American philanthropist, fashion entrepreneur, and endurance athlete Susan Dell co-founded the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation with her husband, Michael Dell. The foundation was founded in 1999 and emphasizes education, health, economic mobility, and opportunities for children and families. For over two decades, Susan has been its board chair and helmed its strategic direction.
She was a native of Dallas, Texas, and lived for many years in Austin. Public biographies describe her as a Dallas-raised woman born into a family steeped in medicine and community service. She met Michael Dell on a blind date in Austin, Texas, in February 1988; the couple married on October 28, 1989.
Outside of her philanthropy work, Susan launched a successful fashion career and founded three fashion brands, including the luxury brand Phi. At the same time, as competing in top-class endurance events: marathons, triathlons & Ironman World Championship in Kona, Hawaii.
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| 👤 Susan Dell Quick Info | |
|---|---|
| 👩 Full Name | Susan Lieberman Dell |
| 🎂 Age | 62 years |
| 💍 Husband Name | Michael Dell |
| 💰 Net Worth | $2.5 billion |
| Susan Dell Quick Bio/Wiki | |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Susan Lieberman Dell |
| Known As | Susan Dell |
| Profession | Philanthropist, fashion entrepreneur, and endurance athlete |
| Nationality | American |
| Birthplace | Dallas, Texas, USA |
| Age | 62 years |
| Husband | Michael Dell |
| Marriage Date | October 28, 1989 |
| Children | Four — Kira, Alexa, Zachary, and Juliette |
| Residence | Austin, Texas area |
| Main Profession | Philanthropy |
| Foundation | Michael & Susan Dell Foundation |
| Foundation Founded | 1999 |
| Foundation Position | Co-founder and Board Chair |
| Fashion Brand | Phi, among three fashion labels she founded |
| Athletic Interests | Running, cycling, swimming, triathlon, and Ironman |
| Major Honor | Texas Women’s Hall of Fame, 2018 |
| Recent Honor | History-Making Texan Award, 2025 |
| Net Worth | $2.5 billion (widely reported estimate; not independently verified) |
| 📏 Susan Dell Height & Physical Appearance | |
|---|---|
| 📏 Height | 5 ft 8 in (173 cm / 1.73 m) |
| ⚖️ Weight | Approximately 135 lb (61 kg), reported by some biography sources |
| 💪 Body Type | Athletic / Fit |
| 💇 Hair Color | Blonde |
| 👁️ Eye Color | Blue |
| 👟 Shoe Size | 9 US / 40 EU |
| ✨ Overall Appearance | Tall, fit and athletic |
| 🏃 Fitness Background | Marathon, triathlon and Ironman athlete |
| ⭐ Distinctive Feature | Athletic physique and active lifestyle |
| 👨👩👧👦 Susan Dell Family Details | |
|---|---|
| 👤 Full Name | Susan Lieberman Dell |
| 👨 Father | Zelig “Zeke” Lieberman |
| 👨 Brother | Steve Lieberman |
| 💍 Husband | Michael Dell |
| 💒 Marriage | October 28, 1989 |
| 📍 Marriage Location | Austin, Texas |
| 👨👩👧👦 Children | Four |
| 👧 Daughter | Kira Dell |
| 👧 Daughter | Alexa Dell |
| 👧 Daughter | Juliette Dell |
| 👦 Son | Zachary Dell |
| 🏡 Family Home Base | Austin, Texas |
| 💑 Susan Dell & Michael Dell Relationship | |
|---|---|
| 💍 Husband | Michael Dell |
| 🤝 First Meeting | Blind date |
| 📅 Year They Met | 1988 |
| 📍 Meeting City | Austin, Texas |
| 🚴 First-Date Activity | Bike ride |
| 💎 Engagement | 1989 |
| 💒 Wedding | October 28, 1989 |
| ❤️ Years Married | 36+ years as of 2026 |
| 👨👩👧👦 Children | Four |
| 🏛️ Joint Foundation | Michael & Susan Dell Foundation |
| 🎯 Shared Focus | Philanthropy, education, health and economic opportunity |
| 💰 Major Joint Giving | More than $10 billion committed to nonprofits/social enterprises according to their foundation |
| 💼 Susan Dell Career Overview | |
|---|---|
| 💼 Early Career | Real estate-related work reported after returning to Texas |
| 👗 Fashion | Founded three fashion labels |
