Susan Dell Biography
Susan Dell who’s full name is Susan Lynn Lieberman Dell is a prominent American philanthropist, fashion entrepreneur, accomplished athlete, and co-founder of the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation. Born in Dallas, Texas, she is a U.S. citizen known for her dedication to improving education, health, and economic opportunities for children and families worldwide.
As the wife of Michael Dell, founder of Dell Technologies, Susan has played a pivotal role in one of the most impactful family foundations globally. Beyond philanthropy, she built successful fashion brands and maintained an elite athletic career, competing in demanding endurance events. Her life reflects a blend of discipline, compassion, creativity, and strategic vision, making her a notable figure in business, sports, and charitable work.
Susan Dell Early Life and Education
Susan Lynn Lieberman Dell was born in February 1964 in Dallas, Texas. She grew up in a close-knit Jewish family in the North Dallas neighborhood of Russwood Acres. Her father, Dr. Zelig “Zeck” Lieberman, a respected cancer surgeon at Baylor University Medical Center, instilled values of hard work, positivity, and community service. Her mother, Marilyn Ely Lieberman, supported a nurturing home environment.
From a young age, Susan exhibited competitiveness and discipline. She participated in swimming, running, and family activities that emphasized fitness. She modeled briefly with the Kim Dawson agency during junior high and developed an early interest in fashion. Academically, she attended W. T. White High School after transferring from Greenhill School, where she was popular, served as a cheerleader, and was named a Sophomore Beauty.
Susan pursued higher education at Arizona State University, majoring in Fashion Merchandising and Design. Though she found the construction aspects challenging, the program aligned with her creative interests. She graduated and initially worked in real estate in Austin, following her brother’s path with Trammell Crow.
Her early experiences in a driven family shaped her lifelong commitment to excellence, whether in athletics, business, or later philanthropy. Family weekends often involved running and racing, fostering the stamina that would define much of her adult life.
Susan Dell Age
As of 2026, Susan Dell is approximately 62 years old, having been born in February 1964. She maintains an active lifestyle that reflects her enduring focus on physical fitness and wellness.
Susan Dell Siblings
Susan has two brothers: Steve Lieberman, the older sibling and president of the Weitzman Group, a Dallas-based real estate company, and Randy Lieberman, a venture capitalist. The siblings share a strong family bond characterized by ambition, positivity, and mutual support. Their father’s influence created a household where drive and community involvement were central.
Susan Dell Parents
Susan’s parents are Dr. Zelig “Zeck” Lieberman, a noted surgical oncologist known for his fitness and optimistic outlook, and Marilyn Ely Lieberman. Her father’s medical career sparked Susan’s interest in health, evident from childhood habits like reminding others not to smoke. The family environment emphasized education, discipline, and giving back.
Susan Dell Husband
Susan met Michael Dell on a blind date in February 1988 in Austin. She suggested a bike ride that highlighted her athletic nature. They married on October 28, 1989, in a ceremony honoring Jewish traditions. Their partnership combines complementary strengths: Michael’s innovation and Susan’s drive in wellness, fashion, and philanthropy. They have built a life centered on family, business success, and large-scale giving.
Susan Dell Children
Susan and Michael Dell have four children: Alexa, Zachary, Juliette, and Kira. The family raised them in Austin, keeping a relatively low public profile while emphasizing values of opportunity and responsibility. Susan has spoken about the joys and responsibilities of motherhood, and the couple now has grandchildren as well.
Susan Dell Career
Susan Dell’s career spans fashion entrepreneurship and philanthropy. She launched three fashion labels, including her eponymous Susan Dell line and the luxury sportswear brand Phi, founded in 2003. Phi gained acclaim for clean, elegant designs worn by celebrities and received positive coverage in fashion publications. Though Phi closed in 2009 amid the recession, it showcased her vision for high-quality, purposeful clothing. She also ran a tailoring service called JustSaySew from her home.
In philanthropy, Susan serves as co-founder and board chair of the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation, established in 1999. She has guided its growth into a major global organization focused on education, health, and economic mobility. The foundation manages hundreds of projects annually across the U.S., India, Africa, and Israel. Susan’s leadership extends to initiatives like the Rebuild Texas Fund after Hurricane Harvey and significant investments in Texas health care, including Dell Medical School and Dell Children’s Medical Center.
Her earlier professional steps included real estate work, which brought her to Austin and eventually to Michael. Throughout, Susan has balanced personal passions with professional rigor, transitioning fully into foundation leadership around 2009.
Susan Dell Family
The Dell family resides in Austin, Texas. Susan and Michael have created a home environment that values curiosity, resilience, and service. Their four children and growing number of grandchildren remain central. Extended family ties, including Susan’s brothers and parents, continue to influence their shared values. The couple’s joint philanthropy reflects a family commitment to using resources for broader societal benefit.
Susan Dell Personal Life
Susan maintains an active personal life centered on fitness and family. An elite athlete, she has competed in marathons, triathlons, cycling events, and completed the Ironman World Championships in Kona, Hawaii. She served on President George W. Bush’s Council for Physical Fitness and Sports and has been involved with organizations like the Cooper Institute.
She enjoys tailoring clothes for family members and emphasizes balance, pushing herself and loved ones toward growth. Her Jewish heritage and Texas roots ground her approach to life, blending compassion with determination. Despite immense wealth, Susan focuses on purposeful living and community impact.
Susan Dell Achievements
Susan’s achievements include founding successful fashion lines that earned industry recognition. Her athletic accomplishments feature endurance competitions and record-setting performances in Hawaii cycling events. Philanthropically, she has helped direct billions in commitments through the foundation, supporting education, health, and disaster recovery. Notable efforts include the Rebuild Texas Fund and major donations to the University of Texas at Austin. Her work has earned honors such as induction into the Texas Women’s Hall of Fame.
Susan Dell Awards
Susan has received recognition for her contributions. She is a past member of President Bush’s Council for Physical Fitness and Sports, a life trustee of the Dell Children’s Foundation, and was honored in the Texas Women’s Hall of Fame for her post-Hurricane Harvey leadership. Her philanthropic and community efforts continue to garner acclaim.
Susan Dell Net Worth
Susan Dell’s personal net worth is estimated around $2.5 billion, tied to her shared family wealth and philanthropic activities. Together with Michael Dell, whose fortune stems primarily from Dell Technologies, the couple has committed over $10 billion to causes through their foundation as of recent years. Their giving includes transformative donations like $6.25 billion for child investment accounts and substantial support for medical and educational initiatives.
Conclusion
Susan Dell exemplifies how personal drive, creativity, and partnership can create lasting positive impact. From her Dallas upbringing to global philanthropy, she has consistently pursued excellence while prioritizing family and community. Her story highlights the power of combining resources with vision to open opportunities for others.
FAQs
Who is Susan Dell?
Susan Dell is an American philanthropist, fashion entrepreneur, and athlete best known as co-founder and chair of the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation alongside her husband Michael Dell.
When was Susan Dell born?
Susan Dell was born in February 1964 in Dallas, Texas.
What is Susan Dell known for?
She is known for her philanthropic leadership, founding fashion brands like Phi, and athletic achievements in endurance sports.
How many children do Susan and Michael Dell have?
They have four children: Alexa, Zachary, Juliette, and Kira.
What is the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation?
It is a private foundation established in 1999 that focuses on education, health, and economic mobility, with commitments exceeding $10 billion.
Did Susan Dell work in fashion?
Yes, she founded multiple fashion labels, including the luxury brand Phi, which received critical acclaim before closing in 2009.
Where did Susan Dell go to college?
She attended Arizona State University, studying Fashion Merchandising and Design.