The FLOTUS has been fabulous with fashion and forward-looking on family issues. She’s even gotten down and dirty in the White House kitchen garden. How’s she doing? We asked a collection of our favorite leaders, thinkers and talkers to sum up the first lady's impact so far. Click through and read what they had to say.

A Friendly Neighbor: Donna Brazile, Democratic strategist and CNN commentator

A-Plus: Congressman James Clyburn, Democrat of South Carolina, House Majority Whip

21st Century Ambassador: Vishakha Desai, president, Asia Society

The Other Community Organizer: Lani Guinier, professor of law, Harvard University

Not About PR: Dorothy Height, chair and president emerita, National Council of Negro Women

Black Love Guru: Cathy Hughes, CEO, Radio One

An American Mother: Rep. John Lewis, Democrat of Georgia

Working It Out: Julianne Malveaux, president, Bennett College for Women

Carrying Her Own Head: Susan L. Taylor, former editor, Essence

Rock Star: Baratunde Thurston, editor, The Onion

Gardener in Chief: Alice Waters, restaurant owner and activist