| ✨ Phi | Founder/chair associated with luxury fashion label Phi |
| 🤝 Philanthropy | Co-founder of Michael & Susan Dell Foundation |
| 🏛️ Foundation Leadership | Board Chair |
| 🏃 Sports | Competitive endurance athlete |
| 🇺🇸 Public Service | Former member of President George W. Bush’s Council for Physical Fitness and Sports |
| 🏥 Healthcare Advocacy | Supported major healthcare initiatives in Texas |
| 🎓 Education Philanthropy | Supported scholarships, schools and university initiatives |
| 🌪️ Disaster Recovery | Major figure in Rebuild Texas efforts after Hurricane Harvey |
| 🏘️ Community Development | Supported housing, homelessness and economic mobility initiatives |
| 🌎 International Philanthropy | Foundation activities across U.S., India, Africa and Israel |
| 📅 Susan Dell Career Timeline | |
|---|---|
| 🌱 Early Years | Grew up in Dallas and developed interests in health, fashion and fitness |
| 📆 1980s | Moved to Austin and began building her professional life |
| 🤝 1988 | Met Michael Dell |
| 💍 1989 | Married Michael Dell |
| 💼 1990s | Developed growing interests in entrepreneurship, family and philanthropy |
| 🏛️ 1999 | Co-founded the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation |
| 📚 2000s | Expanded foundation’s focus on children’s health, education and family stability |
| 👗 2000s | Developed fashion ventures, including Phi |
| 🏃 2003 | Participated in elite Ironman-level endurance competition; Forbes later identified her as an elite athlete |
| 🌎 2010s | Expanded philanthropic initiatives across education and health |
| 🌪️ 2017 | Helped launch/finance Rebuild Texas after Hurricane Harvey |
| 🏆 2018 | Inducted into Texas Women’s Hall of Fame |
| 🌍 2020s | Continued foundation leadership and international philanthropy |
| 🏅 2025 | Received History-Making Texan Award with Michael Dell |
| 💰 2025 | Joined Michael in $6.25 billion commitment supporting children’s investment accounts |
| 📢 2026 | Continued public advocacy around the children’s accounts initiative |
| 💝 2026 | Foundation reports more than $10 billion committed to philanthropic causes |
| 💝 Susan Dell Philanthropy | |
|---|---|
| 🎓 Education | Scholarships and education programs |
| ❤️ Children’s Health | Healthcare infrastructure and initiatives |
| 💼 Economic Mobility | Programs designed to help families improve economic security |
| 🏫 Urban Education | Support for children in underserved communities |
| 🏥 Healthcare | Dell Medical School and related Texas healthcare institutions |
| 🌪️ Hurricane Harvey Recovery | Rebuild Texas Fund |
| 🏠 Housing | Support for housing recovery and community development |
| 🤝 Homelessness | Support for Austin-area homelessness initiatives |
| 🇮🇳 India | Education, university success, jobs and financial services |
| 🌍 Africa | Education, jobs and economic opportunity |
| 🇮🇱 Israel | Foundation programs and partnerships |
| 💰 Children’s Investment Accounts | Joint $6.25 billion commitment with Michael Dell |
| 🤠 Texas | More than $1 billion in foundation investment has been reported for Texas |
| 👗 Susan Dell Fashion Career | |
|---|---|
| ✨ Fashion Detail | Information |
| 🏷️ Industry | Luxury fashion |
| 👩💼 Entrepreneur | Susan Dell |
| 👗 Fashion Labels | Three labels reportedly founded |
| ⭐ Best-Known Label | Phi |
| 💎 Phi Positioning | Luxury fashion |
| 👠 Fashion Shows | Phi received runway and fashion-industry exposure |
| 📰 Vogue Exposure | Phi was featured in fashion media including Vogue, according to Forbes |
| 🎨 Design Interest | Fashion design and merchandising |
| 🌟 Significance | One of Susan Dell’s major entrepreneurial activities outside philanthropy |
| 🏃 Susan Dell Athletic Career | |
|---|---|
| 🏃 Running | Elite-level endurance running |
| 🚴 Cycling | Competitive cycling |
| 🏊 Swimming | Part of triathlon training |
| 🏊♀️ Triathlon | Competed at elite level |
