Priscilla Chan

Priscilla Chan is an American pediatrician and philanthropist, widely recognized as the co-founder of the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative (CZI) alongside her husband, Mark Zuckerberg, co-founder and CEO of Meta Platforms. Born in Braintree, Massachusetts, and raised in Quincy, Massachusetts, Chan is the first college graduate in her family. Her journey into medicine was influenced by her experiences as a student and her desire to help those in need, leading her to earn a medical degree from the University of California, San Francisco.

Life and Historical Context

Born on February 24, 1985, Priscilla Chan grew up in a family of Chinese refugees who fled Vietnam. She learned to speak Cantonese and often interpreted for her grandparents who helped raise her and her two younger sisters. Chan excelled academically, graduating as valedictorian from Quincy High School and later earning a bachelor's degree in biology from Harvard University. Initially planning to transfer, an impactful experience with a young patient at an after-school program inspired her to pursue a career in medicine. After teaching science for a year, she attended medical school, graduating in 2012 and completing her pediatric residency in 2015. She practiced as a pediatrician at San Francisco General Hospital until 2017.

Philanthropy and Contributions

In December 2015, Chan and Mark Zuckerberg established the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative (CZI) with a commitment to transfer 99 percent of their Meta shares to philanthropic ventures focused on health and education. They have donated billions of dollars to various charities, including significant contributions to San Francisco General Hospital and the Silicon Valley Community Foundation. In 2016, Chan and CZI co-founded The Primary School, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing free comprehensive services, including K–12 education, prenatal care, and healthcare, to underserved communities in East Palo Alto, California. Chan is actively involved in the day-to-day operations of CZI, guiding its philanthropic efforts.

Personal Life and Beliefs

Priscilla Chan met Mark Zuckerberg at Harvard University in 2003. They married on May 19, 2012. The couple has three daughters. While historically described as Buddhist, reports indicate Chan converted to Judaism in 2022. In 2024, a notable seven-foot statue of Chan commissioned by her husband garnered significant media attention.