1993 – Lansing, Michigan
Since assuming the role of Michigan’s First Lady in 1991, Michelle Engler has worked actively to help her husband, Governor John Engler, make Michigan a better place to work, live and raise a family. One way she has worked to do this is by encouraging people to volunteer. Michelle Engler believes in the power of Michigan citizens to solve community problems through public service. As First Lady, her primary responsibility has been as chair of the Michigan Community Service Commission, which was created by the Governor to encourage community service and volunteerism. She has been recognized for her advocacy for women in working to reduce mortality from breast cancer and she serves on the board of directors of the Library of Michigan Foundation. Her other commitments include the Girlstown Foundation, Artrain and the Michigan Caring Program for Children, a model plan to provide preventative health care for uninsured children. Prior to her marriage to then Governor-elect John Engler, Michelle DeMunbrun was a partner in the Houston, Texas law firm of Nathan, Wood and Sommers, where she specialized in bankruptcy law and commercial litigation. Recently, she has taken a leave of absence from the Grand Rapids (MI) law firm of Varnum, Riddering, Schmidt & Howlett where she practiced part-time in their Lansing office. Governor and Mrs. Engler are proud parents of triplet daughters born on November 13, 1994.