| 🏅 Ironman | Competed in Ironman World Championships |
| 🌴 Kona | Competed at the Ironman World Championships in Kona, Hawaii |
| 🇺🇸 Fitness Advocacy | Served on President Bush’s Council for Physical Fitness and Sports |
| 💚 Philosophy | Fitness and healthy living have been recurring interests |
| 💰 Susan Dell Net Worth | |
|---|---|
| 💵 Estimated Net Worth | $1–5 billion |
| 💼 Primary Wealth Source | Investments & family wealth |
| 🏢 Business Interests | Fashion, investments & philanthropy |
| 💍 Husband | Michael Dell |
| 📈 Susan Dell Net Worth Growth | |
|---|---|
| 📅 2022 | ~$150 million |
| 📅 2023 | ~$180 million |
| 📅 2024 | ~$220 million |
| 📅 2025 | ~$250 million |
| 📅 2026 | ~$273 million |
| 💵 Susan Dell Income Sources | |
|---|---|
| 👗 Fashion Businesses | Founder of three fashion labels, including luxury brand Phi |
| 📈 Investments | Private investments and family investment holdings |
| 💼 Business Ventures | Entrepreneurship and investments in various ventures |
| 👨👩👧👦 Family Wealth | Wealth connected with Michael Dell and the Dell family’s investments |
| 💝 Philanthropy | Co-founder and board chair of the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation; primarily a philanthropic role rather than a personal income source |
| 🏦 Other Assets | Investment income and returns from family-held assets |
| 🚗🏠 Susan Dell Car & House | |
|---|---|
| 🚗 Cars | Specific cars owned by Susan Dell are not reliably publicly documented |
| 💰 Car Collection Value | Not publicly disclosed |
| 🏡 Primary Residence | Austin, Texas |
| 🏠 Austin Estate | Approx. 33,000 sq. ft. |
| 🛏️ Bedrooms | 8 |
| 🌳 Property Size | About 119 acres including surrounding parcels |
| 🏊 Notable Features | Indoor swimming pool, gym and extensive security |
| 🏝️ Other Family Properties | Hawaii residence, 6D Ranch and other luxury properties |
| 👨👩👧👦 Ownership | Properties are associated with Michael and Susan Dell |
| 🏆 Susan Dell Awards & Achievements | |
|---|---|
| 📅 1999 | Co-founded the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation and became its chair, focusing on improving opportunities for children and families. |
| 📅 2017 | Helped launch the Rebuild Texas Fund following Hurricane Harvey, with a goal of raising $100 million for recovery across 41 counties. |
| 📅 2018 | Inducted into the Texas Women’s Hall of Fame in the Philanthropy category for her work supporting Texas families after Hurricane Harvey. |
| 📅 2018 | Recognized among Texas women honored for outstanding achievement and contributions to the state. |
| 📅 2025 | Received the History-Making Texan Award with Michael Dell for exceptional contributions to Texas, the nation and the world. |
| 📅 2026 | Continues as Co-Founder and Board Chair of the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation, which operates hundreds of projects globally. |
| 📅 2026 | Recognized for her continuing philanthropic leadership, fashion entrepreneurship and elite athletic achievements, including marathon, triathlon and Ironman competition. |
| 📱 Susan Dell Social Media | |
|---|---|
| 💼 LinkedIn – Michael & Susan Dell Foundation | |
| 🌐 Official Foundation Website | Michael & Susan Dell Foundation |
| No verified personal Susan Dell profile found | |
| 🐦 X (Twitter) | No verified personal Susan Dell profile found |
| No verified personal Susan Dell profile found | |
| 🏃 Susan Dell Hobbies & Interests | |
|---|---|
| 🏃 Running | Longstanding endurance-sport interest |
| 🚴 Cycling | Part of her competitive athletic background |
| 🏊 Swimming | Important component of triathlon training |
| 🏅 Triathlon | Competitive participation |
| 🏆 Ironman | Competed at the Ironman World Championships in Kona |
| 👗 Fashion | Major entrepreneurial and creative interest |
| 👧 Children’s Welfare | Central to her philanthropic work |
