Who Is Priscilla Chan? Meet the Woman Behind the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative

Priscilla Chan is far more than just the wife of Facebook co-founder Mark Zuckerberg. A dedicated pediatrician, philanthropist, and mother, Chan has used her influence and resources to make a significant impact in the fields of education, healthcare, and scientific research. Here’s a closer look at her journey, values, and the incredible work she’s doing to make the world a better place.

Early Life and Education

Priscilla Chan was born on February 24, 1985, in Braintree, Massachusetts, making her 39 years old today. The daughter of Chinese-Vietnamese immigrants who fled to the U.S. as refugees, Chan’s upbringing was steeped in hard work, resilience, and a deep appreciation for education. She graduated as valedictorian of her high school in Quincy, Massachusetts, and went on to study at Harvard University.

It was at Harvard where she met Mark Zuckerberg. The pair started dating in 2003, forging a strong bond over shared values and aspirations. Chan graduated with a degree in biology in 2007 and later attended the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) to earn her medical degree.

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A Devoted Doctor and Advocate

Priscilla’s career as a pediatrician reflects her lifelong passion for helping children and families. After earning her medical degree, she worked in underserved communities, providing care to families who lacked access to quality healthcare. Her hands-on experience shaped her understanding of systemic inequalities and motivated her to think beyond the clinic to create broader solutions.

In interviews, Chan has often emphasized the importance of treating patients with empathy and addressing the root causes of health disparities. Her work as a doctor serves as the foundation for her philanthropic initiatives.

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The Chan Zuckerberg Initiative

In 2015, Priscilla Chan and Mark Zuckerberg launched the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative (CZI), pledging to donate 99% of their Facebook shares—valued at billions of dollars—to causes aimed at advancing human potential and promoting equality. This philanthropic organization focuses on three main areas: education, healthcare, and scientific research.

One of CZI’s key goals is to cure, prevent, or manage all diseases by the end of this century. The organization invests heavily in cutting-edge scientific research and technology, supporting initiatives like the Biohub, which brings together scientists and engineers to tackle major health challenges.

In education, CZI has developed personalized learning tools and funded programs aimed at empowering teachers and students. Priscilla’s firsthand experiences as a teacher—she briefly taught science at an inner-city school before pursuing medicine—have given her unique insights into the challenges faced by educators and students.

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Family Life and Personal Values

Priscilla Chan and Mark Zuckerberg married on May 19, 2012, in a private ceremony held in their backyard. The event coincided with Zuckerberg’s celebration of Facebook’s IPO, making it a double milestone for the couple.

The pair have two daughters: Maxima (born in 2015) and August (born in 2017). Chan has often spoken about how becoming a mother deepened her commitment to creating a better world for future generations. The family lives modestly despite their immense wealth, reportedly valued at over $115 billion as of 2024, with Priscilla and Mark’s combined philanthropic efforts set to redefine their legacy.

A Visionary Philanthropist

Priscilla Chan’s approach to philanthropy is deeply rooted in her personal experiences. She has often cited her parents’ struggles as immigrants and her time working with underserved communities as key influences on her mission to address systemic inequities.

Through CZI, she’s taken bold steps to tackle issues that many find daunting, from improving public school systems to funding ambitious scientific research projects. What sets Chan apart is her focus on collaboration. By bringing together educators, scientists, policymakers, and community leaders, she aims to create sustainable, long-term solutions.

Balancing Public and Private Life

While Priscilla Chan is a public figure due to her philanthropy and her marriage to Zuckerberg, she’s known for maintaining a relatively low profile compared to many high-profile personalities. Her focus remains firmly on her work and family.

Despite being in the spotlight, Chan’s authenticity and humility resonate with people. She’s frequently described as down-to-earth and approachable, qualities that make her all the more inspiring.