Sheri Kersch Schultz is a distinguished philanthropist, businesswoman, and co-founder of the Schultz Family Foundation. As the wife of Howard Schultz, former CEO of Starbucks, she has played a pivotal role in their shared philanthropic efforts, focusing on youth employment, veteran support, and social equity. Beyond being a supportive partner, Sheri has built a legacy of her own, impacting countless lives through her charitable endeavors and advocacy for underserved communities.
Sheri Kersch Schultz’s Bio Table
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Sheri Kersch Schultz |
| Birthplace | Lima, Ohio, USA |
| Education | Political Science, University of Denver |
| Career | Philanthropist, Businesswoman, Co-founder of the Schultz Family Foundation |
| Spouse | Howard Schultz (married in 1982) |
| Children | Eliahu Jordan Schultz, Addison Schultz |
| Key Contributions | Youth employment, veteran support, economic mobility |
Sheri Kersch Schultz’s Early Life and Education
Sheri Kersch Schultz was born and raised in Lima, Ohio, a small city that instilled in her a deep sense of community values and the importance of giving back. From an early age, she exhibited a passion for design and creativity, which eventually led her to pursue a degree in Political Science at the University of Denver. Although her studies focused on politics, her early career took a different turn, as she initially worked in interior design before transitioning into philanthropy and business leadership.
Personal Life
Sheri’s personal life has been deeply intertwined with Howard Schultz, whom she met in 1978. The couple married in 1982, forming a strong partnership that extended beyond their personal relationship into their professional and philanthropic pursuits. They have two children, Eliahu Jordan Schultz and Addison Schultz, and have maintained a strong family bond while managing their high-profile commitments. Sheri has been a steadfast supporter of Howard throughout his Starbucks journey, offering guidance and influence behind the scenes.
Sheri Kersch Schultz’s Meeting and Marriage to Howard Schultz
Sheri and Howard Schultz’s love story began in the Hamptons in 1978, where they first crossed paths while Sheri was studying interior design. Howard was instantly captivated by her intelligence and charm, and the two soon started dating. Their relationship flourished over the next few years, leading to their marriage in 1982. Since then, they have stood by each other through various personal and professional milestones, creating a powerful partnership dedicated to both business success and societal impact.
Who is Howard Schultz?
Howard Schultz is a renowned business leader, entrepreneur, and philanthropist, best known for transforming Starbucks into a global brand. Under his leadership, Starbucks expanded rapidly, pioneering ethical sourcing, employee benefits, and progressive corporate policies. Beyond business, Howard has been actively involved in philanthropic initiatives, working alongside Sheri to support education, employment, and social justice programs.
Sheri Kersch Schultz’s Philanthropic Endeavors
One of Sheri’s most significant contributions is her role as the co-founder of the Schultz Family Foundation, established in 1996. The foundation focuses on initiatives that empower veterans, young adults, and marginalized communities by providing resources for education, employment, and entrepreneurship. Some of the key programs under the foundation include:
- Onward Veterans Initiative – Supporting military personnel in their transition to civilian life.
- Youth Employment Initiative – Providing job training and career opportunities for young people from disadvantaged backgrounds.
- Opportunity for All – A broader mission aimed at reducing income inequality and promoting inclusive economic growth.
Through these programs, Sheri and Howard have positively impacted thousands of individuals, offering them the tools to build sustainable careers and stable futures.
Sheri’s Influence on Howard Schultz’s Career
Sheri has played an instrumental role in shaping Howard Schultz’s vision and leadership at Starbucks. As his confidante and advisor, she has provided valuable insights on corporate responsibility, ethical business practices, and social impact initiatives. Her unwavering belief in the power of philanthropy and community engagement has influenced many of Starbucks’ programs, such as:
- The College Achievement Plan, which offers free tuition for Starbucks employees.
- The Race Together Initiative, aimed at fostering racial and social justice conversations.
- The Starbucks Veterans Program, which prioritizes hiring former military personnel and supporting their families.
Her behind-the-scenes guidance has been pivotal in aligning Starbucks’ corporate values with its mission to create positive societal change.
Recent Activities and Achievements
Sheri’s ongoing commitment to philanthropy is evident in her foundation’s latest initiatives and contributions. The Schultz Family Foundation has launched numerous programs focused on workforce readiness, mental health support, and financial empowerment.
