Sheryl Sandberg

Sheryl Kara Sandberg (born August 28, 1969) is an American technology executive, author, and philanthropist who became one of the most prominent female voices in Silicon Valley. Born in Miami, Florida, she studied economics at Harvard University before beginning her career at the World Bank. She later worked at Google as Director of Global Online Sales and Operations, where she gained expertise in advertising and business operations. In 2008, she joined Facebook as Chief Operating Officer under Mark Zuckerberg, a position she held for 14 years, helping transform the company into a global advertising powerhouse. Beyond her corporate role, Sandberg became an influential advocate for women's empowerment and gender equality through her bestselling 2013 book 'Lean In,' which sparked global conversations about women in leadership despite also generating considerable debate and criticism. She founded LeanIn.org to advance opportunities for women in the workplace and became known for her advocacy on workplace flexibility and women's rights. Her combination of business acumen, public advocacy, and high-profile position made her one of the most recognizable female executives of her generation, influencing discussions about gender and work around the world.