The Omni Shoreham Hotel Washington, D.C.

11:41 A.M. EDT

MRS. OBAMA: I dont want to do too much talking because I just talked in there. You heard my thoughts. But Im really interested in hearing from you.

As Ive said -- as youve heard, as Tina has shared with you -- we are really focusing on education broadly in the United States, and girls education internationally. And this isnt just something that I care about now in my role as First Lady. This is an issue that were going to have to continue to work on until I take my last breath.

And so that means that you all are going to be carrying a lot of this stuff that we begin over the finish line. And its so important to hear your voices and understand directly from you how these issues impact your life, how do you think somebody in my position can utilize my platform and my resources, again, not just in my role as First Lady, but as the years go forward.

So I really want to hear from you. And as you heard in my speech, I want us to speak as honestly and as openly as possible. Because I think thats the only way were going to begin to chip away at some of these barriers and to really get a better, clear understanding of what the challenges really are if were going to solve this problem.

So with that, Im going to stop talking. And I understand that a few of you have some specific presentations, but I also want to know that -- as the press clears out, which they will -- that we can also -- because I know you havent had an opportunity to talk to us one-on-one; you talked to the President -- but if there are any questions that you have, Id be happy, happy to take some time to talk to you, as well.

But let me just say Im so proud of you all. I really am. And were really going to need your insight and your focus and your expertise. So be bold, and be brave, and dont be shy.

END 11:45 A.M. EDT