On Tuesday, Feb. 13, the Women’s Fund of Central Indiana hosted “A Moderate Conversation with Former First Lady Michelle Obama” at Bankers Life Fieldhouse where over 12,000 people came to hear Obama speak.

“It was very overwhelming because I got really good seats and she was right there. I just wanted to reach out and be like ‘oh my gosh. Michelle Obama, I love you.’ It was a lot after hearing so much and seeing her on TV,” senior Jada Hardin said.

During the conversation, Obama addressed many questions about the support she received in her life and how she has gotten to where she is today. She also gave advice to young women specifically to speak their voices and not be afraid to get their opinions heard.

“I loved when she kept talking about a new seat at the table. How us women need to be out there making our own opinions and getting our own word out there because it’s very important. I liked that message that she tried to convey that night,” Hardin said.

Hardin believed that the conversation between Obama and moderator Alecia Decoudreaux was very relaxed, making it more personable. As someone in the audience, Hardin felt as though she had a connection in the conversation that made it more special to her.

“From a first lady you think formal but she was just talking like a normal conversation. It made you feel like you were a part of it, a part of the conversation,” Hardin said.

For Hardin, hearing the about the success of Obama and then getting to see her talk in person was an amazing opportunity. She thinks the advice that Obama offered was inspirational in showing young women what they can achieve if they work for it.

“It’s impacted me a lot because for me, personally, being an African American women seeing what my potential can be because growing up her circumstances were not worse but not as good as I have it right now. Where you come from doesn’t really matter it’s about the work that you put in so as long as you stay confident, do the work you are supposed to do, you should be pretty well off just like her,” Hardin said.

Throughout her time, Obama offered lots of advice to all in attendance but specifically aimed towards young women. Overall, Hardin believes that she took a lot away from the event and being able to listen to an empowering distinguished female in the country.

“The biggest thing I took away from her speaking is that it’s very important not to be silenced. Voice your opinion,” Hardin said. “Don’t listen to other people because if you know who you are that’s all that matters.”