Who Is Sheri Kersch Schultz? The Life and Legacy of Howard Schultz’s Influential Wife

Sheri Kersch Schultz was born in the USA but has left her early personal history largely out of the public eye. What we know is this; she grew up with considerable empathy toward others and an awareness for community. Her educational journey had ultimately led her to communications and public relations which means she was developing a keen sense of people and messaging. Sheri’s educational experiences would provide the foundation for her future role as both a business partner in her husband’s work, as well as a strong independent in the philanthropic and social change space.

Sheri met Howard Schultz in the early 1980s before Starbucks became the international powerhouse it is today. They related to one another through shared interests, respect, and an understanding of the importance of giving back. These early years were integral both on a personal level and a professional perspective and the basis of their journey together started to take form.

Marriage to Howard Schultz: A True Partnership Beyond Business.

Sheri Kersch Schultz married Howard Schultz in 1982. At this time Howard was not even close to the business icon he is now known for. He had ambition and determination, but at this time in Howard’s career the great Starbucks success was still ahead of him. Sheri was alongside Howard early in his career when he was taking risks, experiencing uncertainty, and struggling to build his vision.

They have always seen their relationship as more than a traditional marriage structure – they are partners. As Howard evolved Starbucks from a small Seattle coffee shop into a brim-with-success global corporation, Sheri was building a family and contributing to the two of them crafting a philanthropic vision together. Sheri was always part of discussions around business and social impact decisions—to make sure it was in alignment with their shared values for action, which was always their claim.

The Schultzes have raised two children, and Sheri has consistently made it clear that humility, gratitude, and civic duty are paramount values in their family.

The Schultz Family Foundation: Co-Creating an Equity Vision

Sheri and Howard Schultz co-founded the Schultz Family Foundation in 1996 as a philanthropic venture with the intention of unleashing potential in young people and veterans who have been locked out of the traditional system. Sheri holds the title of President and Co-Chair; she does not sit in a ceremonial role. She is an engaged participant in designing and developing programs influenced by the need for systemic transformation.

The Foundation takes the position that talent is equally distributed; opportunity is not. This position resonates with Sheri’s sense of equity and access, and her leadership has, in her own mind, “built pathways for underrepresented populations to access the workforce, community and success.” The Foundation delivers programming that is responsive to various issues, from youth employment, veteran re-training, second-chance hiring initiatives to closing opportunity gaps and creating sustainable change.

Sheri’s approach is collaborative, but she also believes in data, evidence, and informed risk. She is not motivated by a headline or media presence; however, the impact is very real—thousands of lives changed as a result of her philanthropic engagements and investments.

Quiet Power: A Philanthropist Who Leads from the Shadows

Sheri Kersch Schultz stands out from many public figures who are linked to large foundations, because she chooses not to embrace the media spotlight. She is not interested in celebrity status, nor does she seek the attention that can come with a press release. Rather, she prefers that the work stand alone, dug deep and let the invisible line of this notion be left for interpretation. Sheri’s influence is quiet but vast, and within philanthropic circles, she is deeply respected for her integrity, consistency, and lack of belief in the latest trend.

Sheri believes in making partnerships with nonprofits and leaders in the community. She is known for listening first, making sure the programs are framed and developed by people with lived experience. This approach allows the Schultz Family Foundation to sidestep many of the “traditional” tentacles of top-down philanthropy and develop initiatives that ultimately meet the needs of the community.

Her modesty does not represent a lack of ambition. If anything, Sheri has always argued for excellence in all programs executed, follow through needed on rigorous evaluation, stated outcomes, and always a human first approach. Sheri represents a model of philanthropic engagement that is compassionate and results-oriented.

A Powerful Voice on Equity and Inclusion

Sheri Kersch Schultz increasingly uses her platform to advocate for equity, inclusion, and second chances. Whether creating pathways for people who have formerly been incarcerated, or debunking systemic racism in hiring policies – Sheri has pushed that philanthropy does not need to simply ‘patch holes’, but rather guide transformation.

Her foundation has supported bold initiatives such as a reframed workforce system, and a supportive services system for the most vulnerable, when it comes to youth. She realizes that people cannot really flourish when they do not have housing stability, access to mental health care, or a significant job. Her voice in these conversations has been particularly important as institutions are moving to more intersectional approaches rooted in cause rather than symptoms. In the past few years, Sheri has spent much effort highlighting mental health—an area she believes is foundational to sustainable success and human dignity. She leads with an understanding that economic mobility is important, but so is emotional fortitude, engagement, and belonging.

What role did she play in shaping Starbucks’ culture and values?

Sheri Kersch Schultz has not been a formal part of Starbucks, but I believe she had a meaningful impact on how the company looks and feels. Howard Schultz has always described Sheri’s influence, “she grounded me, and kept me true to the company mission.” From advocating for employee benefits to concerning herself with responsible sourcing, Sheri’s values shaped Starbucks approach—”people before profits.” Howard’s empathetic, mission driven, and idealistic style of leadership was complimented by Sheri’s encouragement to use business as a force for good. Sheri’s influence was felt in Starbucks approach to health coverage for part-time employees, college tuition reimbursement, or fair trade.

The idea that businesses with a moral compass endure was something Sheri understood early. Sheri’s quiet insistence to do what was right shaped Starbucks key decision-making in becoming a pioneer in corporate social responsibility.

The qualities and values that define her

Sheri Kersch Schultz is fiercely compassionate, platform-driven, and steadfast to an ideal of justice. She is not interested in light and superficial, she requests depth, durability and dignity in everything she engages in. The consistency of her values is evident in her personal, philanthropic and public lives.

It is the depth and consistency of her approach to showing up, listening, and making choices guided by her values that has built a level of trust across communities, nonprofits, and the business communities.

Sheri has created a legacy that is not defined by most recognizable business identity, Howard Schultz. Rather, Sheri’s legacy is defined by the best of unrecognizable private citizens making intentional and humble commitment to doing good.

Conclusion

Sheri Kersch Schultz is not Howard Schultz’s wife—she is a leader, changemaker and quiet force for social impact. Through the Schultz Family Foundation, she has tackled some of the most pressing and urgent issues for historically marginalized populations in America. Her impact on the values of Starbucks, and her steadfast commitment to equity, and resistance to tolerate hasn’t sought ‘just enough‘ change, makes Sheri a model of modern philanthropy.

In an age when prominent voices are celebrated, Sheri’s work is important because it is a reminder that real impact is often not gained through headlines, rather, consistent effort, listening, and relentlessly ‘doing good.’ Her legacy will continue, not through coffee, rather through opportunity, belonging, and hope.

(FAQs)

1. Who is Sheri Kersch Schultz?
Sheri Kersch Schultz is the wife of former Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz and the co-founder and president of the Schultz Family Foundation. She is known for her work in philanthropy and social advocacy.

2. What does the Schultz Family Foundation do?
The Schultz Family Foundation focuses on creating opportunities for youth, veterans, and marginalized communities through employment programs, educational support, and second-chance initiatives.

3. What role did Sheri Kersch Schultz play in Starbucks’ success?
While not an official executive, Sheri influenced Starbucks’ culture and values, encouraging policies that prioritize employees, ethical sourcing, and corporate responsibility.

4. What causes does Sheri Kersch Schultz support?
She supports causes related to youth empowerment, veteran reintegration, racial equity, mental health, and economic mobility for underserved groups.

5. Is Sheri Kersch Schultz involved in politics?
While she does not hold a political office, Sheri’s philanthropic work often intersects with policy, particularly in areas like workforce development and social equity.

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