She served as the Chicago Chapter of Public Allies' first executive director

Michelle's life changed dramatically after the passing of her father Fraser Robinson and close friend Suzanne Alele. Michelle Obama concluded that working with people to better their neighborhoods and neighbors was her actual calling in 1993. This led to her becoming the Founding Executive Director of the Chicago Chapter of Public Allies, an American Nonprofit Organization that supports Young Adults, from different backgrounds, levels of education, and professional experiences to develop skills for future employment in the public sector. The organization's goal is to develop a fair and just society as well as the varied leadership necessary to keep it going. Michelle Obama was a highly effective fundraiser and executive who helped Public Allies get off the ground as the organization's founder in Chicago. President Bill Clinton designated the Public Allies as a model for National Service because of its liberal and progressive goals. Public Allies, Habitat for Humanity, and YouthBuild were among the first organizations to receive money from AmeriCorps, a volunteer civil society organization backed by the US Federal Government and private contributors, in 1994.

Mrs. Obama joined the University of Chicago in 1996 to unite the community and campus. The University of Chicago Medical Center's first community service program was created by her as Associate Dean of Student Services, and under her direction as Vice President of Community and External Affairs, volunteerism soared.