Sheri Kersch Schultz has spent decades working quietly behind one of the world’s most recognisable brands. While her husband, Howard Schultz, became a household name as the driving force behind Starbucks, Sheri built her own legacy as a designer, philanthropist and advocate for young people and veterans. Her story is one of steady partnership, personal courage and a deep commitment to giving back, and it deserves far more attention than it usually receives.
Sheri Kersch Schultz: Quick Bio Table
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Sheri Kersch Schultz |
| Known For | Co-founder and President, Schultz Family Foundation |
| Born | 2 April 1954 |
| Birthplace | Lima, Ohio, United States |
| Education | University of Denver (Political Science) |
| Spouse | Howard Schultz (married 1982) |
| Children | Jordan Schultz, Addison Schultz |
| Foundation Founded | 1996 |
| Foundation Focus | Opportunity youth and post-9/11 veterans |
| Residence | Seattle, Washington (Madison Park) |
| Recognition | Carnegie Medal of Philanthropy; Seattle Business Magazine’s Most Influential People |
Early Life and Education
Sheri Kersch grew up in Lima, Ohio, in a close and loving Midwestern family. Her upbringing gave her a grounded, traditional set of values that stood in sharp contrast to Howard’s childhood in a Brooklyn housing project.
She went on to study political science at the University of Denver, earning her bachelor’s degree there. Sheri later pursued interior design as well, a skill that would prove unexpectedly useful in the earliest days of Starbucks, when she helped shape the look and feel of the company’s first stores.
Meeting Howard Schultz
Sheri met Howard over the Fourth of July weekend in 1978, on a beach in the Hamptons. At the time, she was studying interior design, and Howard was immediately drawn to her warmth, style and strong sense of self.
The couple dated for four years before marrying in 1982, just as Howard was beginning to chase his coffee business dream. Sheri stood by him through the uncertain early years, continuing to work and draw a salary even while heavily pregnant, at a time when Howard had no income of his own.
Supporting Starbucks From the Beginning
Howard has openly credited Sheri with playing a vital role in the company’s survival. In his own words, without her personal courage and support, there would likely have been no Starbucks success story at all.
Beyond emotional support, Sheri’s background in interior design directly influenced the atmosphere of Starbucks’ earliest locations. Her contribution helped establish the warm, welcoming café experience that later became central to the brand’s identity worldwide.
Family Life
Sheri and Howard have two children together, Jordan and Addison Schultz. Jordan has built a career as a sports analyst and NFL insider, while Addison has worked as a social worker.
The family has lived in Seattle for many years, settling in the Madison Park neighbourhood after previously residing near Madrona. Despite their enormous wealth, the Schultzes have maintained a relatively grounded family life away from the public eye.
The Schultz Family Foundation
In 1996, Sheri and Howard co-founded the Schultz Family Foundation, and Sheri has served as its president ever since. The foundation focuses on two main groups: young people aged 16 to 24 who are neither in school nor employed, and military veterans transitioning to civilian life after service.
Sheri has been instrumental in shaping the foundation’s direction, recognising early on that a fractured system of social support was failing motivated people who simply lacked opportunity. Under her leadership, the foundation has worked with businesses, non-profits and government bodies to create practical pathways into employment, including its Onward Veterans programme for those who served after September 2001.
A Private Life Away From the Spotlight
Unlike her husband, who has courted public attention through business milestones and political speculation, Sheri has largely chosen to stay out of the limelight. She keeps her personal social media accounts private and rarely gives interviews.
This low profile has not diminished her impact. Sheri has been recognised alongside Howard as one of Seattle’s most influential people, and the couple received the Carnegie Medal of Philanthropy in acknowledgement of their charitable contributions.
Conclusion
Sheri Kersch Schultz may prefer to stay away from headlines, but her influence on Starbucks and on thousands of young people and veterans is undeniable. From standing by Howard during the company’s riskiest days to leading a foundation that changes real lives, Sheri has built a legacy defined by quiet strength rather than public praise.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who is Sheri Kersch Schultz?
Sheri Kersch Schultz is an American philanthropist and the wife of Starbucks chairman emeritus Howard Schultz. She co-founded and leads the Schultz Family Foundation.
2. How did Sheri Kersch Schultz meet Howard Schultz?
They met on a beach in the Hamptons over the Fourth of July weekend in 1978 and married in 1982 after dating for four years.
3. What role did Sheri play in Starbucks’ early success?
Sheri supported Howard financially and emotionally during Starbucks’ uncertain early years and used her interior design background to help shape the look of its first stores.
4. What does the Schultz Family Foundation do?
The foundation, which Sheri leads as president, helps young people aged 16 to 24 who are out of school and unemployed, and supports post-9/11 military veterans through its Onward Veterans programme.
5. Does Sheri Kersch Schultz have children?
Yes, she and Howard have two children, Jordan and Addison Schultz.
