As the daughter of former President Barack Obama, Sasha Obama has spent much of her life in the spotlight, though she’s always been the more mysterious of the bunch.
While most of the world recognizes her as the younger of the two Obama sisters, Sasha’s life has been anything but ordinary. From her early years in the White House to her recent college adventures, Sasha has made her own path.
1. Live Music
Sasha Obama has always been a music enthusiast, often spotted at concerts and music festivals. Her love for live music became obvious when she attended Jay-Z’s Made In America festival in 2016.
She’s also a self-proclaimed Beyoncé fan, having attended multiple concerts, including a Formation World Tour show in Baltimore for her 15th birthday. Beyond Beyoncé, Sasha even shared the stage with the legendary Prince during a family event.
2. Not Just Sasha
It’s no secret now, but Sasha Obama is actually Natasha Obama. This became public during her teenage years when she used her full name for a summer job application.
Her nickname, “Sasha,” stuck from her early childhood, and even close family friends reportedly didn’t realize it wasn’t her real name until much later.
3. Childhood Health Crisis
Few people know that Sasha faced a life-threatening health scare as a baby. When she was just three months old, she contracted meningitis.
Barack Obama has spoken about the experience, recalling how helpless he felt as Sasha underwent a spinal tap in the hospital. Thankfully, she made a full recovery and has grown into a healthy, vibrant young woman.
4. Taking on a Summer Job at 15
Despite her high-profile upbringing, Sasha embraced the value of hard work by taking a summer job at Nancy’s, a seafood restaurant on Martha’s Vineyard. The then-15-year-old worked at the takeout window, serving customers while Secret Service agents discreetly kept watch nearby.
The job may not have been ordinary, but it reflected the Obamas’ commitment to teaching their daughters humility and independence.
5. A Sweet 16
When it came time to mark her Sweet 16, Sasha celebrated in style with an exclusive event surrounded by friends and family. Photos from the event showed her glowing in a stunning red dress designed by Jill Stuart.
While the party remained private, it was obvious her parents wanted it to be very much memorable.
6. The Perks of Being the Youngest Obama
As the youngest in the Obama family, Sasha scored the best room in their Washington, D.C. home after leaving the White House. According to Michelle Obama, Sasha’s suite includes a bedroom and a separate living space, all beautifully decorated to suit her style.
Meanwhile, her father commented that his office ended up being the smallest room in the house—a classic case of youngest-child privilege!
7. Strong Bonds with Joe Biden’s Family
Sasha is close friends with Maisy Biden, granddaughter of President Joe Biden. The two attended Sidwell Friends School together in Washington, D.C., where they bonded over shared interests like basketball and soccer.
Their friendship extended beyond school, with the pair often seen vacationing together, including a Miami getaway in 2017.
8. Friends in High Places (and on Reality TV)
In addition to her friendship with Maisy Biden, Sasha has another high-profile pal: Skylar Jordan, daughter of The Real Housewives of Potomac star Charrisse Jackson Jordan.
The two have been spotted dining together with Secret Service agents keeping watch. Though Skylar’s mom doesn’t mingle with the Obamas, she’s spoken proudly about their daughters’ friendship.
9. Ryan Reynolds and the Ultimate Fan Moment
Sasha proved she’s just like the rest of us when she met Ryan Reynolds at her first state dinner in 2016. The photos of her beaming while chatting with the actor—while her older sister Malia gave a cheeky thumbs-up in the background—quickly went viral.
This showed that even as a first daughter, Sasha could fangirl like any other teenager.
10. College Life at USC
Now a college student, Sasha transferred to the University of Southern California after starting at the University of Michigan. She’s been spotted enjoying campus life, blending in with other students while still turning heads with her unique fashion sense.
She is currently pursuing a degree in sociology.
11. Style Icon in the Making
From her Sweet 16 gown to her chic campus looks, Sasha Obama has emerged as a style icon.
Whether attending high-profile events or casually walking through Los Angeles, she effortlessly blends sophistication with trendsetting fashion choices, often sparking conversations online about her wardrobe.
12. Sasha Obama’s Artistic Side
Many people don’t know that Sasha Obama has a passion for the arts. From a young age, she was encouraged by her parents to explore creative hobbies, including painting and photography.
Friends close to her have mentioned that Sasha enjoys attending art galleries and has even dabbled in creating her own unique pieces.
