7 Surprising Ways Michelle Obama's Daughters, Malia And Sasha, Are Redefining Their Lives In 2025

The world watched Malia and Sasha Obama grow up. From their arrival at the White House as children—Malia at 10 and Sasha at 7—to their departure as young women, their lives were public, yet fiercely protected by their parents, Barack and Michelle Obama. Now, in late 2025, years after their father’s presidency ended, the former First Daughters have fully stepped into their own, forging highly independent and creative paths that are surprising many.

The sisters are currently focused on establishing themselves away from the political spotlight, primarily in Los Angeles, California, with both young women pursuing careers within the entertainment industry. Their journey from the East Wing to the West Coast marks a powerful new chapter, characterized by professional ambition, educational achievement, and a conscious effort to carve out a 'normal' life on their own terms.

Malia and Sasha Obama: Comprehensive Biography & Latest Milestones (2025)

Malia and Sasha Obama—or Malia Ann and Natasha Marian, as they are formally known—have quietly transitioned from being First Daughters to independent, working professionals. Here is a detailed look at their key biographical data and most recent accomplishments:

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• Malia Ann Obama
  • Full Name: Malia Ann Obama
  • Born: July 4, 1998 (Age 27 in 2025)
  • Birthplace: Chicago, Illinois
  • Education: Sidwell Friends School (High School), Harvard University (B.A.)
  • Current Career Focus: Filmmaker, Writer, Director (Professionally credited as Malia Ann)
  • Latest Milestone: Directorial debut with the short film The Heart, which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival.
• Natasha Marian Obama (Sasha)
  • Full Name: Natasha Marian Obama (Known as Sasha)
  • Born: June 10, 2001 (Age 24 in 2025)
  • Birthplace: Chicago, Illinois
  • Education: Sidwell Friends School (High School), University of Southern California (USC) (B.A. in Sociology, 2023)
  • Current Career Focus: Exploring career paths in the entertainment industry and creative fields.
  • Latest Milestone: USC graduation in 2023 and establishing a life in Los Angeles, closer to her sister.

The Professional Paths: Malia’s Directorial Debut and Sasha’s Post-Graduation Life

The biggest update in the Obama daughters' lives is their clear, intentional pivot toward Hollywood and the creative arts, a path their parents have fully supported. Both sisters have made a conscious choice to pursue careers outside of politics, setting a new precedent for the children of former Presidents.

Malia Ann: The Filmmaker Emerges

Malia Obama has been working in the film and television industry for years, interning on sets like Lena Dunham’s *Girls* and Halle Berry’s *Extant* during her high school and gap years.

However, 2024 and 2025 marked her official, public emergence as a creative force. Malia made her directorial and screenwriting debut with the short film, The Heart, which was accepted into the prestigious Sundance Film Festival.

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Most notably, Malia has chosen to drop her famous surname in her professional work, opting to be credited simply as Malia Ann. This decision highlights her desire to be judged on the merit of her work, rather than her family name. Her mother, Michelle Obama, has expressed support for this move, understanding her daughter's need for independence and a separate identity in a demanding creative field.

The short film, described as an "absurdist fable" about a man grieving the death of his mother, has been a critical step in Malia establishing her own brand as a serious filmmaker. She also previously worked in the writers’ room for Donald Glover’s critically acclaimed Amazon series, *Swarm*.

Sasha Obama: Post-USC and the Search for Her Voice

Sasha Obama, whose formal name is Natasha, completed her education in 2023, graduating from the University of Southern California (USC) with a degree in Sociology. Prior to USC, she studied at the University of Michigan.

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While Malia's path is clearly defined, Sasha’s professional journey is still taking shape. The move to Los Angeles was strategic, allowing her to be closer to her sister and the epicenter of the entertainment world where she also appears to be focusing her career.

While details about her specific job or internship in 2025 remain private, sources close to the family indicate she is exploring various avenues in the creative and entertainment space. Both sisters, who are now roommates in LA, are described as having a strong, supportive bond as they navigate their early twenties away from the East Coast.

The Obama Parenting Philosophy: Independence and Normalcy

The successful transition of Malia and Sasha into adulthood is a testament to the parenting philosophy of Barack and Michelle Obama. Throughout their eight years in the White House, the former President and First Lady prioritized giving their daughters a "normal" life, which included attending Sidwell Friends School, having sleepovers, and being allowed to date.

Michelle Obama has often spoken candidly about the differences in her daughters' personalities and how she adapted her parenting style to each. She described Malia as having a certain "eagerness," while Sasha was characterized as more "independent" and reserved.

Key pillars of their independence include:

• The 'Normal' Deal: Michelle Obama revealed they had a "deal" with the girls that allowed them to have friends over and date, provided they were respectful and handled their responsibilities. This fostered trust and self-reliance.
• Embracing Dating: Barack Obama famously joked that he wasn't worried about his daughters dating because they have Secret Service protection, a humorous nod to their ability to handle their own lives and the public scrutiny that comes with it.
• The LA Move: The decision to live together in Los Angeles, away from their parents’ primary residence in Washington D.C., signifies a major step toward full autonomy. They are seen navigating daily life—from grocery runs to social outings—like any other young adults in the city.

The Future: From First Daughters to Cultural Influencers

As of 2025, Malia and Sasha Obama have firmly established themselves as more than just the children of a former president. They are young women with distinct career trajectories and a quiet, yet noticeable, cultural impact.

Malia’s commitment to filmmaking, evidenced by her Sundance premiere and the use of the name Malia Ann, suggests a long-term commitment to a career behind the camera. Sasha’s sociology background and her presence in the LA creative scene indicate a path that will likely involve social commentary or cultural production, perhaps in a role that blends her academic interests with the entertainment world. Their collective decision to eschew politics and embrace the arts ensures that their next chapter will be defined by their own creative output, not by their historic childhood residence.