Priscilla Chan is more than just the wife of Mark Zuckerberg—she’s a pediatrician, educator, and a force behind one of the most impactful philanthropies of the 21st century. While many know her through her high-profile marriage, the truth is, she’s built a life full of purpose, dedication, and quiet strength. From her early days as the daughter of Chinese immigrants to co-founding the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative (CZI), her journey is one worth exploring. So, if you’ve ever wondered, “Who is Priscilla Chan?” or “What has she done beyond Silicon Valley?”, you’re in the right place.

She’s not only helped shape the future of education and healthcare through CZI but has also become a symbol of resilience, balancing her personal life with a powerful public mission. Her story is both inspiring and instructive, showing that influence doesn’t always come from the spotlight—it can come from steady, focused effort and a deep belief in doing good.

And if you're curious about her latest projects, how she's impacting science and education, or what her personal life looks like behind the headlines, keep reading. This article dives into the life of Priscilla Chan, the person, the mother, the doctor, and the changemaker.

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Table of Contents

• Biography of Priscilla Chan
• Early Life and Education
• Career and Philanthropy
• Personal Life and Family
• Frequently Asked Questions

Biography of Priscilla Chan

Priscilla Chan was born on February 24, 1985, in Boston, Massachusetts. Her parents were immigrants from China and Vietnam, and she grew up in a household that valued hard work and education. Despite facing bullying as a child, she remained focused on her studies and eventually found her calling in medicine. She graduated from Harvard University in 2007 and later earned her medical degree from the University of California, San Francisco.

While she’s widely recognized for her connection to Mark Zuckerberg, her personal accomplishments speak volumes. As a pediatrician, she’s worked directly with children in underserved communities. As a philanthropist, she’s helped launch initiatives aimed at transforming education and curing disease. Learn more about how her work is shaping the future of learning and health equity around the world.

Quick Bio Facts

Early Life and Education

Priscilla Chan’s early years were shaped by her immigrant background. Her parents worked hard to provide her and her siblings with opportunities they themselves never had. Growing up, she faced challenges like language barriers and social difficulties, including bullying, but she leaned into academics as a way to find her place.

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She was accepted into Harvard University, where she majored in biology and later decided to pursue medicine. Her path wasn’t exactly traditional—she initially considered a career in writing—but medicine eventually became her calling. She wanted to help kids, especially those from underserved backgrounds, and that desire led her to medical school at UCSF.

It was during this time she met Mark Zuckerberg, who was already making waves in the tech world. But even as their relationship developed, she kept her focus on her own goals, completing her residency and becoming a licensed pediatrician.

Career and Philanthropy

After becoming a pediatrician, Priscilla Chan worked at a community health center in the Bay Area, serving low-income families. She was deeply committed to her patients, often going beyond what was expected. But it was her partnership with Mark Zuckerberg that really opened the door to large-scale change.

In 2015, they co-founded the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative (CZI), a limited liability company focused on advancing human potential and promoting equality. Unlike traditional philanthropies, CZI uses a mix of grantmaking, impact investing, and policy work to create real-world change. They’ve made big bets on areas like education reform and biomedical research, aiming to “cure, prevent, or manage all diseases” by the end of the century.

Chan has often said that her background in medicine gives her a unique perspective in philanthropy. She’s not just writing checks—she’s involved in the strategy, the science, and the on-the-ground implementation of programs. She’s also been vocal about the importance of diversity and equity in tech and science, pushing for more inclusion in the fields CZI supports.

One of the key areas of CZI’s work is in education. They’ve invested in personalized learning tools and school systems that better serve students of all backgrounds. Chan herself has spoken about how her own education shaped her life and how she wants every child to have the same chance.

Personal Life and Family

Priscilla Chan and Mark Zuckerberg married in 2012 in a small, private ceremony. Since then, they’ve had three daughters. Despite their wealth and public profiles, the couple has kept much of their family life out of the spotlight.

Chan has been open about the challenges of parenting and balancing her work with her role as a mother. In interviews, she’s talked about how she and Zuckerberg split responsibilities and make time for their kids, even when their schedules are packed. She’s also shared that they aim to raise their daughters with humility and a sense of responsibility toward others.

One thing that stands out about Chan is how grounded she remains. Even with her immense resources and global influence, she continues to see herself as a doctor first. She’s said in the past that she still practices medicine occasionally and that she values the connection she has with her patients.

Her journey from a shy, bullied child to a respected pediatrician and influential philanthropist is a testament to her resilience and vision. She’s not just using her platform to support causes—she’s actively shaping how the world thinks about education, health, and equity.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Priscilla Chan do for a living?

Priscilla Chan is a pediatrician and co-founder of the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative (CZI), a philanthropic organization focused on education, science, and health equity. While she’s married to Mark Zuckerberg, her career is rooted in medicine and public service.

How did Priscilla Chan and Mark Zuckerberg meet?

Chan and Zuckerberg met while both were students at Harvard University. They began dating during their time there, though Zuckerberg left to focus on Facebook while Chan continued her studies. They reconnected after she graduated and eventually married in 2012.

What is the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative (CZI)?

The Chan Zuckerberg Initiative is a limited liability company founded by Priscilla Chan and Mark Zuckerberg in 2015. Its mission is to advance human potential and promote equality through work in education, science, and policy advocacy. Learn more about how CZI is changing the landscape of modern philanthropy.