13. World Traveler
Growing up in one of the most prominent families in the world meant Sasha had the opportunity to visit countries across the globe. However, it wasn’t just about vacationing, it was cultural immersion.
Whether learning about Japanese tea ceremonies or exploring French foods, Sasha is deeply understanding and respectful of everything.
14. Assuming Leadership
During her high school years, Sasha was known for her active participation in student councils and school organizations.
Teachers described her as a natural leader who wasn’t afraid to speak her mind or step up to organize events. Her leadership skills were a clear reflection of the values instilled by her parents.
15. An Environmental Advocate
Sasha has expressed interest in environmental issues, inspired partly by her mother's White House garden initiative. While still in school, she joined an eco-club that focused on reducing waste and promoting sustainable practices.
Her love for nature has reportedly translated into hiking trips and outdoor adventures with friends.
16. Miss Worldwide
Sasha’s Spotify playlists are said to range from classic R&B hits to indie rock tracks. Known among her circle for her love of music, she’s often the go-to DJ at casual gatherings.
Her diverse taste speaks to her appreciation for creativity and storytelling in all forms.
17. Volunteering
From food banks to community clean-up events, Sasha has been involved in volunteering since she was a child.
Even as a busy student, she’s found time to give back, particularly to organizations that focus on education access for underprivileged children.
18. Sasha’s Hidden Talent: Cooking
Sasha has honed her skills in the kitchen, inspired by her grandmother and her family's love for home-cooked meals. Friends have commented about her ability to whip up everything from pasta dishes to cakes.
Her culinary skills are not widely known but are a source of pride for the young Obama!
19. Mental Health Awareness
In recent years, Sasha has taken an interest in mental health advocacy.
While she hasn’t spoken publicly about it, she’s supported initiatives aimed at destigmatizing conversations about mental well-being.
20. Love for Literature
Sasha has always been an avid reader, with a particular fondness for historical fiction and memoirs.
During interviews, her mother once mentioned how Sasha often recommended books to family members and loved discussing them at the dinner table.
21. Behind the Scenes
Although she grew up in the public eye, Sasha has consistently avoided the limelight. Those who know her describe her as humble, funny, and fiercely loyal to her family and friends.
She values privacy and prefers to focus on building meaningful connections rather than being famous.
22. Home Decoring
One little-known fact about Sasha is her interest in interior design. After moving to her new apartment in Los Angeles, she took charge of decorating the space, combining modern aesthetics with cozy touches.
Friends have praised her eye for detail and ability to make any space feel welcoming.
23. Friends with Euphoria actress Storm Reid
When Sasha transferred to USC, she was reportedly spotted attending a class alongside actress Storm Reid, known for her roles in Euphoria and The Last of Us. While it’s unclear how close the two are, their shared time at USC and mutual experience in the public eye suggest they’ve crossed paths and may have formed a bond.
24. The Tattoo
Despite Michelle Obama’s humorous warnings about getting a tattoo, Sasha reportedly sports a delicate hot air balloon design on her inner elbow.
Michelle, although initially against tattoos, later admitted she now sees body art as a form of self-expression.
25. She Is Bilingual
Not widely publicized is Sasha’s ability to speak a second language. While living in the White House, she began learning Spanish and continued practicing it through high school.
At this point, she is very much proficient!
26. Super Competitive
Whether it’s board games with friends or sports with family, Sasha loves a bit of friendly competition.
Growing up, her father even described her as someone who hates losing and always gives her best effort in any challenge.
27. Interning
Sasha reportedly interned with a well-known fashion brand, gaining firsthand experience in the industry.
This aligns with her interest in fashion, as she’s often admired for her stylish and contemporary outfits.
28. Her Relationship
Sasha Obama has been in a relationship with Clifton Powell Jr., the son of actor Clifton Powell, for some time now. Clifton, a former college basketball player turned commercial director, shares Sasha’s creative spirit.
The pair reportedly enjoy spending time together in Los Angeles, attending cultural events, and exploring their shared love for the arts. Sasha’s friends describe their relationship as supportive and grounded, with Clifton often cheering her on.
30. Malia Obama
Despite their busy lives, Sasha and her older sister, Malia, share an incredibly close bond. Now living together in Los Angeles, the two have become each other’s greatest support system.
According to their mother, Michelle Obama, the sisters frequently host dinners and movie nights at their shared home.