Early Life and Education
Sheryl Kara Sandberg was born on August 28, 1969, in Washington, D.C., and was raised in North Miami Beach, Florida. She excelled academically, graduating ninth in her high school class in 1987. Sandberg's educational journey led her to Harvard University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in economics, graduating summa cum laude in 1991. Her academic achievements continued with an MBA from Harvard Business School in 1995.
Rise to Success
Sandberg's career began with roles at the World Bank and the U.S. Treasury Department, where she served as Chief of Staff to Lawrence Summers. In 2001, she joined Google, eventually becoming Vice President of Global Online Sales and Operations. Her work at Google set the stage for her move to Facebook (now Meta) in 2008, where she became the Chief Operating Officer. At Facebook, Sandberg played a critical role in the company's growth and profitability, particularly through the development of its advertising model.
Key Business Strategies
Sandberg was instrumental in transforming Facebook into a profitable company, developing the advertising model that became central to its revenue. This strategy leveraged user data to deliver targeted ads, revolutionizing online advertising. She also focused on creating a culture of collaboration and inclusion within the company.
Philanthropy
Sandberg is the founder and chair of the Sandberg Goldberg Bernthal Family Foundation, which supports initiatives related to women's issues, gender equality, and education. She has also donated millions to various charitable causes. In 2024, Sandberg donated $5 million to Marshall University for its 'Marshall For All' program. Sandberg has been generous with her wealth, donating $87 million to her foundation in 2019.
