Sheri Kersch Schultz is the wife of Howard Schultz, the former CEO and chairman emeritus of Starbucks, and a philanthropist in her own right who has spent decades shaping opportunities for young people and military veterans across America. Long before Starbucks became a household name, Sheri stood beside Howard during the company’s uncertain early years, and long after it became a global giant, she built a separate legacy through the Schultz Family Foundation. Her story is one of quiet influence rather than headlines, yet it has helped define one of America’s most recognisable business families. This article explores her background, career, marriage, and the causes she champions today.
Sheri Kersch Schultz: Quick Bio Table
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Sheri Kersch Schultz |
| Date of Birth | 2 April 1954 |
| Origin | Lima, Ohio, United States |
| Education | Political Science, University of Denver |
| Spouse | Howard Schultz (married 1982) |
| Children | Eliahu Jordan Schultz, Addison Schultz |
| Known For | Co-founder and President, Schultz Family Foundation |
| Key Focus Areas | Opportunity Youth, veteran transition support |
| Notable Recognition | Carnegie Medal of Philanthropy (2018) |
| Residence | Seattle, Washington |
Who Is Sheri Kersch Schultz?
Sheri Kersch Schultz is an American philanthropist, businesswoman, and co-founder and president of the Schultz Family Foundation. She was born on 2 April 1954 and raised in Lima, Ohio, giving her a Midwestern upbringing that contrasted sharply with Howard’s childhood in the Brooklyn housing projects. She studied political science at the University of Denver before later training in interior design, a skill she would put to unexpected use in Starbucks’ earliest stores.
While her husband is globally recognised as a business titan, Sheri has carved out her own identity as a dedicated advocate for underserved communities, particularly young people and veterans.
How Did Sheri Kersch Schultz Meet Howard Schultz?
Sheri met Howard on 4 July 1978, over the American Independence Day weekend in the Hamptons, New York. In his book Pour Your Heart Into It, Howard described being drawn to her style, energy, and strong family values. The couple dated for four years before marrying in 1982, choosing a modest ceremony because Howard was still building his career at the time.
They went on to have two children, Eliahu Jordan Schultz, born in 1986, and Addison Schultz, born in 1990. The family has lived in Seattle, Washington, for decades, close to Starbucks’ original headquarters.
Sheri’s Role in Starbucks’ Early Success
Sheri Kersch Schultz played a far more active role in Starbucks‘ beginnings than most people realise.
- She continued working and earning a salary while eight months pregnant, at a time when Howard had no income and was struggling to raise funds for the company.
- Her background in interior design directly shaped the look and feel of Starbucks’ first stores.
- Howard has publicly credited her, stating there would be “no Starbucks Coffee company” without her personal courage and support during those precarious early years.
This financial and emotional backing during Starbucks’ most fragile period is often cited as a turning point that allowed Howard to pursue the company’s expansion without abandoning it for a steadier job.
The Schultz Family Foundation
What Is the Schultz Family Foundation?
The Schultz Family Foundation is a Seattle-based non-profit organisation that Sheri and Howard co-founded together in 1996. Sheri has served as its president since its creation, guiding its strategy and community partnerships.
The foundation concentrates on two main groups:
- Opportunity Youth – young Americans aged 16 to 24 who are neither in education nor employed, a group estimated at around 4.6 million people nationwide.
- Military veterans – particularly those who served after September 11, 2001, supported through the foundation’s Onward Veterans programme, which helps them transition into civilian careers.
Why Does Her Work Matter?
Sheri has spoken publicly about how America’s social support systems often fail people who are motivated but lack access to opportunity. Rather than accepting this as inevitable, the foundation partners with businesses, non-profits, and government bodies to build practical pathways into stable employment. She has served as keynote speaker at events such as YouthBuild USA, where she outlined the foundation’s mission to close this opportunity gap.
Public Recognition and Influence
Sheri has generally avoided the spotlight, keeping her personal social media accounts private and letting her philanthropic work speak for itself. Even so, her contributions have been formally recognised.
- In 2018, Sheri and Howard jointly received the Carnegie Medal of Philanthropy for their charitable impact.
- In 2019, Seattle Business Magazine named the couple among the city’s “Most Influential People.”
- During Howard’s consideration of a 2020 independent presidential run, commentators noted that Sheri’s perspective was a significant factor in his decision-making, underlining her role as a trusted adviser rather than simply a supportive spouse.
Family Life Today
Sheri and Howard’s two children have followed distinct paths. Their son, Jordan Schultz, has worked as a sports columnist, while their daughter, Addison Schultz, has pursued social work, echoing her mother’s commitment to community impact. The family remains based in Seattle, and Sheri continues to lead the foundation’s work supporting Opportunity Youth and veterans nationwide.
Conclusion
Sheri Kersch Schultz is far more than “Howard Schultz’s wife.” She is a philanthropist whose early sacrifices helped Starbucks survive its fragile beginnings, and whose ongoing leadership at the Schultz Family Foundation has created real pathways for disadvantaged young people and veterans. Her story shows that meaningful influence does not always require public recognition, and her decades of quiet, consistent work have left a lasting mark on communities across America.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Sheri Kersch Schultz?
Sheri Kersch Schultz is an American philanthropist and the wife of Howard Schultz, the former CEO of Starbucks. She co-founded the Schultz Family Foundation in 1996 and serves as its president, focusing on opportunities for young people and veterans.
How did Sheri Kersch Schultz meet Howard Schultz?
They met over the Independence Day weekend in 1978 in the Hamptons, New York. They dated for four years before marrying in 1982.
What does the Schultz Family Foundation do?
The foundation helps Opportunity Youth, aged 16 to 24, who are not in education or employment, and supports military veterans transitioning to civilian life through its Onward Veterans programme. Sheri has led it as president since 1996.
Did Sheri Kersch Schultz help build Starbucks?
Yes. She worked and supported the household financially while pregnant during Starbucks’ early, unfunded years, and her interior design background influenced the look of the first Starbucks stores. Howard has credited her as essential to the company’s survival.
How many children do Sheri and Howard Schultz have?
They have two children together, son Eliahu Jordan Schultz, born in 1986, and daughter Addison Schultz, born in 1990. Both have pursued independent careers away from Starbucks.
