be hanging up their uniforms and transitioning back to civilian life. “These men and women will be returning to their families, rejoining their communities, and figuring out what’s next in their lives,” said the First Lady. “And as they do all of that, the one thing that they're going to be thinking about is a job.”

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Source: FULL ARTICLE at The White House

Business, Finance, Occupation & Industry

UPS Commits to Hire 25,000 Veterans

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By Business Wirevia The Motley Fool

Filed under:

UPS Commits to Hire 25,000 Veterans

Supporting First Lady Michelle Obama’s “Joining Forces Initiative,” UPS to also serve 25,000 volunteer hours

WASHINGTON–(BUSINESS WIRE)– UPS (NYS: UPS) today announced that it is making a commitment to hire more than 25,000 veterans over the next five years as well as committing to serve more than 25,000 employee volunteer hours helping veterans and Veterans Service Organizations (VSO).

UPS made the announcement in cooperation with the Obama Administration initiative “Joining Forces,” a program dedicated to connecting our servicemen and women, veterans and military spouses with the critical resources they need to find high-value jobs at home. At the Business Roundtable today First Lady Michelle Obama, who is leading the Joining Forces initiative, called out UPS as a corporate leader committed to supporting our troops.

“We appreciate First Lady Michelle Obama‘s recognition. The Joining Forces initiative is an important and natural extension of UPS‘s outward and visible support of the men and women that serve in the military,” said Chairman and CEO Scott Davis.

“Men and women who were prepared to give all a person can give, and with devotion and gallantry, were ready to sacrifice. Veterans, who through their service, honored their nation, should know that UPS can and wants their talents and skills to be recognized and valued.”

UPS will further enhance its commitment by helping veterans transition into the civilian workforce through increased networking opportunities. This includes forming new alliances with VSOs, working though government outreach efforts to veterans, establishing Veteran Business Resource Groups to ensure critical resources are available within UPS and by enhancing the level of recognition for employees who have so honorably served. Veterans, National Guard and Reserve members make up 7.5 percent of UPS‘s domestic workforce.

UPS is highly recognized for its support of the military services. UPS has twice received the Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award, the nation’s highest recognition for employers supporting National Guard and Reserve members.

In February, 2013, UPS reaffirmed its commitment for the National Guard and Reserves by signing a formal Statement of Support with the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, an agency of the U.S. Department of Defense.

Additionally, UPS historically supports veteran’s organizations through sponsorships, donations and volunteer hours throughout the country including at the National Veterans Wheelchair Games, the Marine Corps …read more
Source: FULL ARTICLE at DailyFinance

News, Politics, Government

#AskFLOTUS: The First Lady Discusses Let’s Move! on Twitter

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By <a href="/author-detail/45">Kori Schulman</a>

Ed. note: This post was originally published on the Let's Move! website.

Earlier today, First Lady Michelle Obama hopped on Twitter to discuss Let's Move!, her initiative to ensure our nation’s kids grow up healthy. During the chat with people from around the country, Mrs. Obama shared her favorite cardio workout (it’s kickboxing), winter recipes she loves (and a great resource for Pinspiration), plus a new program that will bring physical activity back to schools (and how you can get involved).

Check out the full Q&A below, or over on Storify. And be sure to follow @FLOTUS and @LetsMove on Twitter for updates and news about the Let’s Move! initiative and how you can get involved.

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Source: FULL ARTICLE at The White House

News, Politics, Government

#AskFLOTUS About Let's Move!

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By Kori Schulman

Ed. note: This post was originally published on the Let's Move! website. You can see that post here.

To celebrate the third anniversary of Let’s Move!, First Lady Michelle Obama traveled around the country to highlight healthy changes being made in schools, towns and businesses across America.

Tomorrow, we're continuing the celebration on Twitter to discuss the First Lady's initiative to ensure that all our children grow up healthy and reach their full potential.

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Source: FULL ARTICLE at The White House

News, Politics, Government

First Lady Michelle Obama and Secretary of State John Kerry Present International Women of Courage Awards

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By <a href="/author-detail/475">Colleen Curtis</a>

First Lady Michelle Obama and Secretary of State John Kerry marked International Women's Day at the State Department where they presented the International Women of Courage Awards to nine remarkable women who, as Mrs. Obama said in her remarks, show us what our most basic values look like when they are put to the test.

When these women witnessed horrific crimes or the disregard for basic human rights they spoke up, risking everything they had to see that justice was done. When they saw their communities or their countries were ignoring issues like sexual violence or women’s rights, they gave those issues a face and a voice. And with every act of strength and defiance, with every blog post, with every community meeting, these women have inspired millions to stand with them, and find their own voices, and work together to achieve real and lasting change.

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Source: FULL ARTICLE at The White House

News, Politics, Government

Hanging Out with First Lady Michelle Obama

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By <a href="/author-detail/45">Kori Schulman</a>

First Lady Michelle Obama participates in the Let’s Move! Google+ Hangout

Ed. note: This post was originally published on the official Let's Move! website.

Earlier today, First Lady Michelle Obama joined her first ever Google+ Hangout live from the Blue Room of the White House. Continuing our series of “Fireside Hangouts” on Google+, Mrs. Obama participated in a virtual conversation about Let’s Move!, her initiative to ensure our nation’s kids grow up healthy and reach their full potential.

During the Hangout, the First Lady discussed the new Let’s Move! Active Schools program designed to bring physical activity back to schools, the importance of family dinner, steps to get healthier lunches into schools – and favorite dance moves (of course, it’s the dougie. And yes, everyone in the hangout dougied together.) Watch the full video:

First Lady Michelle Obama participates in the “Let’s Move!” Google+ Hangout in the Blue Room of the White House.

March 4, 2013.

(Official White House Photo by Chuck Kennedy)

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Source: FULL ARTICLE at The White House