Sheri Kersch Schultz is widely recognized not only as the wife of Howard Schultz, former CEO and chairman emeritus of Starbucks, but also as a dedicated philanthropist and social advocate in her own right. Since co-founding the Schultz Family Foundation with her husband in 1996, Sheri has quietly yet powerfully influenced countless lives, especially those of young people and veterans facing barriers to opportunity. Her work is rooted in the belief that while talent is spread evenly across society, opportunities are not, and her leadership focuses on creating lasting change through innovative programs and partnerships.
Unlike many public figures linked to large foundations, Sheri prefers to work behind the scenes, letting her efforts speak louder than any headline. Her story is one of deep empathy, steady commitment, and a belief in the power of opportunity to transform lives.
Quick Bio
| Personal Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Sheri Kersch Schultz |
| Place of Birth | United States (Midwest) |
| Education | Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science, University of Denver; professionally trained as an interior designer |
| Marital Status | Married to Howard Schultz (since 1982) |
| Children | Two children |
| Professional Role | Co-founder, President, and Co-Chair of the Schultz Family Foundation |
| Philanthropic Focus | Youth empowerment, veteran reintegration, equity, inclusion, mental health, workforce development |
| Public Profile | Prefers privacy; does not seek media attention |
| Age | Not publicly disclosed |
| Physical Appearance | Not publicly disclosed |
| Net Worth | Not publicly disclosed; shares philanthropic resources with Howard Schultz |
Early Life and Background
Sheri Kersch Schultz grew up in the American Midwest, a region known for its strong sense of community and hard-working values, which helped shape her early views on empathy and civic duty. She pursued a bachelor’s degree in political science at the University of Denver, where she developed a solid foundation in communication, public relations, and understanding people’s needs—skills that would later prove invaluable in her philanthropic work.
Beyond academics, Sheri is professionally trained as an interior designer, which highlights her broad range of talents and interests. Her early experiences, especially her exposure to different communities and challenges, fueled her passion for social equity and her recognition of the gaps in support systems for vulnerable populations.
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Age and Physical Appearance
Sheri Kersch Schultz was born in the USA, but her exact age and physical description are not publicly disclosed. She maintains a private personal life and does not seek public attention for her appearance or personal details.
Meeting Howard Schultz and Their Partnership
In the early 1980s, Sheri met Howard Schultz, long before Starbucks became a global coffee powerhouse. At the time, Howard was still building his career, full of ambition but facing the uncertainties common to any startup journey. Their connection was built on shared values—respect, a commitment to community, and the importance of giving back.
They married in 1982 and formed a partnership that extended far beyond their personal lives into shared professional and philanthropic visions. Sheri was not simply a bystander but an active partner who stood beside Howard through the risks and challenges of growing Starbucks. Together, they nurtured a vision that combined business success with social responsibility, setting the stage for their later philanthropic endeavors.
Who Is Howard Schultz?
Howard Schultz is an American businessman best known for transforming Starbucks from a small Seattle coffee company into one of the world’s most recognized global brands. Born in 1953, Schultz grew up in a working-class family and was inspired by the sense of community he observed in Italian coffee bars during a trip to Milan. He joined Starbucks in the early 1980s and later became its CEO, leading the company’s rapid expansion and pioneering many employee-focused benefits, such as health coverage for part-time workers and college tuition assistance. Beyond business, Schultz is also known for his philanthropic efforts and his interest in using business as a force for social good.
Children and Family Life
Sheri and Howard Schultz have raised two children together. Throughout their family life, Sheri has consistently emphasized values such as humility, gratitude, and a sense of civic duty. The family is known for its grounded approach to success and giving, making sure that their children grow up with a strong sense of responsibility toward others.
The Schultz Family Foundation: Origins and Mission
In 1996, Sheri and Howard Schultz founded the Schultz Family Foundation with a clear and focused mission: to break down barriers and unleash human potential by providing opportunity to those who often find themselves overlooked. The foundation’s core belief is simple yet powerful—that talent exists everywhere, but opportunity does not. Sheri, as president and co-chair, is deeply involved in shaping programs that support two key groups: the 4.6 million young people aged 16 to 24 who are not in school or working, often called “Opportunity Youth,” and the 4.2 million Post 9/11 veterans who face challenges reentering civilian life. Through this foundation, Sheri leads efforts that go beyond temporary fixes, aiming to create systemic change through collaboration with nonprofits, businesses, and government.
Key Initiatives and Impact
Under Sheri’s leadership, the Schultz Family Foundation has launched several major initiatives aimed at providing pathways to stable employment, education, and supportive services. The foundation invests in programs that help young people gain skills and find good jobs while addressing broader needs such as housing stability and mental health care.
