UPDATED: 10:36 a.m. PDT: After receiving a standing ovation, the first lady put special emphasis on military families during this time of war; "It's time that we recognize that the challenges they face, the obstacles they overcome and the contributions they make -- all of that isn't just a military issue."

Following her husband's appearance at USC on Friday, First Lady Michelle Obama is set to headline the final day of this year’s Women’s Conference in Long Beach, which empowers women to be "architects of change."

Michelle Obama (Creative Commons)

The three-day event, put on annually by First Lady of California Maria Shriver, will feature Obama Tuesday morning at the Long Beach Convention Center.

And that’s not it for the political heavyweights in attendance—Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, along with Today show co-anchor Matt Lauer, is scheduled to introduce gubernatorial candidates Jerry Brown and Meg Whitman for their event, “Who We Are, Where We Are Going,” in the afternoon.

Former First Lady Laura Bush and Schwarzenegger’s daughter Katherine will also be available for book signings at the conference’s end.
 
Conference officials encourage guests to arrive at the Convention Center between 6:30 a.m. and 7 a.m. due to security measures surrounding the First Lady’s visit. A pre-program is scheduled for 7:15 a.m., with the main event beginning at 8 a.m.

More information is available at the official website.

Reach staff reporter Jennifer Fong here.

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