The impact of the foundation’s work extends beyond financial assistance—it actively partners with organizations to create systemic change. Whether through mentorship programs, leadership workshops, or scholarship opportunities, Sheri ensures that the foundation’s contributions make a sustainable difference in the communities they serve.
In addition to her behind-the-scenes work, Sheri has made public appearances and speeches, where she discusses the future of philanthropy, the importance of social impact, and the evolving landscape of nonprofit work.
Leadership and Vision
Sheri Kersch Schultz’s leadership style is characterized by collaboration, strategic thinking, and empathy. She believes in working closely with communities to understand their challenges and aspirations, ensuring that her philanthropic efforts align with their actual needs.
Her vision for philanthropy and social impact is not just about giving but also about empowering individuals to create their own success. Some of the key initiatives she has spearheaded include:
- Youth employment programs that provide career training and mentorship
- Veteran reintegration initiatives that support military personnel in transitioning to civilian life
- Education grants and scholarships to help students achieve academic excellence
Community Engagement
Sheri’s dedication extends beyond financial contributions; she is actively involved in community projects and events. She has forged partnerships with various organizations and foundations, leveraging their expertise to amplify the impact of her initiatives.
One of the most inspiring aspects of her work is the success stories and testimonials from individuals who have benefited from her foundation. From young adults securing stable jobs to veterans finding a renewed sense of purpose, Sheri’s initiatives have transformed lives in profound ways.
Challenges and Triumphs
Like any philanthropic leader, Sheri has encountered challenges throughout her journey. Some of the obstacles she has faced include:
- Navigating the complexities of nonprofit funding and resource allocation
- Ensuring long-term sustainability for her programs
- Addressing evolving social issues with innovative solutions
Despite these challenges, Sheri has achieved major milestones in her career, such as expanding the reach of the Schultz Family Foundation and implementing large-scale community projects. Her resilience, adaptability, and unwavering commitment have been key drivers of her success.
Sheri Kersch Schultz’s Future Plans
Looking ahead, Sheri Kersch Schultz envisions an even greater impact through the Schultz Family Foundation. Some of the upcoming projects and initiatives include:
- Expanding educational support programs for underprivileged students
- Launching new workforce development strategies to address unemployment
- Enhancing mental health resources for vulnerable populations
Her long-term goal is to create a sustainable, scalable model of philanthropy that can adapt to the changing needs of society while continuing to uplift individuals and communities.
Legacy
Sheri Kersch Schultz’s lasting impact on philanthropy and social change is evident in the countless lives she has touched. Through her strategic giving, leadership, and advocacy, she has set a powerful example for future generations of philanthropists.
Her work has inspired others to embrace social responsibility and actively participate in making the world a better place. The legacy she hopes to leave behind is one of empowerment, opportunity, and lasting transformation.
Conclusion
Sheri Kersch Schultz’s contributions to philanthropy, advocacy, and leadership have profoundly shaped communities across the country. Her dedication to creating opportunities for young people, veterans, and marginalized individuals showcases her unwavering commitment to social change.
As she continues to expand her work through the Schultz Family Foundation, Sheri’s vision for a more equitable and empowered society remains stronger than ever. Her ongoing legacy and future plans ensure that her impact will be felt for generations to come.
FAQs About Sheri Kersch Schultz
1. What is Sheri Kersch Schultz known for?
Sheri Kersch Schultz is best known as a philanthropist and co-founder of the Schultz Family Foundation, where she focuses on programs that support youth employment, veterans, and economic opportunity.
2. How did Sheri Kersch Schultz and Howard Schultz meet?
Sheri and Howard met in the Hamptons in 1978 while she was studying interior design. Their relationship developed over time, leading to their marriage in 1982.
3. What is the Schultz Family Foundation?
The Schultz Family Foundation is a philanthropic organization co-founded by Sheri and Howard Schultz in 1996. It supports initiatives focused on job training, career development, and social mobility for underprivileged communities.
4. What role did Sheri Kersch Schultz play in Howard Schultz’s career?
Sheri has been a significant influence on Howard Schultz’s leadership at Starbucks, providing insights into social responsibility, philanthropy, and corporate ethics. Her guidance helped shape Starbucks’ initiatives supporting employees, veterans, and social justice causes.
5. What are Sheri Kersch Schultz’s recent initiatives?
Sheri continues to expand her philanthropic work through the Schultz Family Foundation, focusing on economic mobility, educational access, and community development. She is actively involved in public speaking and advocacy efforts to further these causes.
