Mrs. Obama's mentors were those who, like her, may have come from humble circumstances, but chose to navigate a world that wasn't ready to accept them anyway. They quietly and effectively found a way to move through to their goals. I believe this takes a very strong will and a steady personality. I also believe it takes a hungry mind ... letting nothing get in the way of learning, of becoming more. They also held a quiet spirit, which seemed to give them the confidence to always do more and be more.
Her mentors took care to let her find her own way as a career woman and mother, and made themselves available when she needed them. They also used their own lives and decisions to show that she could, indeed, be both. They did not tell her it would be easy ... but that she could do it if she chose. If needed, they would advocate for her and encourage her to be more assertive.
My mentors have often been my supervisors. The best ones showed me the way forward rather than spending a lot of time with conversations. They challenged me to be more and also to refine how I moved in the world by being a ready example. I truly am appreciative of what they provided for me.