Michelle Obama: Women Should br 'Put Themselves First' Michelle Obama was a guest speaker at the 25th anniversary Essence Festival in New Orleans. During her Q&A session, br the former first lady had br a few key words of br advice for women. Michelle Obama, Essence Festival Michelle Obama, Essense Festival Obama even said she "found [herself] getting mad" at Barack Obama when he made time to go to the gym. She stressed the importance of women prioritizing self-care.