Driven by discipline and defined by empathy, Susan has spent her life proving that even the toughest challenges can become opportunities for transformation.
“Susan has always been that big-hearted person that’s just Texas-sized.”
Steve Lieberman, Susan's Brother
“Susan has always been that big-hearted person that’s just Texas-sized.”
Steve Lieberman, Susan's Brother
Born in Dallas to a close-knit Jewish family, her childhood was shaped by compassion, perseverance, and a strong sense of community. Her father, a respected surgical oncologist, sparked her lifelong passion for health — so much so that as a girl, she’d stop strangers in the grocery store to remind them not to smoke.
“For her 40th birthday, Susan gave herself the gift of completing the Kona Ironman. That tells you everything about her grit and stamina.”
Marc Lisker, President at DFO Management
“For her 40th birthday, Susan gave herself the gift of completing the Kona Ironman. That tells you everything about her grit and stamina.”
Marc Lisker, President at DFO Management
That mix of care and discipline became her compass early on. From childhood, she was a serious competitor — swimming and running from a young age, even earning camp titles for long-distance swims alongside her brother. That winning spirit carried through more than three decades of competitive racing, from marathons and cycling events to triathlons, ultimately leading her to the Ironman World Championship in Kona, Hawaii. Training with grit and crossing finish lines with Michael and her children cheering her on, she proved that stamina and resilience aren’t just traits — they’re a way of life.
“Every detail of everything Susan does is done with absolute excellence.”
Gregg Lemkau, co-CEO of BDT & MSD Partners
“Every detail of everything Susan does is done with absolute excellence.”
Gregg Lemkau, co-CEO of BDT & MSD Partners
Susan also carved out her own path in business, launching three fashion lines that blended creativity with execution. Whether in design, sport, or philanthropy, she brings her trademark precision and vision, always focused on what will make a lasting difference.
“People matter to her. And because people matter to her, solutions matter to her.”
Janet Mountain, Head of Michael & Susan Dell Foundation
“People matter to her. And because people matter to her, solutions matter to her.”
Janet Mountain, Head of Michael & Susan Dell Foundation
A driving force behind the family’s philanthropy — the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation — Susan blends rigor with compassion, always focused on people and communities. From serving on President George W. Bush’s Council on Physical Fitness to guiding children’s health at Dell Children’s Medical Center, she has long championed wellness. In 2018, her leadership after Hurricane Harvey earned her a place in the Texas Women’s Hall of Fame.
We believe giving is the most important thing we will do in our lives.”
Susan Dell
For Michael Dell, innovation has never been about disruption for its own sake — but about opening doors, simplifying complexity, and creating opportunity.
“He’s a quintessential Texan. He’s totally forthright, incredibly decisive, but in a collaborative way.”
Gregg Lemkau, Co-CEO of BDT & MSD Partners
“He’s a quintessential Texan. He’s totally forthright, incredibly decisive, but in a collaborative way.”
Gregg Lemkau, Co-CEO of BDT & MSD Partners
Michael’s story begins in Houston, where his parents reminded their boys, “Play nice, but win.” That balance of kindness and competitiveness became a throughline in his life — not just to succeed, but to open the door for others along the way.
“Michael was always in a hurry as a child. He was always interested in what’s next.”
Dr. Steven Dell, Michael's Brother
“Michael was always in a hurry as a child. He was always interested in what’s next.”
Dr. Steven Dell, Michael's Brother
As a teenager, Michael wasn’t just delivering The Houston Post. He was studying public records to find newlyweds and new homeowners, turning a simple paper route into a thriving business. While others expected him to become a doctor, he was busy taking apart machines, figuring out how they worked, and imagining how they could work better. That early curiosity became his superpower — a mindset never satisfied with limits and always searching for what could be improved.
“Michael doesn’t have a rearview mirror; he’s always looking forward.”
Marc Lisker, President of DFO Management
“Michael doesn’t have a rearview mirror; he’s always looking forward.”
Marc Lisker, President of DFO Management
That mindset followed him to the University of Texas, where, at 19, he launched a company with $1,000 and a bold idea: sell computers directly to customers. What began in dorm room 2713 grew into Dell Technologies, proving that bold ideas paired with respect and integrity can not only change an industry, but expand access to technology for millions.
“He’s a technology optimist.”
Jeff Clarke, Vice Chairman and Chief Operating Officer, Dell Technologies
“He’s a technology optimist.”
Jeff Clarke, Vice Chairman and Chief Operating Officer, Dell Technologies
From there, Michael’s vision has been about more than building a company. Whether taking Dell Inc. private to reinvent it, or investing in transformative technologies like AI and high-performance computing, his goal has never been disruption for its own sake. It’s been about creating access, simplifying complexity, and designing systems that make opportunity possible on a global scale.
You don’t have to accept the world as you find it. You can make it better.”
Michael Dell
Individually, Michael and Susan have always pushed boundaries. Together, their values and vision amplify one another, building a partnership rooted in family and fueled by shared purpose, creating a force for progress that reaches from their home to communities around the world, and always focused on building opportunity without limits.
Susan and Michael met on a blind date in February 1988 in Austin, where they were both working. She suggested an “easy” bike ride; he quickly discovered her definition of an easy ride was very different from his. It was his first glimpse of her strength and commitment, and the first of many rides they’d take side by side, each pushing the other and making the other stronger. Michael and Susan were married in October 1989 in a ceremony that honored their Jewish traditions and celebrated the future they were eager to build together.
I look at everything they’ve done, whether as parents, community leaders, business leaders, or philanthropists. They’ve had an extraordinary impact on the world.”Steve LiebermanSusan's Brother
Their shared values define everything they do, including their work together. In 1999, they founded the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation, committing almost $3 billion to expand access to health, education, and economic mobility around the world. From Dell Medical School in Austin to scholarships across the world, from rebuilding Texas communities after Hurricane Harvey to strengthening the Jewish community, their philanthropy is impacting families throughout the world.
Michael and Susan Dell’s lives prove that obstacles don’t have to be dead ends. They can be starting lines. Their story is about curiosity, resilience, generosity, and above all, opportunity. Together, they are building a future where opportunities have no limits — where anyone, anywhere, can build a healthier, more secure, more prosperous life.