It also supports veterans in transitioning successfully from military to civilian careers. Sheri’s approach emphasizes partnerships across sectors to build sustainable models that can grow and adapt over time. She believes strongly in using data and evidence to guide decisions, ensuring that investments deliver measurable results and meaningful, long-term change for individuals and communities alike.
Sheri’s Leadership Style and Influence
Sheri Kersch Schultz is known for her quiet but effective leadership style. She is humble and does not seek the media spotlight, choosing instead to focus on deep listening and partnership. Sheri places great importance on working with people who have lived experience, ensuring that programs funded by the foundation are shaped by those they intend to serve.
This collaborative and respectful approach helps the foundation avoid the pitfalls of traditional top-down philanthropy. Sheri also insists on rigorous evaluation and high standards, demanding that all programs demonstrate clear outcomes and real human impact. Her steady and consistent presence has earned her deep respect in philanthropic circles for her integrity and results-oriented mindset.
Influence on Starbucks Culture and Values
Though Sheri has never held an official role at Starbucks, her influence on the company’s culture and values has been significant. Howard Schultz has credited Sheri with grounding him and helping keep the company true to its mission of “people before profits.” Her advocacy for employee benefits, responsible sourcing, and social responsibility helped shape Starbucks’ pioneering efforts in areas such as health coverage for part-time workers, college tuition support, and ethical supply chains.
Sheri understood early on that a business with a moral compass not only endures but thrives. Her quiet but firm insistence on doing what is right helped Starbucks build a reputation as a company that balances profitability with purpose.
Advocacy and Public Voice
In recent years, Sheri has used her platform more actively to speak on issues of equity, inclusion, and second chances. She advocates for changes in hiring policies to dismantle systemic racism and supports second-chance initiatives that offer employment opportunities to formerly incarcerated individuals. Sheri stresses that philanthropy should not just address symptoms of inequality but work toward deeper, systemic transformation. She also places a strong focus on mental health, understanding that economic success is only one part of human flourishing. Through her foundation and advocacy, Sheri pushes for intersectional approaches that consider housing, health care, job training, and emotional well-being as interconnected pieces needed to build sustainable success.
Personal Values and Legacy
Sheri’s personal values—humility, gratitude, justice, and a deep sense of civic responsibility—are reflected not only in her philanthropic work but also in her family life. Together with Howard, she has raised two children with a strong emphasis on living with purpose and giving back to the community. Sheri’s legacy is not defined by business fame or public accolades but by a lifetime of intentional, behind-the-scenes work that makes a real difference in people’s lives. She embodies a model of leadership that is quiet yet powerful, showing that meaningful impact often comes from steady, consistent effort grounded in compassion and respect for others.
Sheri Kersch Schultz Net Worth
There is no public information specifically about Sheri Kersch Schultz’s net worth. Given her marriage to Howard Schultz, who is a billionaire, and their shared philanthropic activities, it is likely she has significant personal and family wealth, but exact figures have not been publicly disclosed.
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Conclusion
Sheri Kersch Schultz is a dedicated philanthropist and leader who quietly makes a big impact. Through the Schultz Family Foundation, she helps create opportunities for youth and veterans, believing that talent is everywhere, but chances are not. Her values also influenced Starbucks’ culture. Sheri’s work shows that real change comes from steady effort, listening, and caring deeply about others.
FAQs About Sheri Kersch Schultz
1. Who is Sheri Kersch Schultz?
Sheri Kersch Schultz is the co-founder and president of the Schultz Family Foundation and the wife of former Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz. She is known for her philanthropic work supporting youth, veterans, and social equity.
2. What is the Schultz Family Foundation?
The Schultz Family Foundation is a nonprofit organization founded by Sheri and Howard Schultz in 1996 that focuses on creating opportunities for marginalized communities, especially youth not in school or work and military veterans transitioning to civilian life.
3. What causes does Sheri Kersch Schultz support?
Sheri supports causes related to youth empowerment, veteran reintegration, racial equity, mental health, workforce development, and creating pathways to economic opportunity for underserved populations.
4. What role does Sheri play at the Schultz Family Foundation?
Sheri serves as President and Co-Chair of the Foundation and is actively involved in shaping programs, strategies, and partnerships to address systemic barriers and create lasting social impact.
5. How has Sheri influenced Starbucks?
While not formally part of Starbucks, Sheri influenced the company’s culture and values by encouraging employee benefits, responsible sourcing, and corporate social responsibility, helping shape Starbucks’ mission-driven approach.
6. Does Sheri seek media attention for her philanthropic work?
No, Sheri prefers to work quietly behind the scenes and focuses on meaningful, long-term impact rather than publicity or media exposure.
7. What values guide Sheri Kersch Schultz’s work?
Sheri’s work is guided by compassion, humility, integrity, equity, and a belief that everyone deserves access to opportunity and dignity in their lives.