| 🎓 Education | Major philanthropic priority |
| 🏥 Healthcare | Longstanding philanthropic interest |
| 👨👩👧👦 Family | Mother of four children |
| 🏘️ Community Development | Major focus of the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation |
| 💚 Healthy Living | Connected to both fitness and healthcare philanthropy |
| 🏛️ Susan Dell Public Service | |
|---|---|
| 🇺🇸 President’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports | Former member |
| 🏥 Dell Children’s Foundation | Life trustee |
| 🏃 Cooper Institute | Former board member |
| 💜 Michael & Susan Dell Foundation | Co-founder and Board Chair |
| 🏆 Texas Women’s Hall of Fame | 2018 Honoree – Philanthropy |
| 🤝 Texas Philanthropic Initiatives | Major contributor and philanthropic leader |
| 💝 Susan Dell Major Philanthropic Projects | |
|---|---|
| 🏛️ Michael & Susan Dell Foundation | Co-founder and Board Chair |
| 🏥 Dell Medical School | Major family philanthropic support for medical education and healthcare innovation |
| 🏥 Dell Children’s Medical Center | Major family philanthropic support for children’s healthcare |
| 🏥 Dell Seton Medical Center | Major family philanthropic support for healthcare in Central Texas |
| 🌪️ Rebuild Texas Fund | Major post-Hurricane Harvey recovery initiative; the fund raised more than $100 million for long-term recovery |
| 🎓 Dell Scholars | Education and scholarship initiative supporting students through university and toward meaningful careers |
| 🎓 Dell Young Leaders | Higher-education initiative supporting university students and career pathways |
| 🎓 Dell Aspire Scholars | Scholarship and support initiative focused on university and career opportunities |
| 🏠 Texas Housing Initiatives | Foundation-supported efforts addressing housing stability and community development |
| 🏘️ Austin Homelessness Initiatives | Foundation-supported programs focused on housing stability and reducing chronic homelessness |
| 🇮🇳 India Education Programs | Foundation-supported education, university success and economic opportunity programs |
| 🌍 Africa Programs | Foundation-supported education, healthcare, jobs and economic opportunity initiatives |
| 🇮🇱 Israel Initiatives | Foundation-supported education, community and economic opportunity programs |
| 🎓 Susan Dell & University of Texas | |
|---|---|
| 🎓 Family Connection | Michael Dell attended the University of Texas at Austin |
| 💰 Major Giving | The Dell family has made extremely large philanthropic commitments to UT Austin |
| 💵 Lifetime UT Giving | More than $1 billion as of 2026 |
| 🏗️ 2026 Major Commitment | Approximately $750 million |
| 🔬 Research | Support for a new advanced research campus |
| 🏥 Healthcare | Support connected to Dell Medical School and healthcare initiatives |
| 🎓 Scholarships | Undergraduate student support |
| 🏠 Student Housing | Funding includes support for student housing |
| 💻 Computing | Support for the Texas Advanced Computing Center |
| 🤖 Long-Term Goal | Integrate medicine, research, advanced computing and AI to expand innovation and educational opportunities |
| 🌪️ Susan Dell & Rebuild Texas | |
|---|---|
| 🌪️ Disaster | Hurricane Harvey |
| 📅 Year | 2017 |
| 💰 Dell Contribution | More than $40 million reported |
| 🎯 Overall Fund Goal | $100 million |
| 📍 Geographic Reach | 41 Texas counties |
| 🏠 Main Purpose | Long-term recovery |
| 🏡 Housing Impact | Thousands of homes repaired or rebuilt |
| 🤝 Susan’s Role | Helped push for a large-scale philanthropic response to Hurricane Harvey |
| 🏆 Recognition | Her disaster-recovery philanthropy contributed to the recognition associated with her later Texas Women’s Hall of Fame honor |
| 💰 Susan Dell & $6.25 Billion Children’s Commitment | |
|---|---|
| 👫 Donors | Michael and Susan Dell |
| 💵 Commitment | $6.25 billion |
| 📅 Announced | 2025 |
| 👧 Beneficiaries | Up to 25 million U.S. children |
| 💳 Contribution | $250 per eligible child/account |
| 🎯 Objective | Encourage children’s long-term investment and savings |
| 📣 Susan’s Role | Public advocate encouraging families to claim and use the accounts |
| 📆 2026 Update | Susan continued publicly discussing the initiative and encouraging families to participate |
| 💰 Susan Dell & $6.25 Billion Children’s Commitment | |
|---|---|
| 👫 Donors | Michael and Susan Dell |
| 💵 Commitment | $6.25 billion |
| 📅 Announced | 2025 |
| 👧 Beneficiaries | Up to 25 million U.S. children |
| 💳 Contribution | $250 per eligible child/account |
| 🎯 Objective | Encourage children’s long-term investment and savings |
| 📣 Susan’s Role | Public advocate encouraging families to claim and use the accounts |
| 📆 2026 Update | Susan continued publicly discussing the initiative and encouraging families to participate |
Interesting Facts about Michael Dell
- In 1988, Susan went on a blind date with the man who would change her life forever, Michael Dell.
- They went on a bike ride for their first date.
- The couple married in 1989.
- In total, Susan and Michael have four children
- In 1999, she co-founded the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation.
- For well over two decades, she has chaired the foundation.
- Susan is a Dallas native.
- Outside of her philanthropy, she cultivated a career in fashion.
- She founded three fashion labels.
- She was by far best known for her luxury fashion line, Phi.
- She is an elite endurance sports competitor.
- Participated in the Ironman World Championships in Kona.
- She was a member of President George W. Bush’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports.
- In 2018, she was inducted into the Texas Women’s Hall of Fame.
- With Michael Dell, she was honored with the History-Making Texan Award in 2025.
- The foundation funds programs in India.
- It also operates across Africa and in Israel.
- Her charity work is in both healthcare and education.
- Transforming lives with your donations. The Dell family has given away billions.
- There are many estimates online of Susan’s individual net worth, but there are no reliable sources.
Frequently Asked Questions About Susan Dell
01
Who is Susan Dell? Susan Dell is an American philanthropist, fashion entrepreneur and endurance athlete best known for co-founding the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation.
02
Who is Susan Dell’s husband? Susan Dell has been married to businessman Michael Dell since October 28, 1989.
03
How many children does Susan Dell have? Susan Dell and Michael Dell have four children: Kira, Alexa, Zachary and Juliette.
04
What is Susan Dell known for? Susan Dell is known for her philanthropy, fashion ventures, community initiatives and achievements in endurance sports.
05
When was the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation founded? The Michael & Susan Dell Foundation was founded in 1999 by Michael and Susan Dell.
06
What sports does Susan Dell participate in? Susan Dell has participated in running, cycling, swimming, triathlons and Ironman competitions.
07
What award did Susan Dell receive in 2018? Susan Dell was inducted into the Texas Women’s Hall of Fame in the Philanthropy category in 2018.
08
What is Susan Dell’s connection to Rebuild Texas? Susan Dell helped support the large-scale philanthropic response and recovery efforts launched after Hurricane Harvey in 2017.
09
What fashion company did Susan Dell establish? Susan Dell founded several fashion ventures, including the luxury fashion label Phi.
10
What is Susan Dell’s philanthropic focus? Her philanthropic work focuses on education, children’s health, economic mobility, housing, community development and family well-being.
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